Help save La Pointe greenfield from development
I OBJECT strongly to developers’ new application to build six houses at La Pointe field, Braye Road (opposite the entrance to Alliance, the Press, etc.). Their previous application for eight was refused. Two houses less will not make much difference.
My objections are based firstly on grounds of traffic management as mentioned in the planning law:
‘The likely effect of the development on roads and other infrastructure, traffic and other essential services.’
This does not only affect those who live in the Vale. Do you shop at Alliance or use any other business on that site? Do you ever drive along the Braye Road? Do you ever wait in a long queue often caused by that difficult junction with its blind corner to the west? Will you welcome yet another outlet for cars trying to exit directly onto the Braye Road from the extra gateway they are now proposing to install?
The planners reply to this objection with plans to widen the junction to the Mares Pellees Lane. Cold comfort indeed.
My second objection is on environmental grounds (to quote one of the planning considerations in the planning law):
‘The likely effect of the development on the character and amenity (the attractive or pleasant qualities) of the locality in question.’
This little field is a breath of fresh air, a ‘lung’ and a welcome splash of green in a built-up area. Just because people live in such an area does not mean that they do not deserve or value the enhanced quality of life presented by a green field as much as people in more rural areas. Surely this is the reason for the existence of parks in cities?
The developers say that their ‘landscaping and infrastructure improvements will benefit the residents.’ I have lived in this area all my life. Nothing could have more benefit to me than this little field with its trees, green grass and annual show of daffodils.
This application is, in my opinion, bad news. This is a busy season with holidays, gardening, visiting relatives and end of term for children. One might suggest that this is therefore a ‘good time to bury bad news’.
However, because this is a new application, it is important for anyone with concerns about this application to write yet another letter of protest.
I appeal to anyone who agrees with me to write to the Planning Service at Frossard House before 24 July. There is also an online petition to ‘Save La Pointe green field from development’ at change.org.
JANE SMITHIES
La Haize,
Vale.