UPDATE!

Despite the developer bringing forward an alternative proposal for redevelopment of the Kennet Centre, they have decided to take this rejected application to the appeals court.

Personally I find this very disappointing and will look to provide any assistance I can to ensure the appeal looks at all the relevant facts.

Why did I vote against the Eagle quarter development at District Planning

1) Parking was a major issue from what I saw presented. A lot of maybes about how people live were used to say why it would work. That was to big a risk to take

2) No affordable housing – Given the proposal was for 427 homes and they were all to be flats, then zero affordable homes made no sense.

3) Height. The heights and associated massing would fundamentally change the town. It did not comply with the latest NPPF and associated Model Design Code

4) Lack of community and personal space. The amount being offered was far below the required standards.

On balance the negatives outweighed the benefits offered which were speculative not guaranteed.