Joy for residents as homes blocked

A campaign was previously launched over the Moorside development and a petition was signed by more than 600 residents.

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

RESIDENTS said "enough is enough" after a third set of plans to develop green belt land in Moorside were blocked.

Council bosses once again obstructed the efforts of applicant Heyford Developments who hoped to gain approval for up to 23 houses by introducing a new access way.

Two prior applications were refused and both schemes were dismissed at appeal.

On their latest application, developers sought permission for an access road via a "give way" junction into Haven Lane but councillors voted unanimously against the proposals.

Haven Lane resident Yvonne Seddon, 59, said: "It is brilliant it has been stopped.

"We do not want the housing access or anything else."

Layout

While the size, appearance and layout of the proposed houses were reserved for future consideration, an indicative layout of the wider plans were submitted as part of the application.

Under plans, the access route would have been merged with a wide estate road leading around the site.

Traffic-calming measures including four raised tables and speed cushions at three locations were also part of the scheme.

Objector and speaker Ken Waddington said: "An inconsiderate approach has been taken based on the developer making a healthy profit."

Revisions included greater space between buildings and 1,900 square metres of open space as well as a reduction in the number of proposed houses.

But objections over the greenfield site off Haven Lane included the increased amount of traffic and potential risk of flooding.

Trevor Cash, a resident Haven Lane for 51 years, said: "We are delighted that it has been rejected for the third time but we are concerned about the future because these developers will not go away.

"We just hope it never gets built. Enough is enough."

Members of the council spoke out en mass about the "frustrating" scheme and unnecessary implementation of new road measures.

Labour councillor Cath Ball said: "I beg to tell you that this will not add to the overall quality of the area. It is the only piece of green land left in Haven Lane."

Independent councillor Nikki Kirkham said: "I don't think we are promoting highways safety with this scheme."

Liberal Democrat councillor Rod Blyth, who proposed a vote against the plans on the grounds of safety, said: "This is a junction too far. It is a safe road ­- it is going to frustrate everybody. It will cause accidents."

Tenants from nearby Havenside Close launched a petition which was signed by more than 600 residents.

Developers initially filed for 30 houses to be built, then reapplied asking for it to be cut to 29.