Concern over beauty spot homes plan consultation
AFRESH consultation has been launched over controversial plans to build dozens of new homes overlooking one of Gower’s most popular tourist hotspots.
Plans to build 31 homes on Higher Lane, with stunning views over Langland Bay and the Bristol Channel, have met with opposition locally, with more than 1,500 objections being forwarded to the planning authority, Swansea council.
Developer Edenstone Homes is behind the proposed development of the 1.3-hectare site.
Residents have objected to a potential partial loss of view, and also the site of the proposed development being so close to the coastline, part of the Wales Coastal Path, which they argue could impact on its tourist appeal.
Concerns have also been raised over the accompanying infrastructure, such as roads and access, as well as the potential demand it will make on local schools.
Original plans have now been amended, prompting the fresh consultation exercise.
The proposal for 31 homes comes after concerns raised by planning officers with regards to the density of the original scheme, representing a 30% reduction in the original plans at the pre-application stage.
The plans also propose a new site entrance off Higher Lane, including the widening of the lane, as well as the introduction of a new pedestrian walkway.
The new plans also include a new estate road, with parking courtyards and shared accesses, and the re-routing of an existing public footpath across the existing site.
Up to 51% of the new homes are proposed as “affordable housing”.
The amended plans relate to parking provision on the proposed estate.
Oystermouth councillor Myles Langstone
said concerns had been raised over how the development would conserve and enhance the Gower AONB [area of outstanding natural beauty], the loss of agricultural land and a wellused public right of way, which links directly to the Wales Coastal Path.
He also said the fresh consultation had been criticised for being launched during lockdown.
Residents have formed an action group to fight the plans.
Campaigner Jill Burgess said: “It feels to me like they are asking for our comments and then failing to address them time after time..”
However, Swansea council says all comments and objections will form part of the overall application process, which has yet to be determined.
The proposed development is also on an area of identified land instability, said Cllr Langstone, where numerous sink holes have given rise to ground subsidence over the years, which have led to houses being demolished in the immediate neighbourhood.
Residents have raised concerns that construction and drainage works will accelerate more collapses, he said.
He added: “This latest consultation was launched on May 1, and I am disappointed that the planning department have decided to proceed with this consultation while we are in lockdown..”
David Hopkins, Swansea council cabinet member for delivery and performance, said the consultation period was a chance for all concerns to be raised, and that all issues would be fully considered in due course.
Tim Smale, planning director for Edenstone, said: “The last thing we want to do is railroad something through without listening to residents and planners.”