In response to a suggested change to Option 7 on the plan for Cromwell Lane/Hodgetts Lane, Burton Green, I attach Appeal against the decision to build on this site, in accordance with the extension to closing date of 24th January 2014.

PROPOSED HOUSE BUILDING IN CROMWELL LANE - OPTION 7 IN YOUR BOOKLET - Appeal for extended closing date of 24th January 2014
Having only heard of the change in proposals for Option 7 on the 20th January, we wish to make the following official appeal against the proposal to build houses on this area.
1 We believe that a second access in this area of Cromwell Lane would make our access onto the road extremely dangerous. Exiting our drive is already very difficult due to the proximity of traffic turning out of Hodgetts Lane and impaired vision and speed of traffic coming over the bridge. There also has to be an awareness of cars entering the Lane from houses on the opposite side of the road, which have very steep downward drives. A combination of these factors and the additional entry from the proposed new road would become extremely dangerous and present health and safety issues. When construction of HS2 starts, Cromwell Lane will become even busier, not only with cars, but also heavy vehicles, thus exacerbating the danger.
2 The commencement of HS2, combined with the house building project( which is very close to it) would cause an upheaval for many years. Building on this land would mean that being just outside the 120m line for HS2 we would not only be 'blighted' by that project, but also by the additional housing on Option 7. We feel it is very unfair that the same people are not only being caused stress and disruption twice, but will be in the position of being financially affected by both schemes.
3 As far as we can see, building on this particular piece of land has no benefit for the community with regard to relocation of the village hall or village green, as envisaged on the present preferred Option 1.
4 Can you please clarify why, if development behind the Peeping Tom(Option2) would be 'out of character', this sentiment would not apply to the land behind Cromwell Lane (Option7)?
5 The rear gardens of the affected houses slope up towards the area suggested for building, which means they would be very overlooked by the new properties.
6 The bungalow which it is suggested be knocked down to provide access into the land behind the properties in Cromwell Lane is shown as 'sold'. Might this suggest that assurance has been given to the purchasers that the scheme will go ahead, without the decision being affected by appeal from residents?
7 The first time residents were aware that building on Option 7 became a possibility was at a Parish Meeting yesterday evening (20th), which has given very little time to make an Appeal. Can you please clarify why affected residents were not made aware of these proposals sooner?
8 The latest information in your booklet was that this area of land was not really an option but suddenly without any official information being received from the Council, it would appear that this decision has been changed. Could you please clarify?
382 Cromwell Lane has been our home for over forty years and whilst we have no influence over HS2, we would like to feel that you might reconsider the proposal of building houses on this particular plot.
An acknowledgment and early reply to our questions would be very much appreciated.

Jeffrey, Valerie and Craig Sawyer