A MAJOR development that would see much of an existing site flattened in favour of 38 residential properties has been branded “dominant and intrusive”.
Chalfont St Peter Parish Council is one of a number of objectors raising concerns about a planning application with designs for Model Farm, on Gorelands Lane, in Chalfont St Peter.
The site currently consists of Chalfont Shire Centre, Chiltern Equine Clinic, three residential properties and a car repair centre.
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Other businesses include a gym, a builders’ contractors, and a glazing, doors, and conservatory installation company. It is understood the latter two will move to a new location.
The applicant, D Croft Transport Ltd, seeks to convert the Shire Centre and Equine Clinic into 20 new properties, and to erect 18 apartments once the current residential ones are pulled down.
It plans for 12 two-storey properties at the Shire Centre, comprising two, three and four-bedroom units; eight two, three and four-bedroom units at the Equine Clinic; and 18 one and two-bedroom units within a maximum three-storey build after existing residential properties are demolished.
The car service yard will also be removed and landscaped. Some 83 parking spaces are planned, as are private and shared outdoor areas.
Of the 38 homes, 14 will be affordable.
Cllr Linda Smith called in the application fearing its impact on the Green Belt and a ‘car dependency’ because of the site’s ‘relative remoteness’.
While Cllr Des Bray fears an “unsustainable” impact on nearby schools and doctors – and “serious” local traffic issues.
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Nearly 20 objection letters have been submitted to Buckinghamshire Council.
Chalfont St Peter Parish Council ‘strongly objects’ to the “dominant and intrusive” build, adding: “The site is isolated and has no transport links or shops, so residents will be heavily dependent on cars as Gorelands Lane is not suitable for pedestrians or cyclists. A development of this size will have significant impact on the infrastructure.”
Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust said it would only support the proposal if a more than £64,000 financial contribution towards hospital services is made, for potential demand from an estimated 91 new residents.
Council officers do not deem the proposal “inappropriate”. And while they acknowledge its remoteness will mean ‘heavy car dependency’, the new properties, many affordable, bring ‘balance’.
The matter is due for debate during an East Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee, on Tuesday, December 15.
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