A controversial plan to build a large housing estate close to the A444 has been approved by Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council’s planning committee.Members of the local deciding committee have granted William Davis Ltd outline planning permission to build up to 92 homes on land at Park Farm on Smarts Road in Bedworth.
Eight of the twelve councillors chose to give the outline application the thumbs up after hearing that developers plan on designing a surface water drainage system to eradicate flooding problems and that they will be providing 25 per cent affordable housing.
Andrew Gore, an agent from Pegasus Group, said: “This is a site that was allocated for housing development in the 2006 borough plan and this development would help to meet housing needs.
“The required 25 per cent affordable housing will be provided, the Right Of Way between Rectory Drive and Smarts Road will be upgraded and flooding will be addressed, with a suitable gulley introduced. There will also be an over-widened footpath to meet emergency service requests.”
Despite the assurance from the applicant that conditions to stop flooding in the area will be met, a number of concerned residents from Smarts Road objected to the plans.
They said that the new houses would increase traffic problems, would create noise and could lead to more flooding problems under the A444 bridge which stopping people from accessing Bedworth Rugby Club in the past.
However, councillor Bob Copland, said: “The professionals are telling us that the problems that have been discusses with regards to flooding can be resolved and in this case I feel I should listen to the professionals and trust that it will all be sorted.”
Cllr Keith Kondakor added: “This site is in the 2006 local plan as an area that should be developed if targets have not been met so I cannot see how this land would not be developed in the future.”
Details of the development will be referred back to the planning committee.
Posted: Thu May 09, 2013 4:37 pm