Housing development plans for West Hill

RESIDENTS packed St Michael s church hall on Friday, November 20 at a meeting organised by West Hill Residents Association to hear about a possible development at Eastfield, West Hill.

RESIDENTS packed St Michael's church hall on Friday, November 20 at a meeting organised by West Hill Residents' Association to hear about a possible development at Eastfield, West Hill. There to provide some of the answers was Nick Yeo, of Blue Cedar Homes. Councillors Roger Giles, Ray Bloxham, and Claire Wright also attended the meeting.

Early next year, the developers hope to apply for planning consent for 20 "affordable" homes, 10 to 15 family homes and 20 to 25 retirement homes. Access will be through the existing Eastfield development.

Although Blue Cedar's plans are far from finalised, Mr Yeo was able to address a number of the concerns of residents. However, two major concerns remained: firstly, the development would be entirely outside the existing area of permitted development, and would create a dangerous precedent for the rest of the village if permitted; secondly, the impact of the additional traffic generated by the new homes. Mr Yeo also pointed out several of the benefits of such a development, including low density and a managed retirement section.

In thanking Mr Yeo for his cooperation, Dan Jelly, Chairman of the Association said "We are grateful that the developer has agreed to work at an early stage in their proposals with the residents of the village. We obviously have some concerns about this development but look forward to further dialogue as matters progress."

Blue Cedar have offered to set up a public exhibition at the Village Hall on 8th January from 2pm followed by an open meeting in the evening at 7pm to answer further questions and hear residents' concerns.