Alford Town Council slams '˜inappropriate and unnecessary' proposal

The proposal has been put forward by Chestnut Homes, as part of an expansion of the Willoughby Chase development, off Willoughby Road, on the edge of the town.

Alford Town Council discussed the proposal at a meeting last month and submitted a six-page consultee comment to East Lindsey District Council, slamming the plans as ‘fundamentally inappropriate and unnecessary’.

Councillors criticised the size, location, density, the impact on transport, pressure on school and health services, and what they believe to be an ‘oversupply’ of housing despite a ‘very small demand’ for private housing.

The town council added that the plans are ‘potentially damaging to the town’s regeneration and fails to meet the test sustainability’, and said the application should be rejected 
‘out of hand’.

Residents have also criticised the plans, with one Willoughby Chase resident contacting the Leader to say that news of the proposed development had been ‘a huge surprise’ to all residents there.

She said: “Our estate is ample size and the infrastructure needn’t have around 200 more people to look after in our small town.”

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue have also objected to the plans, saying there is an ‘inadequate water supply’ for fire-fighting purposes.

David Newton, Managing Director of Chestnut Homes, responded to the criticisms and said: “The current development has sold particularly well in Alford, demonstrating a clear need for new homes in this 
location, in addition to providing much needed affordable housing.

“The new proposal reflects the quality of design of the first phase, but respects its location on the edge of the settlement by retaining the extensive tree belt around the site, thereby minimising any visual impact from the countryside. The proposal will help meet the current lack of a five year housing supply in East Lindsey in a sustainable location.

“All appropriate assessments have been undertaken and the development, if approved, will enhance further the local economy.”