COUNCILLORS in Whitchurch have objected to proposals for over 100 new houses in Bloswood Lane.

Bewley Homes, who have submitted the application to build the houses on land south of Manor Farm, already have planning permission to build 83 homes near to the proposed site.

Town councillors objected on several different points at a meeting last week.

They argued that the services are insufficient for the current population of Whitchurch and that the town will struggle to cope with the developments already approved, aside from the 112 houses proposed in the new development.

They also argued that this is beyond the number of houses that Whitchurch is mandated to take, meaning that there would be too many properties in the area.

They also argue that the local infrastructure would be adversely affected, with a strain on the railway bridge tunnel on Bloswood Lane as well as increased traffic in Bell Street, Wells Lane and Evingar Road.

The chair of the meeting John Buckley said: “There was no sensible way to agree, so we had to object. There would be too many houses than the town could cope with. Bewley Homes already have 83 houses that they are building on an adjacent site.”

Under the Whitchurch Neighbourhood Plan, there are 350 homes that are mandated to be built.

200 are already planned and undergoing final checks before getting the green light.

In addition to the Neighbourhood Plan, the Local Plan makes up the remaining 150 houses, 83 of which are already being built by Bewley Homes on another site on Bloswood Lane.

The report proposed by Bewley Homes does disagree with the Town Council’s statement, saying that it will contribute to social, economic, and environmental well-being.

They have mentioned the increase of jobs in the construction of the development and the benefits of the Government’s New Homes Bonus.

The developments also come with new public open space and children’s play facilities as well as new pedestrian footpaths that would aid many of the town’s residents.

Deputy Liberal Democrat group leader and councillor for Whitchurch, Councillor Keith Watts also objected to the proposal.

In a letter to the council, Cllr Watts objected to the effect on the public rights of way and the impact on traffic.

He said: “I object to the segregation of the vehicular access to this site from the road currently being constructed for the adjacent development, also by Bewley Homes.

"This envisages access to 122 dwellings via a single entrance/exit by Manor Farm near the junction of Bloswood Lane with Caesars Way.

“These developments are part of a sing.le housing policy in the Adopted Local Plan.

"It has always been assumed that traffic provision would be integrated, eastward traffic using the junction at the eastern end of the site, westward traffic to the west.”

Discussions are currently ongoing.