Residents voice their concerns over plans

People from the area have expressed reservations about the development during consultation events leading up to submission of the application.

These included impact on greenbelt and wildlife, proximity to existing individual properties, increased traffic and congestion, existing mines and ground stability, proximity to pipelines, inadequate infrastructure, timing of the school and other facilities and pressure on local services including schools, hospital, GPs and cemeteries.

In its submission, however, Springfield say:“The development at Durieshill has been specifically allocated in the adopted LDP to provide a number of uses as well as residential. We have prior experience in designing and constructing villages and have designed a development sensitive to the surrounding landscape.

“We have also looked to sympathetically design our development around the existing homes and look to minimise individual concerns regarding loss of privacy and overshadowing.

“Comprehensive ecological surveys have taken place and accompany the application.”

In terms of traffic, the company says it has assured people their concerns would be noted and that its Transport Assessment would examine existing capacity and determine the points at which road upgrades would be needed.

They added:“Due to the lifetime of the proposed development the impact would be gradual over time. Construction management plans will be put in place to minimise congestion of construction traffic.”

Existing mine shafts have been taken into account in the design say the firm.

“The delivery of the high school, and potentially two primary schools, will link with the growing need. The initial inhabitants will attend neighbouring schools. Furthermore, facilities such as small scale commercial areas will be built and occupied when the demand reaches the required level.

“Concerns were raised regarding the impact of the development on local services such as schools, hospitals, GPs and cemeteries. Timing of facilities will be dependent upon demand and housing completions and the requirements within the development envelope. As part of the proposed development, Springfield Properties will enter into a Section 75 Agreement which will provide financial contributions towards schools and roads.”

Benefits which locals said they would hope to see from the developent include better amenities such as convenience stores, pharmacy and transport links, including paths and cycleways, and upgraded services such as gas and broadband.

Also welcomed would be increased employment and economic benefits to local subcontractors, shops and businesses, with Springfield currently having 10 per cent of its workforce undertaking apprenticeships.

A quarter of the homes would be affordable housing run by a Registered Social Landlord or housing association.