Town residents outraged at a third proposal for more 'affordable' homes
RESIDENTS of a new estate in North Hykeham say they are outraged at the prospect of more houses being built around them.
A planning application to build on land that was formerly B. True Breakers Yard in Haze Lane has been submitted for a third time.
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>The site of the proposed development in North Hykeham.
It has been made by Messrs Houlden and Priestley, of Manor House Securities, Lincoln, and is for the construction of 34 affordable houses.
But residents of nearby streets say the plan will have a detrimental effect on their lives, especially now the scheme involves a smaller piece of land than it did originally.
Julie Davis, 52, a student who lives in Minerva Way, thought the term "affordable housing" was misleading.
She said: "It says it's for 34 affordable houses and it's not affordable housing. It's going to be 34 council houses.
"We only moved here in January and when we exchanged contracts we found out there was planning permission for these houses. It was too late for us to pull out of the purchase.
"We don't want to be in the middle of another housing estate. Not only that, they seem to be very crammed in."
Aesthetically and practically, many of the residents think the land earmarked would be better left as green space for public use.
They are also concerned additional traffic could swamp the modest residential roads leading out to Newark Road.
Mrs Davis said: "We have a very small road and it takes a long time to get out on to Newark Road as it is.
"There is the potential for accidents, noise pollution and antisocial behaviour because you just don't know what you're going to get and there is nowhere for youngsters to go.
"North Kesteven District Council has got this logo where it says they listen to what people are saying, but I do not think it is listening, to be quite honest."
One of Mrs Davis's neighbours, Tony Reeves, 41, said when he bought his property, he had no idea about the scheme.
Concerned about the level of traffic, he said: "We have a road that is already single-lane because vehicles park on both sides of the road.
"One of the big problems with the planning application is the homes come with one parking space and some of them are four-bedroom.
"This is the third application for the site and the first two were refused."
Dozens of objections have been registered on the council's planning site, the majority about traffic.
North Kesteven District Council's planning department was keen to stress the homes would not be council homes, but would be affordable homes operated by a social landlord.
Jane Wells, head of planning, economic and cultural services, said: "The application is open to all the usual consultation and publicity process and comments made by neighbours and statutory consultees will all be taken into consideration when determining the application.
"Planning applications are considered on individual factors and all comments received are taken into account when making a decision."
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by Missouri Marten, Lincoln
Monday, July 19 2010, 7:54PM
“Notwithstanding the fact that I think there are too many housing developments being allowed in Lincoln, without any improvements to infrastructure, I do find this story deliciously ironic. Mrs Davis happily moves into a house on a relatively new development, presumably not giving a monkey's that said development was objected to by established Hykeham residents. She then objects herself when more new housing is built near her home. It's like some sort of housing karma :)”
by Fred Quimby, on an ex council estate
Monday, July 19 2010, 7:43PM
“Oh dear, the village that wanted to be a town, now doesnt want the development problems that living in a town brings. Get your head out of your backsides people of Hykeham”
by Will, The Shire
Monday, July 19 2010, 4:01PM
“First they don't want a bike track, now they don't want new houses.
Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to North Hykeham, the NIMBY capital of the UK.”
by Jon, North Hykeham
Monday, July 19 2010, 2:35PM
“I have found it highly surprising that people living on the estate have only just found out about the additional housing plans. I own my house which backs directly onto Minerva Way and I have known about the potential plans for about 5 years since it was the scrap yard ¿ the obvious sign was the access road they left in beside my house which will eventually create a link into the new phase of affordable housing. I think the complaint about access onto Newark Road is valid but surely the current home owners would have considered this prior to buying their properties? It is a blatantly obvious design flaw not helped by the already cramped houses built during phase 1 of this particular estate combined with people using the major through road as parking. I know it was a major concern of mine. That¿s why I chose the Barratt estate with the new traffic light system. But we still have the same issues regarding inconsiderate off-road parking when the trucks come rolling down. However, it does slow don't the boy racers to about 70mph through the estate.
The land put aside does seem incredibly small for 34 houses + gardens and cars. It looks like it would be a struggle for 34 tents. I agree that there should be more green space but unfortunately, it is outweighed for the need of houses in our area.
I do object to Julie Davis¿ comments that if they are council houses that the families will bring antisocial behavior ¿ I was brought up on a council estate and I never came across any more antisocial behavior than I experience now. Also, her second comment, ¿nowhere for youngsters to go¿ ¿ am I missing something but just up the road there¿s a boating lake, a playing field with football, rugby & cricket pitches and a basketball court and childs play park. Slightly further up is NK school where there are hockey pitches a swimming pool, tennis courts etc¿all of which I think is excellent so there¿s plenty to keep the kids busy. However, it would be great if the earmarked land was left green so good luck with the protests. It is an unfortunate situation but North Hykeham has expanded incredibly in the 5 years I¿ve lived here and I can¿t see it slowing any time soon.”
by sue, Lincoln
Monday, July 19 2010, 12:44PM
“the NIMBY's of North Hyekham strike again!!! what she really means is she doesn't want to live on a council estate ha ha!! Any spare land in North hyekham is being developed at the moment, so if there is green at the side of you be afraid, be very afraid, next year it could be 50 houses”