Three houses ‘too much’ for semi-rural area

Martin Grant Homes had applied for permission for the scheme on the site of Yaffles, on the corner of Rock Road and Thakeham Copse. The site is on the edge of Heath Common Character Area.

But Roger Colbrook, a resident in the are for 27 years said he had no objections to the development of the site- but not on the scale suggested,

“It will give the area an urban terrace appearance and the footprints of the houses proposed is too big,” he said,

David Wineberg, another resident, said the scheme was overbearing and totally unacceptable in a semi-rural situation. It would degrade the area.

Although developer John Matuszewski told the committee that he needed to build the five homes in order for it to be a viable development, members heard that strong objections had also been lodged by Washington Parish Council.

Cllr Ray Dawe said: “ Let’s make no mistake, one these is a three storey house. I disagree with the officers’ report. This constitutes ovecrowding, changing this area into a leafy semi-urban environment.”

A decision was delegated to local members with a view to refuse, with the option for the developer consider only two homes there.