A TOWN meeting has been called in Henley following concerns over the latest proposals for the development of the cattle market site after Beaudesert and Henley Joint Parish Council ruled out the possibility of holding a meeting at this stage.
Taylor Wimpey, the developers, revealed the new plans at a public exhibition on 9th July. They include 42 houses—reduced from 67 in the previous plans which were rejected in November 2007—and a small supermarket.
Parish council chairman, Cllr Les Goodman announced at the council's most recent meeting 19th July that the council would discuss the development when Taylor Wimpey had submitted plans to Stratford District Council. "There's no point in having a meeting to discuss something that right at this moment doesn’t exist," he said.
However, a number of residents have expressed fear that if in effective campaign is not launched straight away the proposal will probably be approved.
Now the high bailiff, Roger Sutton, has stepped in and will chair the meeting on the basis of his ancient duty to receive presentments, or requests, from residents.
Taylor Wimpey. Stratford District Council, Warwickshire Highways, the Environment Agency. The Henley Society and the Headteacher of Henley High School have all been invited to attend and speak.
Parish councillor Bill Leech said: “Residents want to discuss the exhibition proposals as soon as possible and not wait until the application is lodged. They consider that the "wait and see” approach of the chairman may mean that all meaningful analysis and negotiation will be too late."
Residents are expected to voice concerns about the number of houses, the height of the proposed houses, increased traffic congestion on the Warwick Road, danger to pupils from the adjacent High School, the loss of social focus away from the High Street by opening another supermarket, the increased car parking for the new residents, staff at the supermarket and the shoppers -estimated at 100 vehicles—and the increased flood risk to the area because of overdevelopment.
A spokesperson for Taylor Wimpey said: "If the proposal is approved, the development will bring this severely under-used, redundant livestock market back into use as a new housing development including the convenience of the food store.
"Taylor Wimpey is currently taking into consideration the feedback received at the recent public exhibition and aims to submit the planning application in August- If permission is granted construction is likely 10 commence towards the end of the year with the first homes being available for occupation mid 2011.”
All residents are invited to the town meeting in Henley Memorial Hall on Tuesday 17lh August at 7.30pm.
Stratford Herald - 29th July 2010
