Hurst Green residents should be aware that Raven Housing trust have applied for permission to build 8 homes on what is now the Council owned garage and recycling area behind the parade of shops on Pollards Oak Road. It will also involve the loss of the green play area beside the Community Association Centre.
TDC does not have much spare land, so it makes sense to maximise the space available and balance the needs of residents. Therefore the loss of this facility, while inconveniencing some residents would, given the benefits, be acceptable but for one detail. Unfortunately the plan involves the blocking off an 'informal' footpath that runs between the the Station and the footbridge over to Nunappleton way. This access, I believe has existed for many years and a number of longstanding residents have told me it has been there ever since station was moved to its current location and is very well used.
Its loss will impact many many residents who will have to take a significant diversion to join the formal footpath. And blocking it off
I support fully the principle of building of social housing to meet the shortage in the district. I also support it on this site (and after voicing concerns over the detail voted as such in Housing Committee), but I do not support it as currently proposed.
I would like the Raven Housing Trust to reconsider blocking access to the footpath. If they do not I hope that either the Planning Officers or my colleagues on the Council's Development Control do not allow it in its current form.
Concerned residents should make their views known to TDC as soon as possible and by the 29th of May at the latest. I would also appreciate any feedback from local residents.
