Swansmere homes plan is scrapped

Nov 29 2008 By Rupert Basham

Swansmere School

Walton residents have won their battle to stop a 'high density' housing estate being built on the site of two former schools.

Proposals for the 'high densityfor 50 homes, 62 flats, parking and a new access road in Ambleside Avenue were rejected by Elmbridge Council at the North Area Planning Sub Committee Meeting.

The local authority received 23 letters of complaints from nearby residents, who voiced their concerns over insufficient parking, an increase in traffic and the height and density of the development.

Resident Hendrik Barnard, 40, of Misty's Field, said: "I'm not completely against the development. I'm against the density and volume of it. I have a problem with the height of the buildings. I will lose hours of sunlight.

"I was also concerned over the number of houses and the impact it would have on the area. They were proposing very minimal parking, and at certain times of the day it would be hard for cars to get through."

A Plus Homes, who submitted the plans, opened up a public consultation in January 2008, where residents were invited to Walton Oak School, in Ambleside Avenue to study the designs and give their opinions.

Ambleside and Swansmere Schools both closed in 2007, when pupils were moved to Walton Oak.

Paula Wheeler, also of Misty's Field, said: "I wasn't happy about the development. We were worried about an excess number of cars, as a result of the development from both traffic and parking. We are pleased with the result."

Walton Ambleside's councillor Alan Kopitko said: "The density of the development is too high. They are proposing too many houses. It wasn't the perfect scheme and it's important they do it right.

"I will fight this if it goes to appeal because I don't think it's correct for the area."

A Plus Homes has so far declined to comment.