11:51am Monday 9th February 2009
By Vicki Foster
A CONTROVERSIAL planning application which will see more than 50 new homes built has been approved, despite objections from residents.
Plans for applicant Bovis Homes to build 52 homes on land next to Brooklands Lake in Powder Mill Lane, Dartford, was given the go-ahead by Dartford Council on February 5.
The application is made up of 39 apartments separated into three blocks which will be two to three storeys high.
Nine four bedroom houses and four three bedroom houses will also be built.
Previously, residents have objected to the plans due to concerns over parking, traffic and the design of the homes.
Resident, Brian Chance of Powder Mill Lane, Dartford, wrote to the council in December last year to express his concerns.
He said: “The objection in the main is about the amount of extra traffic this will put through our road, Warwick Way and onto an already crowded Hawley Road.
“This could result in more accidents as the people try to get onto Main Road, thus causing more tail back and pollution to the local residents.”
He also objected to the height of the flats, which he said would allow people to overlook his property and invade his privacy.
The application was sent to the council in June 2007, however this was for 32 two bedroom apartments and 14 three bed town houses. The company which is based in North Ash Road, New Ash Green, then changed its plans three more times.
A petition was also sent to the council in September 2007 with 49 signatures from residents of Powder Mill Lane, Hawley Road and Warwick Way, both of which are close to the proposed site.
Wilmington Parish Council also wrote to Dartford Council to raise objections to the plans.
The parish council objected to the plans on the grounds of increased traffic, parking and the design of the homes. It also objected as the site is on a flood plain.
The plans also include new vehicle access with associated car parking and public car park, private amenity space and a public ecological park with an enclosed play area and footpath.
Despite residents concerns, ward Councillor Geoffrey Prout, said: "I am not opposed to development on that site. It has become rather run-down and neglected.”
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