There’s been a disappointing decision by a government inspector to allow David Wilson Homes to build 176 homes in Hawkwell – even though some of the gardens are below minimum standards.
Back last December the District Council refused permission. We wrote about it here and here. We wrote at the time:
The application in Hawkwell for 175 extra homes was refused tonight.
Ward Councillor John Mason , supported by his fellow ward councillor Christine Mason, successfully moved refusal on the grounds of:
– poor design (criticised by the County Council Urban Adviser)
– garden sizes often well below council standards
He was supported vitually unanimously by councillors on this, and the scheme was refused. The general view was that David Wilson Homes are a good builder who should be doing better here. Councillors also felt that the core strategy had only been approved 2 days earlier. We should not already be abandoning the standards we set for things like garden sizes!
John Mason did a good job for his residents tonight, and the council did itself some credit by listening to him carefully….
….The end result is that there will almost certainly be housing here eventually ? but hopefully of a better design with better garden sizes. And because of the efforts tonight, all the other big sites across the district ? from Great Wakering to ?land North of London Road? ? could be of better quality in the years to come.
David Wilson Homes did produce a revised layout , which partly addresses the problem of small garden sizes. The government inspector said:
“there remain a smaller number of dwellings that still have a garden size below that sought. But, these are generally at locations with good access to the open space of the development or the park and the degree of being below the level is limited.”
You can find the inspectors report here from this page – just click on the word ‘decision’ near the bottom.
Like we said, disappointing.
Christine and I attended the all day hearing to represent ourselves and residents; in fact quite a few residents and The Hawkwell Action Group also attended. A Parish Councillor was also present.
The Inspector also made reference and comment in his Decision upon the content and status of certain Council policies what they meant in practice. We will write about this in a few days.
Sadly makes a mockery of the whole Core Strategy process.
John , yes, I noticed that you and Christine attended the hearing. I think the two of you as ward councillors did everything you could! I look forward to reading your report on this.