RESIDENTS living in the shadow of the Johnson Matthey development have handed a 250-signature protest to Royston s MP Oliver Heald. The development on the Johnson Matthey site in Orchard Road has led to criticism from residents in Orchard Way, Western A

RESIDENTS living in the shadow of the Johnson Matthey development have handed a 250-signature protest to Royston's MP Oliver Heald.

The development on the Johnson Matthey site in Orchard Road has led to criticism from residents in Orchard Way, Western Avenue, and Rock Road.

Mr Heald met the residents on Saturday and listened to concerns about the development of the new production building.

He saw for himself the development from a resident's garden in Orchard Way.

Resident Janine Salerno said: Mr Heald showed "great empathy" towards the residents' concerns.

Mrs Salerno said Mr Heald seemed surprised when he saw the size of the building.

And she described the development as a "major eyesore" and a "complete blot on the landscape".

Mrs Salerno said: "It backs on to residents' houses and blocks out the daylight. When you enter Rock Road it's like a monster awaiting you. It's just too big."

As a result of the residents' concerns a petition was sent around with 250 residents adding their names.

Mr Heald said: "I was surprised by the height and mass of the building, which completely dwarfs the surrounding residential area."

He has already asked for a full briefing from North Herts District Council's planning department.

He added: "I will be contacting Johnson Matthey to see what may be done to meet residents' concerns. I shall be keeping in touch with all those who I met."

Mrs Salerno said: "We are eagerly awaiting Mr Heald's findings. Our aim is to reduce the effect the site has on our neighbourhood."

- To visit the residents' website go to www.jlb-sysdev.co.uk