Wildlife haven homes plan goes to appeal (From Echo)

Wildlife haven homes plan goes to appeal

8:30am Thursday 10th March 2011 in News By Emma Thomas

A DEVELOPER is pressing forward with plans to build 150 homes on a wildlife haven.

Barratt Homes has appealed against Castle Point Council’s decision to turn down its application for Thundersley Plotlands wildlife site, off Kiln Road and Wensley Road.

The original application sparked a public outcry with 175 residents writing letters of objection and former MP Bob Spink presenting a petition of 125 signatures calling for councillors to reject the plans.

The council said the development would have an unacceptable impact on local wildlife, there was not enough parking and it was overdevelopment of the site.

The site is home to badgers, bats and reptiles, including the common lizard and the slow worm. The application also includes new access from Kiln Road.

David Hurrell, 56, of Willow Walk, Hadleigh, said: “Yet another side road coming out on to the Kiln Road, near Shipwrights, will cause gridlock. Hundreds of cars will emerge at peak times and those wishing to turn right will be hugely frustrated.

“If this application is allowed it will automatically open the floodgate for the rest of the area to be developed. When and where will it stop? Will it ever stop? There is no proven need for extra houses here. Our community is being exploited by commercial concerns. The letters of objection on the council website are but the tip of an iceberg.”

Simon Shepherd, 46, of The Chase, Thundersley, added: “The infrastructure just isn’t going to be able to cope.”

However, Barratt says it is a well-designed scheme that would provide habitat for wildlife.

A spokeswoman for Barratt Eastern Counties said: “Following a recent appeal, Barratt Homes has met with Castle Point Council and Essex Wildlife Trust to address issues regarding wildlife at Kiln Road.

“As a result we have developed a co-ordinated strategy that will provide an eight-acre site within half a mile, suitable for ecological enhancement, move reptiles to another suitable site nearby and create wildlife corridors .”

l Residents can have their say on the proposals by writing to Planning Inspectorate at Customer Service Unit Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6PN, by March 24. The appeal will be heard from March 29 until April 1.