Developer says it reduced number of bungalows after hearing feedback
THE developer behind plans for 19 retirement bungalows in Stoke Golding has responded to “scaremongering” and “ill-informed gossip” from some who have criticised the scheme.
Sprinbourne Homes has filed plans to build the estate of “later living” homes on a field off Higham Lane, to the south of Station Road.
Locals raised concerns that the new homes would spoil views of the village and put too much pressure on village services, which are already at capacity.
There were also worries about the impact of the works on a neighbouring Medieval farmstead and Saxon burial ground, which is a protected monument.
But bosses at the developer said it was “deeply disappointing to see and hear certain individuals scaremongering and spreading misinformation about our plans”.
The group said that it has worked with English Heritage and other advisers to make sure the scheme will protect the area’s history and enhance the ecology of the area, planting new shrubbery to increase biodiversity.
Chief executive, Lee Harris, said: “One of the first things we did was to engage with Historic England and conservation teams to gain greater understanding and test any potential harm brought by change.
“We then employed highly reputable and published heritage consultants to assess this information, record
important views and learn the history of the site.
“Springbourne then entered a pre-application process with Historic England and the early scheme of 45 homes was put forward as a test case.
“We embraced the feedback and subsequently reduced the scheme to 19 low-level bungalows, utilising a dramatically reduced proportion of the site.
“The remaining undeveloped green land could then be offered back to the village and community as public open space, enriched with an ecological and biodiversity gain.
“A pathway extending into the landscape also offers a potential for a community asset and overall benefit to the village.”
He said the developer had also carried out a study to assess the needs of the village, which suggested that a large proportion of the population is over 55 years old.
Mr Harris said: “Our design works to provide suitable homes for those people wanting to stay in the village and ultimately to ‘free up’ their former homes for a younger family or generation.
“We have received several positive messages from local people who are interested in the scheme and should other members of the community wish to engage collectively or individually, then we welcome questions or feedback.”
Steve Martin helps organise Friends of the Community: Stoke Golding, a campaign group which opposes more homes in the village.
He said of the plans: “The location is not suitable for elderly living. The proposal delivers no new services and facilities.
“Existing facilities are very limited shops, open spaces, no post office, inadequate community spaces, leisure and sports facilities. The footways around the village are poor.
“The result is that residents will need to travel to Hinckley, Nuneaton or further.
“The bus service only operates hourly mon-sat and for limited hours. What happens to those who can’t drive.”
The developer said that it would contribute towards services in the area through Section 106 funds, which will be agreed at a later stage.
Springbourne Homes is based at Bosworth Marina and has also delivered the Hornsey Rise development, at Wellsborough, an estate of 19 luxury homes.
During the works, the group recovered a World War One memorial, which it then restored to its former glory.
The monument honours 380 members of the NATSOPA Printers Union who died during the conflict - the site was previously a care home for printers.