Villagers launch battle against 114 homes plan (From Gazette)

Villagers launch battle against 114 homes plan

8:00am Thursday 18th March 2010 in

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VILLAGERS in Langham are fighting a proposal to replace a business park with more than 110 homes.

Plans have been unveiled to move the companies Powerplus Engineering and the Whitnell Group from their base in School Road, Langham, to four hectares of fields off Wick Road, further south.

The site, which has previously been proposed for a park and ride, is next to the A12 and borders the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

To fund the move, 114 homes, including 60 affordable ones, would be built on the School Road site and land directly to the east of it.

The bid, by Powerplus, Whitnell and landowners Williamson Developments, has sparked fury in the village since it was submitted to Colchester Council’s Local Development Framework.

If it is approved, planning applications would have to be submitted before any changes can take place. It would increase the number of homes in the village by up to a third.

Local councillor Christopher Garnett said villagers had written scores of letters voicing their opposition, with many saying Langham is already full.

He said: “They are anti this. They don’t want to see anything.

“They’re quite happy with the way the village is at the moment. I can understand their point of view.

“We’ve got a very active community set up. We really don’t want any more building.”

Tony Clayfield, managing director of Powerplus Engineering, said the company had been approached by Williamson offering the move.

He said the 40 employees at the successful manufacturing company were happy where they are, but a purpose-built facility would be a boost.

He said: “I know there are a number of objections, but it would take the industrial site out of the heart of the village and put it right next to the A12.

“Any traffic would literally come straight off the A12, into the site and back out again.

“I see that as a major benefit really to the community.

“When I look at the plans, it does all make sense to me.

“We’re going from strength to strength, and a move to a purpose-built site would be wonderful. But if it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t happen.”

Mr Clayfield added that as part of the proposal, parking spaces would be created at Langham Primary School opposite to alleviate traffic during school hours.

Sue Whitnell, from the Whitnell Group, declined to comment.

DLP planning director Neil Osborn, speaking on behalf of Williamson, said the businesses would not move unless his client was allowed to build the homes.

He said: “It would be a like-for-like transfer. There would be no move without the residential aspect to fund it.”