53 letters of objection to homes plan

THE shops which could be transformed into two houses

MOORSIDE neighbours are fighting plans to extend a shop and a takeaway to create two five-bedroom houses.

They have written 53 letters of objections about the proposal, which would see the single-storey, flat roof properties in Whitehall Lane extended to three floors.

Residents on the street, Whimberry Way and Hayfield Close are concerned that it is too close playing fields and a new playground.

They are are worried about the impact on road safety and that a proposed canopy in front of the shops will encourage gangs of youths to hang around.

Other objections include that the development is out of character with the area, it would spoil residents’ views and would block light to near-by properties.

The proposed homes are identical. Each has a games room, a rear balcony with a seating area and car parking space.

They will be family homes for the two brothers who own the paper shop and takeaway.

One resident, who does not want to be named, compiled letters of objection for neighbours to sign.

He said: “People are really concerned about it. It is a commercial site and they want to turn it into residential. We do not want it.”

Applicant Aftab Ahmed strenuously denied a claim that he had removed public notices advertising the plans.

He also accused people of scaremongering with rumours that he wanted to create flats and that the development would resemble a “mini Taj Mahal”.

He added: “Everyone is within their rights to express unhappiness about the application but it would be nice if people researched it beforehand.

“I do not want to upset anybody. I have got a lot of friends round here. I am part of the community.”