I sent my response to the planning application at 54-56 Hurst Rise Road. Here’s what I said:

I write in my role as the local district councillor for this area.

Among the responses I see here on the website, I see not a single letter in favour; ALL are opposed.

The owners and developers of this site could have reduced the community anger and distress by courteously and professionally consulting with neighbours. Instead, sequential applications that vary by only small details have caused repeated and prolonged effort on the part of the people who live here to respond with a sense of urgency to what they perceive as a major danger, a character-changing estate being proposed for the heart of their street.

With one previous application refused, and a subsequent application withdrawn (before it could be refused) residents have been harassed and stressed about this site for years now. Surely planning policy isn’t intended to be abused like this?

All their objections are valid; some of them are material.

Hydrology (drainage and stability). On-site parking. Construction access and nuisance. Waste removal vehicle access. Over-development, overlooking, sunlight blocking, particularly for no 52. Access on steep, blind curve where cars park on street.

In the current situation, with no Local Plan and lack of adequate housing supply, there is danger that this application, if refused, would be turned over on appeal. Therefore is seems the only relevant arguments might be those of safety: underground streams affecting the stability of the site; unsafe access presenting a real danger to cars, cycles and pedestrians, particularly children who aren’t so skilful at looking out for dangers on the road. Or of the saved policies; which of them are being honoured on appeal, and which are overturned?

It seems obvious to everyone that this development is unsuitable for this plot in this street in this area.

How will the planning department help the people who already live here? Please find a way.