Issue - meetings

The Senior Development Management Officer introduced planning application 140743 for 6no. detached dwellings. He stated there were no updates to the application and presented a brief summary of the history of the site.

The Chairman stated there were two speakers for this application and invited the first speaker to address the Committee.

Councillor Sharron Brylewski made the following statement on behalf of the Parish Council.

“This is an ambitious project and the developer we feel has made changes when necessary. The fact that many reclaimed bricks from the original site are being used again would reflect the age, heritage and overall historical importance of the site. None of the surrounding residents had anything but positive comments to make about the plans. Also, feedback from a public meeting suggested a very positive reaction, even though they have changed slightly over time.

Seven years on and the site has deteriorated massively and we fear if the plans are rejected again the site would obviously get worse. It is now, and has been from the start, a magnet to youths who have systematically broken windows, set fires, and generally caused damage to the property, which in turn has led to residents’ complaints.     

Although not a perfect design, from people who know more than we mere mortals, the phrase ‘blinkered by science’ comes to mind. Perfection to every individual is perceivably different, so difficult to quantify. 

“One of the basic rules of the Universe is that nothing is perfect. Perfection simply doesn’t exist. Without imperfection, neither you nor I would exist.”  Professor Stephen Hawking.

We have shown the plans to a planning officer from another District and in his opinion the plans are better than others that have been submitted before.   I know the following will not influence the planning application decision, but Roy Bowser was a well-respected man who gave a lot to our village. It would be a fitting tribute to his memory to have this development come to fruition. The time is right to give the Village a boost to moral during this difficult period.

Something to look forward to, and be proud of, a rebuilt historically important part of our Village. Let it be remembered that Cherry Willingham is a large village with a diversity of housing, both old and new. This development, we envision, will add another opportunity for diversity, as well as enhancing our Neighbourhood Plan. In fact diversity seems to be the key word here. We are not a ‘pretty village’, we are living in a semi-rural community with housing of all types, but mainly detached properties, so this development fits in well with what attracts people to come and live in Cherry Willingham.         

The residents and Parish Council feel this development, will raise the bar in terms of its design and layout, and again enhance the mission statements set out in our neighbourhood plan. 

The resilience of the residents of this Village over the last few months has been nothing short  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8