Prior to submitting its plans, David Wilson Homes held a public exhibition in December 2014, which was attended by 55 local people, including representatives from Withington Parish Council and the Neighbourhood Plan Group.
The initial plans presented generated local support, particularly in relation to the site's location, which is considered by many local people as the most preferable site in Withington to deliver the new homes required locally.
David Wilson Homes carefully reviewed all the pre-application community feedback it received. Prior to submitting its full plans the company made a number of improvements and revision to its plans including:
• Reducing the number of homes proposed from circa 80 to 69, reducing the density of the development, which will now be lower than the adjacent development at Southbank;
• Significantly increasing the area of new public open space; approximately 20% of the site will now remain undeveloped, together with increased landscaping;
• Reducing the height of the new homes proposed by removing homes of two and half storeys and introducing bungalows, as a result all new homes would now be two storeys or less, in keeping with the character of the local area;
• Improving pedestrian links both through the site and with the surrounding area, including a new footpath link along the site's southern boundary
• Responding to individual comments from neighbouring properties, including the proposed removal of existing trees along the site's northern boundary, replacing these with more manageable, native species.
If approved, the dwellings proposed will provide a good mix of new homes, including one, two, three, four and five bedroom properties, including bungalows, delivering homes for families, downsizers and first time buyers. 35 percent of the new homes proposed (24 dwellings) would be affordable homes for local people.
The proposal site was previously considered for potential new housing in the Hereford Council's ‘Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment' (SHLAA). The Council's Core Strategy also identifies Withington for some additional housing growth.
Marianne Horton, Strategic Land Manager at David Wilson Homes Mercia, commented: "We are very encouraged by the community feedback we have received to date about the residential development of this site, which is considered locally as a suitable to deliver new housing in Withington"
She added: "Following a review of the local feedback and prior to submitting our full plans we made a number significant design improvement to our proposals, reducing the density and number of homes proposed, increasing the area of new public open space and removing those homes over two storeys in height and introducing bungalows".
Residents who require further information about the plans can call our freephone information line on - 0800 298 7040 - or view the project's dedicated website" - www.consultation-online.co.uk/withington
