Object

Village Housing Options and Settlement Boundaries

Representation ID: 60981

Received: 19/01/2014

Respondent: Mrs Lesley Carter

Representation Summary:

100-150 houses is too many. A smaller number would be more appropriate.
I object to site 1 particularly because of the access/traffic problems and the damage to the historic setting of the church.
I object most strongly to any reconsideration of site 4 because of the importance of maintaining the open area between the village and Sydenham, the unsuitability of School Lane on traffic grounds and the limited sewerage capacity.
I do not support sites 2 and 3 but agree with the Parish Council that they are the best options amongst those identified.

Full text:

I do not accept that an allocation of 100-150 houses is appropriate for Radford Semele. The proposals in the consultation document demonstrate that a smaller number would be more in keeping with the nature and size of the settlement.
I object to the preferred option site 1 because:-
-access is problematic and whichever access option is chosen it will be unsatisfactory, particularly if it utilises the existing Church Lane/School Lane junction
-the historic setting of the church will be destroyed
-the development of up to 150 houses is too intensive a use of the site.

I also wish to register that I object more strongly to any re-consideration of site 4 - South West Radford Semele.
The District Council has recognised the importance of avoiding any development which would encroach on the area between Radford Semele and Sydenham. School Lane is a narrow road with very limited capacity. It is unsuitable to serve any further development. Traffic problems already exist at times with the school.
I also understand that the sewerage system has limited capacity. This has caused problems with the overflow of raw sewage at the junction with Southam Road.

Whilst not accepting the need to allocate 100-150 houses to the village, if there is to be an allocation, I agree with the Parish Council that the preferable sites would be sites 2 and 3 off Southam Road but for a smaller development of about 40 houses on each side.