Residents criticise plans to develop old nurseries

PLANS to build eight houses in Wargrave have been criticised by residents.

Palatine Homes has applied for planning permission to build the homes in Victoria Road, following the demolition of buildings at Victoria Nurseries.

The houses would be a mixture of detached and semi-detached, seven with three bedrooms and one with one bedroom.

A design and access statement by HP Architecture, on behalf of the developer, said access to the site already exists in Victoria Road.

A pedestrian footpath would be built from plot one to the driveways of plots four and five to ensure safe access.

But neighbours have sent written objections to Wokingham Borough Council, the planning authority.

They say the development would create more traffic in the village, add pressure to the drainage and sewage systems and that the buildings would be out of character with the area.

Bill Bookless, of Purfield Drive, said: “Traffic flow will be a health and safety issue, especially during the demolition of the existing infrastructure and construction of the new development. Victoria Road is currently a slalom ride with parked cars and the amount of traffic using the road. Additionally, the amount of housing planned for the site will considerably impact the traffic flow after completion.

“Traffic management will be a real health and safety issue both during construction and once the planned homes are occupied. Will there be a resident traffic manager on site during construction and temporary traffic lights?

“What plans will be in place to control the dust and noise during the demolition phase, then on to the construction phase?”

Mr Bookless said he was concerned about the houses being “too large” for the site. He said: “The houses are too large and imposing. The buildings are out of character and they infringe on my privacy by overlooking my back garden and the height of the development will shade my garden.” He added that sewage and drainage systems were already “stressed” and asked if the council’s officers had undertaken investigations to ensure the planned development would not overstretch the systems in place.

Mr Bookless also claimed that the development would put the convenience store, A & I, in Victoria Road, at risk because of reduced parking spaces in the road.

He said: “The current parking spaces used by delivery vans and the Post Office van will disappear. This will put the convenience store at risk unless additional parking can be found.”

Thangarajah Sreemurthy, who runs A&I, said: “The proposal will cause major impediment regarding parking to our customers.

“There are already limited parking spaces opposite our shop. This will also impact our deliveries. Subsequently, it will jeopardise the health and safety aspect of our staff during delivery times. The proposal will greatly affect our business.”

Philip Linstead, of Purfield Drive, said he had concerns over the capacity for infrastructure in the village.

He said: “Today, it is very difficult to get a GP appointment, averaging a wait time of nearly two weeks. Our schools are at breaking point, with the class size increasing year on year.

“This development will impair my view, increase noise to the rear of my dwelling and both will also affect the value and saleability of my house. Lastly, we have an abundance of wildlife in that area that will be significantly reduced if this application goes ahead.”

HP Architecture has said that “careful consideration” had been given to the style and detailing of the buildings to ensure they are in keeping with the character of the area.

They said: “Furthermore, the development would not affect the residential amenity of existing neighbouring properties and has been positioned to retain the vast majority of trees and thereby retain the natural privacy screening the trees afford along the neighbouring boundaries.

“Parking and access are provided in accordance with adopted standards. Furthermore, the site is accessible to local schools and shops and is close to existing bus links via safe pedestrian access.”

Wargrave Parish Council will consider the application and give a recommendation at its meeting on February 17. The borough council will make a final decision by March 10.