View the Architects letter to the council
Response to known objections
- This is a small development – not a housing estate. It seeks to help address the year-on-year diminishing population of Broad Oak and lack of affordable housing – with only 5-6 houses being built over the last 20 years in the village.
- Wealden allows for development in areas adjacent to the village boundary, because there are no other options left for development inside the village boundary of Broad Oak. This is a small, discreet development – which will help fulfil the current WDC shortfall of x50 houses for the village.
- Because of its high level of affordable housing the development will benefit the village for younger and older buyers previously unable to buy a flat or cottage in the village. We believe it will benefit both the younger and older people.
- The attractive and historically sensitive design of the houses in this development will compliment the village. The proposed development occupies three quarters of an acre, and is well hidden behind a screened hedge.
- The site allows for 10 small residences of 2-3 people each and will have a low impact in light, noise and air pollution. Many of the residents will find the school safer as it is simply a walk across the road for their children, on what is one of the safest and quietest school roads in the area.
- The SHEELA is a live, ongoing planning document, that highlights the site as being appropriate, subject to a full planning application.
- It would be more financially beneficial for this development, if the owners applied to build executive homes. They have chosen to give opportunity to younger people to enter the property market – due to the fact that there have only been 5-6 houses built in Broad Oak in the last 20 years.
Interesting facts
- Today, many homes are actually built in AONB in the South East of England.
- With the housing shortfall this site has been chosen carefully for its minimal impact.
- The existing setting will only be enhanced by what is a highly attractive and sensitive historical design.
- The SHELAA is an indicative guide only. Subsequent detailed planning applications determine the final site layout and boundaries.
- Respect will be given during groundworks for archaeological interests, and an expert will be present.
- The development is designed for minimum impact on existing dwellings and faces the local primary School.
- The road is already very quiet at all times, except for the school run which lasts for 30 minutes at 8:30 am, or 3pm, 5 days a week. Traffic disruption will be negligible.
- The school entrance opposite is not the main entrance, and is only opened temporarily during the day.
- Only 5-6 houses have been built in Broad Oak over the last 20 years. This has pushed prices up, and made it almost impossible for local people to buy houses.
- The homes will be built to be energy efficient, and water recycling will be applied.