Oatlands residents oppose vinery change

A planning application for the change of use of Domarie and Avondale Vineries on Oatlands Lane has been submitted by Mr and Mrs B Slattery.

If approved, the vinery sites will change use from horticultural buildings and a glasshouse to general storage/distribution and storage/sorting of recyclable materials.

Residents have vented their frustration at the proposed plans by erecting signs in front of their homes along the St Sampson’s road, some of which say ‘you have got to be kidding’ and ‘think of people’s safety before it is too late’.

Resident Pam Morley said the new site plans were unsafe.

‘People have tried to use the greenhouses as storage in the past and have failed.

‘They have already made the road one-way because it was too dangerous, now they want all that traffic coming along here.

‘When it gets to three o’clock and the school is coming out, it will be dangerous.

‘And with them extending Oatlands there will be even more traffic.’

‘Who wants a recycling plant down their street?’ she said.

It is thought the site will be used for the relocation of industry from La Fontaine Vinery, but it is yet to be confirmed.

In the planning application submitted by Architects Lovell Ozanne, the proposed site hours will be 7.30am to 18.30pm Monday to Friday, and 7.30am to 1.30pm on Saturdays.

Under the ‘impact on neighbours’ section of the application the architects have stated the new tenants would not disturb residents.

‘Our clients are considerate neighbours and would deal with any complaints expediently. However, the proposed uses and tenants will not be producing any excessive noise, dust or light emissions,’ they said.

‘There will be a positive impact on the adjoining Avondale property with the provision of 1.8m acoustic fencing.

‘The existing southern access will be relocated further away from the boundary and will be provided with a 1.8m acoustic limber fence and additional soft landscaping improving the existing situation.’