MADAM, I would like to draw the attention of your readers to a recent planning application for the demolition of an existing residential property and the construction of 14 apartments at Penrice, Walford Road, Ross, which is shortly to be considered by planning authorities.
Penrice is situated on the east side of Walford Road next door but one to the Chasedale Hotel, practically opposite Ashfield Crescent. Two blocks of apartments are planned on three floors with a balcony surrounding the top floor of both buildings with parking for over 20 cars.
The size of building is out of all proportion to other buildings in the road and will show a very large frontage and whilst the drive way is planned to be moved north it is still too close to the junction with Ashfield Crescent.
There have been over 40 objections registered from residents in Walford Road, Ashfield Crescent and Eastfield Road including those whose privacy will be adversely affected. There has subsequently been an amended planning application made to prevent access to the balconies opposite the immediate neighbours and to the rear.
Since we live directly opposite Penrice I have raised an objection on the basis of loss of privacy which had been ignored in the latest plan. Our three front bedroom windows will be overlooked both by the third floor windows and balcony which will be a great deal higher than our windows. If this goes ahead we will have to purchase vertical blinds to the three rooms and have them closed thus living in semi-darkness, or move. We will also be unable to have friends and relatives to stay.
If we decide to move after 44 years no doubt we will have a devalued property and may have difficulty finding a buyer willing to live opposite this large building.
My reason for writing is to make sure all members of the planning committee are aware the implications of this situation. Whilst each planning application is taken on its own merits if this goes through it will create a precedent and other houses in the area with large gardens will be targeted.
There is also the issue of additional cars coming onto Walford Road which is very busy with fast moving traffic. With school children walking to Ashfield Park and St Joseph's primary school it increases the danger to them.
In our case when we moved to this house in 1965 there was no pavement on our side of Ashfield Crescent and we observed several near misses with children walking in the middle of the road. We donated several feet along the side of our garden to the council so they could establish a wide pavement. This shows our concern for these youngsters.
Les Duffin, Ross