HPC comment to planning application 25/01280/PA – 100 dwellings and associated infrastructure
With regards to application 25/01280/PA – Full application, for the erection of 100 dwellings and associated infrastructure including new access from Carpenters Lane, and pedestrian and emergency access onto The Paddock, network of internal roads and car and cycle parking, together with provision of open space, play facilities utilities infrastructure, surface water drainage features and associated works. Land North Of The Paddock And East Of, Carpenters Lane, Hadlow.
HPC Strongly Objects to the application on the following grounds:
Parish Clerk
On Behalf of Hadlow Parish Council
- No notice of development posted in the vicinity of the proposed development.
- Construction Traffic Plan: Lack of construction traffic plan which was not evident within documentation submitted.
- Location and Height of Flats: The flats at 3 storeys are an unacceptable alien presence in what is a rural setting. Concerns over height and position of flats overlooking child’s play area in Williams Field is deemed a child safety & protection issue.
- Detailed Ecological Survey and other Survey reports: these appear to be absent from the submission and we are therefore not able to comment. It is imperative that this information is made available to the public before moving forward.
- Sewerage System: There are serious concerns about the ability of the Victorian sewerage system to cope with a development of this size. The Blackmans Lane sewerage treatment plant is already at or over capacity, which has led to 113 hours of raw untreated effluent spills in the last 12 months into the River Bourne, which is a major tributary of the River Medway.
- Utility Companies Consultation: It is noted that Southeast Water and Southern Water are not statutory consultees and we request that TMBC Planning enter dialogue with these utility providers for their opinion on the ability and capacity of the sewerage system and water supply status
- Traffic Survey: whilst the traffic survey shows little vehicular traffic on Carpenters Lane, it does not mention the reduced width due to on-street parking.
- Long Term Maintenance Surface Water Pond & Landscaping: There is concern about the long-term maintenance of the surface water pond and landscaping and who will be taking responsibility. We understand that Southern Water has indicated that they will not adopt maintenance.
- Veracity of Grey Belt Designation: We do not believe that it meets the three Golden Rules as we are NOT an “Urban Area” under the Government guidance. It would be a loss of Agricultural Grade 1 & 2 land.
- Village Infrastructure: There is a lack of Village Infrastructure to support such a large development. The supplied Statement on Sustainability states businesses and public houses that no longer exist. The Village services are less than quoted and contrary to the developer’s statement.
- Known Surface Flooding on site: the proposed surface water disposal into the existing surface water pipes within The Paddock could increase the risk of increased surface water flooding within The Paddock.
- Water Supply: Given that this area is under a hose pipe ban due to water supply sustainability, increasing the number of dwellings will only exacerbate the present and future situation.
- Building Design: The designs whilst not unusual would benefit from taking some details from local building types ie. Weather boarding to the properties and details from other local buildings.
- On Site Parking: Concern that the internal parking provision is somewhat optimistic, given car ownership levels these days.
- Emergency Access: The current siting of the emergency access from The Paddock is considered inadequate and dangerous in its present siting.
- Boundary Concerns with Williams Field: More landscaping required between Williams Field and the development. We also note that the police response requires a 1.2 to 2 metre boundary fence for security.
- Proposed Access from the Development Direct into Williams Field: This is inappropriate for various reasons and unacceptable to the Parish Council who own Williams Field and are responsible for the existing boundary fence at that point”
- Broadband & Mobile Signals: There is poor signal and reception for both within the local vicinity of the development and village. Will this be addressed?
- Lack of Road Signage and Highway Signage: Additional signage indicating narrow roads and dangerous corners, restricted view are necessary.
- Speed Limits: Additional housing raises concerns about speeding on that stretch of the road to which is currently designated national speed limit. It is worth noting that the Highways Steward recently installed bollards along the kirb at Fairfields which is considered a pinch point. Consideration for extension of the 30mph passed the new proposed site access is expected.
- A26 Junction at Carpenters Lane & Junction Common Road: It is commonly thought that both junctions will need to be improved due to increased traffic and visual display issues. On Common Road near Steers Place flooding is a common occurrence which has led to serious accidents in the past and water freezing over the road during winter months.
- Rural Development Status of Hadlow: This was reliant on figures in the previous TMBC Local Plan designation and is therefore disputed for accuracy.
Parish Clerk
On Behalf of Hadlow Parish Council