Gobsmacked by building plot

By chance yesterday, as I left my house in Clarence Road, Budleigh Salterton, I stumbled over a couple peering into the grounds of the Oak Tree site opposite.

I could see them clutching estate agent details so I was intrigued. They informed me they were interested in buying the plot with detailed planning permission for five dwellings and 10 parking spaces.

Well, I was gobsmacked to say the least, as were my fellow neighbours when I advised them of the plans. The reason for our amazement; we had no idea the planning permission or indeed the revised plans had been put forward.

The last residents of Clarence Road heard of the development was approximately 12 months ago when a proposal for two blocks of flats was submitted and apparently rejected due to the incredible number of objections.

However, it seems that, without the knowledge of residents, the plans have not only been submitted, but agreed.

Not only is this development going to have adverse environmental factors, as it is an overdevelopment of such a small site, but, I understand, what has also been decided upon is that five houses at the bottom of Clarence Road will have parking restrictions incurred, with no parking allowed outside their houses during the day.

With parking already at breaking point down the street and in Greenway Lane, I despair at the impact this will make on not only the street, but the neighbouring roads too.

Another major concern will be the access of emergency services, in particular the fire service, which will have to manoeuvre a fire engine into an entrance at a 90 degree angle - anyone who knows Clarence Road will now be in histrionics at the very idea.

This blatant disregard for the residents of Clarence Road and the despicable behaviour of the planning committee highlights the fact that the council really does not have the welfare of Budleigh at their hearts, but is only out to line its pockets with the promise of a few thousand pounds (Editor - in rates) coming its way when the development is complete.

So much for Budleigh Salterton's design statement.

Mrs S Williams,

29 Clarence Road,

Budleigh Salterton.