St Osyth unites against 190-home proposals (From Gazette)

St Osyth unites against 190-home proposals

6:00pm Wednesday 10th March 2010 in

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MORE than 200 villagers packed a meeting to quiz officials about plans to build 190 homes in St Osyth.

The Sargeant family, which owns the historic priory, says it needs to raise £22million to help restore it to its former glory.

It wants permission to build on protected land to help pay for the project, but the proposals sparked anger in the village.

The parish council called an extraordinary meeting so residents could put questions to representatives from English Heritage and Tendring Council.

The number of homes applied for in the so-called “enabling development” hinges on how much money will be needed to restore the priory.

The Sargeants say there is a £22million shortfall, but English Heritage and Tendring Council have yet to agree that figure.

Phil Hornby, council heritage manager, said: “At this point there is no information before us or English Heritage to define what the conservation deficit is.”

Residents were told the proposals had to pass a series of tough tests to win approval.

Gary Pullen, planning officer at Tendring Council, stressed there was no agreement between the Sargeants and the Council.

He said the council would look at the plans when a formal application was made, but stressed: “I certainly don’t know what the recommendation will be.”

John Neale, of English Heritage, said the priory, which is on the organisation’s at-risk list, was of national importance.

It has already received £400,000 from English Heritage towards the repair of the tower.

Mr Neale said the £22million shortfall touted by the Sargeant family sounded high.

Shocked residents heard it did not matter how many people were against a scheme if the plans met guidelines.

One villager said: “It seems English Heritage is more concerned about the priory and the parkland than the people of this village.

“This is going to have a huge impact on my building, which was built in 1600, but apparently that’s not important.

“Maybe English Heritage would consider an ‘enabling development’ for my house, because I need a new kitchen.”

Sonia Grantham, parish council chairman, said it would continue to work with residents to fight the homes plan.

She said: “We are at one on this. We have unequivocally said we will oppose 190 homes and it is really important we all sing from the same hymn sheet.”