Testun llawn:
We've met several of your colleagues at drop-ins who have been really helpful, and would also like to thank you for taking the time to respond to me personally throughout this consultation process. I've included below a summary of the most significant issues with the site at the rear of Oakdene, together with letters of objections from several prominent institutions. I'd be really grateful if you could ensure these are lodged formally into the process, and also if you could include this note in your considerations?
Local Plan Responses
We have coordinated collection of the 'Local Plan Village Housing Options' form which have been completed by many of the locally affected households, with results as follows:
* Response rate was 66% (40 completed out of 60), and of those
* 100% stated they oppose inclusion of this land in the village boundary to facilitate local housing plans
These are of course in addition to the online submissions you hopefully have already received. My wife will drop these in to you personally tomorrow (Monday).
Drainage & Sewerage & Environmental Health Issues
The local infrastructure was at capacity before the construction of the additional houses in Oakdene by Orbit some 5 years ago. Nearby residents now live with the consequences as Orbit pump out the sewers every 6 weeks or so to remove blockages, and residents get odours and dirty water in their washing machines and dish washers. Hatton Station infrastructure cannot support additional houses that would be facilitated by redefining the village boundary.
Stephen, I recognise this is fairly anecdotal but we've had 2 residents mention to us during the consultation process that live ammunition has been found on the site several times in the past - once a hand grenade, and other time an artillery shell. Sounds hazardous!
Protected Habitat
* Part of the site is classified by WDC as "The River Alne Local Wildlife Site" (LWS)
* We have had the land inspected by the British Herpetological Society, and a local Environmental Planning Consultant,
* The Bat Conservation trust and ACRT are also objecting, given these facts.
See attached objections from these institutions.
Greenbelt protection
The Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) have confirmed their objection to potential reclassification which will substantially compromise the future of surrounding local greenbelt too.
Letter to you from CPRE attached.
We await responses from Chris White MP and Jeremy Wright MP.
In summary, your SHLAA report highlights many issues with the site which we fully agree with. Other proposed locations in the new local plan appear much better suited.
What are the next steps and timetable, do let us know!
Best wishes,
Simon & Kate Stenner