Residents fight Downham homes plans
TWO controversial housing plans, proposing a total of 113 new homes, are set for approval today despite reams of objections.
One plan would see the creation of 78 new social rented and shared-equity homes in four areas of the existing Broadlands estate in the north east of Downham.
Seventy letters of objection have been received by West Norfolk Council.
They include fears from people who have recently bought homes on the estate that their property will be devalued and claims they were mis-led by developers to believe the proposed sites would be left as open space, a report to the development control board said.
The town council has also objected to the plan, with concerns the town's doctors and schools cannot cope with the influx of new residents, among its fears.
A separate, renewed plan to develop the former Jim Russell garage site, in London Road, has also met with the disapproval of the town council and 18 other objectors, who between them raise concerns again about the impact on the town's infrastructure as well as the impact on the street scene and inadequate parking.
The plan, slightly reduced from a proposal rejected earlier this year, would see 27 flats and eight chalet bungalows built on the site.
Officers will recommend both plans for approval at a board meeting today.
A report over the Persimmon Homes application for land at Landseer Drive, Linseed Walk, Coriander Way, Nutmeg Walk and Basil Drive, said the principle of putting affordable housing on the sites was part of a 2000 masterplan for the Broadlands estate.
It added: "This development...will provide a significant number of new affordable dwellings at a time when all the evidence the council has gathered demonstrates that there exists such a great need for these homes".
On the London Road application, officers report developers have amended original plans to reduce overlooking by changing houses to chalets, reduced the block-effect of the proposed flats by breaking them into four buildings and cut fears of parking problems on London Road with a footpath link to an on-site parking area, but says restrictions could be introduced there if it becomes a problem.
The report adds that the developer will contribute to library and school facilities to balance the extra strain on services.
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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