A DEVELOPER has resubmitted an application for 200 homes despite fierce opposition from Sydenham residents the first time around.
AC Lloyd had submitted an application to build a development around the size of 13 football pitches on land off Chesterton Gardens in Sydenham.
And despite Warwick District Council’s planning officers recommending permission, it was refused by the Planning Committee due to fears around highway safety.
Over 100 people objected to the plans, along with Whitnash Town Council, with concerns about the single access route and limited number of bus stops, to name a few.
Now the company has resubmitted the application which includes information and measures to address concerns raised by councillors. They include adjustments to the road access design, a proposed traffic calming scheme, an updated noise assessment, proposed pedestrian and cycle links within the site and a construction Traffic Management Plan, including measures to avoid HGV deliveries at peak traffic times.
Company director Des Wynne said: “We accept that the delivery of these much-needed houses will have some impact on the residents of Chesterton Gardens but we have done our utmost to mitigate these issues, and we believe none of them constitute a proper basis to reject the scheme and we would hope that would encourage members to accept the proposals.
“There is a substantial mitigation package agreed to address traffic and noise issues and as a result neither the County Highway Authority or the District Environmental Health Officers have raised objections.
“The scheme also delivers a significant extension to the green infrastructure at Whitnash Brook through a public open space and encouraging walking and cycling. This area of enhanced public open space will ensure the development delivers an overall net gain in biodiversity.
“There are also wider economic benefits since we are a local employer employing local people. A significant number of jobs will be retained and new ones created as a result of this scheme.”
He added the company was in talks with Campion School to buy a strip of land to create a road alongside the railway line to Chesterton Gardens for a further access route.
But Green councillor Will Roberts described the company’s efforts to address issues raised by councillors and residents as an ‘insult’.
He said: “Recognising there is adverse noise impact is welcome. But the suggestion of sound insulation does nothing more than push residents to keep their windows closed and leave them unable to enjoy their gardens.
“Funding for off-site cycle routes does sound good, but where are the plans for this, how much is being offered and how much will it reduce vehicle journeys?
“As for the construction management plan, offering to stop HGV deliveries for two hours every day sounds like sticking two fingers up at residents at home the rest of the time.
“What we see here is an offering of style over substance from AC Lloyd. Once again they have failed to listen to local residents and are happy to push on and put their bottom line first over the wellbeing of people in the area. While this plan only includes a single access route, I cannot support it and will continue to work with residents and councillors from all parties to stop this application.”
The house-builder has also lodged an appeal against the council’s decision it claimed ‘comprised unreasonable behaviour’.
Mr Wynne argued the development was a necessary contribution to the area’s identified housing need, and the council was ‘in danger of breaching its five-year housing land supply numbers’ if it did not go ahead.
