Residents in protest against Havebury proposals
Tuesday, 29th April 2014.
A meeting attended by nearly 100 local residents, concerned at proposals to provide 27 affordable homes on five sites currently used for garages.
The meeting was chaired by the town mayor Cllr Roger Andre on Friday, and came in the wake of the proposals from Havebury Housing Partnership.
Havebury Housing have a substantial portfolio of homes in Haverhill, the most recent a completion of homes in Anglian Place, Burton End, achieved with grant funding.
Residents at the meeting recognised the considerable challenge in meeting the housing needs of the community and recognised the important role of Havebury Housing in meeting that need.
Nevertheless residents were concerned that the proposals would displace vehicles currently parked in some 78 garages and exacerbate the existing parking problems.
Residents were also concerned that an additional 27 homes, with dedicated parking for their use, would increase the density of housing in areas where families already have little green space and open areas.
Concerns about traffic congestion, access for service and emergency vehicles and extremely limited street parking were also raised.
Many residents are concerned that services, such as GP practices and local schools, may not have the capacity for additional residents.
The residents have started a petition and have prepared draft objection letters which they are sharing.
There is to be an exhibition of the planning proposals and a public information/consultation event at Haverhill Arts Centre on May 7, from 3pm to 6pm.
Cllr André and the deputy mayor, Cllr Maureen Byrne, are requesting the developers to extend that opportunity to allow more families to attend.
Cllr André said: "Along with the majority of residents we welcome the Havebury investment in affordable housing for our community.
"We recognise the constraints imposed by deadlines for grant funding but the local community must have ample opportunity to express their concerns and seek mitigation of the effect on their living space.
"The event on May 7 will move us towards identifying their concerns and exploring an approach which will enhance these communities."
Cllr Byrne, the ward town and borough councillor, said: "Havebury Housing have extensive experience in Haverhill and we all know the important challenge we face to provide sustainable and affordable housing to meet the needs of our growing community.
"Developers must have regard to infrastructure issues and the impact of additional homes on existing residents.
"Parking, traffic, access and open spaces are all issues that directly affect the quality of our built environment.
"People live in these areas and must have their issues addressed. We cannot allow developers to ride roughshod over residents' legitimate concerns."
The meeting was chaired by the town mayor Cllr Roger Andre on Friday, and came in the wake of the proposals from Havebury Housing Partnership.
Havebury Housing have a substantial portfolio of homes in Haverhill, the most recent a completion of homes in Anglian Place, Burton End, achieved with grant funding.
Residents at the meeting recognised the considerable challenge in meeting the housing needs of the community and recognised the important role of Havebury Housing in meeting that need.
Nevertheless residents were concerned that the proposals would displace vehicles currently parked in some 78 garages and exacerbate the existing parking problems.
Residents were also concerned that an additional 27 homes, with dedicated parking for their use, would increase the density of housing in areas where families already have little green space and open areas.
Concerns about traffic congestion, access for service and emergency vehicles and extremely limited street parking were also raised.
Many residents are concerned that services, such as GP practices and local schools, may not have the capacity for additional residents.
The residents have started a petition and have prepared draft objection letters which they are sharing.
There is to be an exhibition of the planning proposals and a public information/consultation event at Haverhill Arts Centre on May 7, from 3pm to 6pm.
Cllr André and the deputy mayor, Cllr Maureen Byrne, are requesting the developers to extend that opportunity to allow more families to attend.
Cllr André said: "Along with the majority of residents we welcome the Havebury investment in affordable housing for our community.
"We recognise the constraints imposed by deadlines for grant funding but the local community must have ample opportunity to express their concerns and seek mitigation of the effect on their living space.
"The event on May 7 will move us towards identifying their concerns and exploring an approach which will enhance these communities."
Cllr Byrne, the ward town and borough councillor, said: "Havebury Housing have extensive experience in Haverhill and we all know the important challenge we face to provide sustainable and affordable housing to meet the needs of our growing community.
"Developers must have regard to infrastructure issues and the impact of additional homes on existing residents.
"Parking, traffic, access and open spaces are all issues that directly affect the quality of our built environment.
"People live in these areas and must have their issues addressed. We cannot allow developers to ride roughshod over residents' legitimate concerns."
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