Objections to plans for another 75 homes in Newbury
Coley Farm proposals met by concerns over infrastructure and safety
PLANS to build another 75 new houses in Newbury have been met with widespread objection.
Newbury-based developer Donnington New Homes wants to build the homes on Coley Farm, just off Stoney Lane, situated yards away from the busy A4.
Access to the site is being proposed from Stoney Lane and 40 per cent of the houses – which would be between two and two-and-a-half storeys high – would be affordable.
If approved, there will also be a creation of a wildflower meadow, a local play area and the upgrading of the existing pedestrian link between the car park and existing open space.
The developer says speed reduction measures will be incorporated along Stoney Lane to ensure the site access is safe.
However, 525 local residents have signed a petition against the proposals.
Veronica Korolev, who is leading the attack, said: “There has been overwhelming opposition to these proposals.
“There is no way the current infrastructure can deal with this development.
“Kiln Lane and Turnpike Road are already at a standstill every morning as it is.
“Another 100 to 200 cars a day is going to cause a huge problem.“
“This is a completely unsuitable location and lives will be lost on Stoney Lane if it gets approved. It is a poorly lit, dangerous one-way road and not at all suitable for a development of this size.”
The land was identified as one of the council’s preferred sites for housing in its Housing Site Allocations Development Plan Document (DPD).
Ms Korolev added: “We are absolutely not against building houses, but it has to be at the right site and done in a sustainable way.
“There have been five accidents down Stoney Lane since the DPD consultation which says it all. It is not the right site.”
She also claimed that council officers have “point blank refused” to meet her to discuss her concerns.
Local residents Martin and Debbie Hayward added: “There has been a total disregard of objections that have been raised [a petition in excess of 500 signatures and formal representations at the consultation stage] and the catastrophic impact this would have on the surrounding area.”
The plans were on display at a public exhibition held at Shaw House last week, which was attended by more than 100 people.
Owner and managing director of Donnington New Homes, Mark Norgate, said the general feedback was “overwhelmingly positive”.
He added: “Some of these events you just get negative feedback but today it has been largely positive and constructive comments. The main concerns centred on infrastructure and flooding.”
