Planners have provisionally approved the construction of up to nine new homes in Hockley Heath, despite a wave of objections from local residents. The application, submitted last summer by Frances Ashton, concerns a site adjacent to School Road on land formerly part of the Ashton Nurseries.
The applicant argues the site is in a sustainable location and that the development will help address the housing shortage in the area. However, during the consultation period, 79 residents lodged formal objections expressing strong concerns.
At the planning committee meeting on March 11, neighbour Stuart Swinton highlighted flooding issues, stating, “The site is covered by surface water at least three to six months per year.” He added that village residents are both angry and alarmed by the recent surge of speculative planning applications.
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Hockley Heath Parish Council chairman Councillor Greg McDougall echoed these concerns, emphasizing the village’s limited public transport and calling the development “inappropriate and unsuitable.”
Conversely, Vicky Chell, a chartered surveyor representing the applicant, maintained that the proposed nine homes represent an appropriate density. She emphasized the site’s accessibility and the urgent need to address the borough’s housing shortfall, urging councillors to approve the officer’s recommendation.
During debate, Councillor Bob Grinsell, chair of the planning committee, noted that at this stage they could only consider the location, land use, and scale of development. Councillor Dave Pinwell sympathized with residents, likening the situation to a “gold rush” of development proposals and expressing serious reservations about the land’s suitability, especially concerning drainage and ecology.
Councillor Grinsell acknowledged the challenges of assessing “permission in principle,” remarking, “Anything is feasible in principle… It’s very difficult for us to refuse at this point.” However, he stressed the importance of scrutinizing more detailed proposals rigorously when submitted.
Ultimately, the committee voted six in favour and three against the application. Chairman Grinsell concluded, “It’s approved, and we all look forward to stage two coming in front of us.”