LETTERS From Tony Coburn (Newport parish councillor), Carisbrooke:
CAN I refer readers to a further application by Barratts to amend conditions on the planning permission for the development of Pan Meadows and the serious implications for residents if this latest change is permitted.
As a ward member, I appreciate all this is against a background of a 'double dip’ economic recession that has had a significant effect on the development business, especially in the housing market. However, it is clear more detailed consideration should have been given to the design of the overall layout and more care should have been given to the drafting of the conditions when the application was approved three years ago.
This latest application effectively seeks approval for the continued use of Meadowside as an access (including, as I understand it, construction traffic) to the new development for an almost indeterminate period. That is until the 350th unit has been completed and occupied; nobody knows in the present economic climate when that might be, I’m afraid.
The proposal is to move the goalposts once again and this will result in a considerable increase in the length of time residents will have to suffer serious inconvenience and loss of amenity, especially those living in Meadowside (designed as a small residential cul-de-sac). In my view, this is deplorable.
The brief justification offered by the applicant is this is because of the phasing and programme, the timing as set out in the original condition is not achievable, is simply unacceptable.
The parish council is of the view it is time the developer and the council took a more comprehensive overview of the ongoing build and, if necessary, make amendments to the overall layout and phasing of the development to ensure this very regrettable piecemeal approach to adapting what had proved to be an unworkable permission ceases.
Personally, I think development in terms of construction traffic and access to completed homes for new residents should be off the purpose-designed roundabout in Staplers Road and if that entails amending the layout or the phasing, then that should be addressed as a matter of some urgency.