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People living near Rothwell House in Crowthorne are objecting to plans to replace with nine houses
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Protest against Crowthorne affordable housing plan

By Becky Barnes
February 06, 2013

Riled homeowners are opposing plans to demolish a 1960s’ sheltered housing block to make way for nine affordable family houses.

People who live near Rothwell House in Crowthorne wrote 10 letters of objection after Bracknell Forest Homes submitted a planning application to Bracknell Forest Council on December 19. One person who lives in one of the elderly and retirement properties in neighbouring Coleridge Close said families moving in would be ‘offensive and threatening’ to the current quality of life.

Concerns have also been raised the design would not be in keeping with the surrounding homes and families would bring noise and parking congestion.

Another objector said the ‘addition of children and adults’ would ‘destroy the living environment for the remaining elderly residents and neighbouring properties’. Bracknell Forest Homes’ (BFH) redevelopment would see the existing housing block in Wellington Road demolished and replaced with nine homes in two terraced blocks – four three-bed houses for low cost ownership and five two-bed homes offered for rent.

A BFH spokesman said Rothwell House ‘no longer meets modern standards or the aspirations of our residents’.

One Wellington Road resident said the blocks would not be in keeping with the neighbouring detached homes.

They added social housing would not fit in with the surrounding privately-owned properties.

Chris Withnall, BFH’s assets and new business director, said: “The development of family-sized affordable accommodation is much needed in Crowthorne where house prices and demand are high.

“After consultation and careful consideration, we have submitted plans to Bracknell Forest Council, which will help meet the demand.

“Subject to planning consent we would hope to start work on site in May 2013 with completion in spring 2014.

“During our planning and design we have worked extensively with the planning and highways officers at Bracknell Forest Council and believe we meet their requirements.

“We have consulted local residents and taken their comments into account where possible. The design of the two terraces reflects the footprint of what is on the site already, the local context, surroundings and intended use of the development.”

A Bracknell Forest Council spokeswoman said the application was due before the planning committee at either the February or March meeting.

She added the public consultation closed on January 14 but people can still submit comments while the application is live.

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Most recent user comments 2 of 2

When I read such comments as are reported towards the type of people who may move into the proposed properties I wonder if this would not be a suitable place for the council to discharge their commitment to the travelling community and turn it into a gypsy site.

timespassing
10/02/2013 at 17:19

"the public consultation closed on January 14 but people can still submit comments while the application is live." - or ten years later; either way, it won't make the blindest bit of difference!