Group misled’ on homes plan

A RESIDENTS' group claims it has been misled over a planning application to develop a site.

The group, Residents Opposed to Overdevelopment and Demolition (Rood) is concerned about proposals for Green Drift, Royston.

It says North Herts District Council described the planning application for 14 homes with six garages, 35 parking spaces, an access road, and associated works.

But when the group examined the plans in details it said it discovered that the plans were actually for 14 houses, 10 garages and 25 parking spaces.

Green Drift resident and campaign spokesman Caroline Coates said it was "important" that there was the need for clarification on either the planning application, or a design and access statement that had also been submitted.

"At the moment it seems councillors do not have sufficiently clear information on which to make a decision," she said.

She said residents were led to believe that the development would accommodate 41 cars, but this seems to have been reduced to 35 parking spaces.

"This is a considerable reduction given the traffic problems in the area," she said.

"Fewer parking spaces will result in more vehicles parked on the surrounding roads."

Ms Coates led a group of residents when the planning application was discussed by members of Royston Town Council's planning committee last month.

She said then that approval of the scheme would see the "wholesale destruction" of the area.

Town councillors did not support the scheme, but the outcome will be decided by members of North Herts District Council's Royston area committee next month.

Meanwhile, the district council said that residents around the site had been told of the amended plans and a site notice would appear soon.

In a statement, the district council said: "We do not think anyone is being misled. When the case comes to the committee an officer will comment on the provision of parking spaces in relation to planning standards.