Hazlemere councillor 'disgusted' at bid to change 259-home plans

Independent councillor, Ed Gemmell accused Bellway Homes of increasing the size of planned homes at its new Amersham Road, Hazlemere development 'by the back door'. 

As previously reported, residents have received letters in the last week warning them that work is about to start on the controversial scheme approved in August. 

But now the company has applied to amend the plans which would see extra living space created in the roof area of the new buildings. 

The company claims this is in response to market demand. 

Cllr Ed Gemmell (Image: PA)

But now Cllr Gemmell has said this is not in keeping with the area's Neighbourhood Plan which states that smaller homes for first-time buyers are preferred. 

In a post on Facebook, he said: "Anyone living in Hazlemere knows what we need here is houses for first-time buyers and downsizers.

"Of course, the market will show that there is a demand for 4-bed and bigger homes – which of course makes Bellway more money – but there exists an even bigger demand for 2-bed homes.

"Two-bedroom starter homes is what is needed in our parish."

Objecting to the amendment, he added: "Bellway is simply wanting to make more money and that is not a need of the local community."

Fellow councillors, Catherine Oliver and Steven Roy also wrote letters of objection to the council raising concerns over parking and already-stretched infrastructure. 

But despite concerns, Bellway Homes said in its application that the change is "wholly acceptable in planning terms and necessary to ensure the delivery of the approved scheme takes place."

READ MORE: Hazlemere residents get letters as 'Pennwood Grange' work set to start

A spokesperson said: "Full planning consent is in already place for 259 homes at Pennwood Grange in Hazlemere. Applications have now been submitted to vary some plot types.

“The proposed changes would not increase the size of the homes or the number of homes. Some would be switched to house types which offer a better home office space while others would have undercroft parking removed, which increases energy efficiency.

“We have also requested to move the built area further away from the green edges of the development in places. This would improve the appearance of the street scenes.

“It is common for some changes to plot types to be proposed within large developments, particularly if they have spent a long time in the planning system.

"Pennwood Grange has a database of more than 1,000 people who have enquired about buying a home and their feedback has indicated the demand for the types of houses we are looking to build.”

Concerns have also been raised by residents who are still fearing the consequences of a huge fire earlier this year that raged at the building site for days where a large amount of fly-tipped waste had been dumped. 

Susan Jamson told the Free Press: "When you put another bedroom in a loft it is never going to be affordable for young people.

"Bellway seem to be trying to change what they build without going through the process of a planning application.

"We believe that Bellway ought to do what they promised. What they applied for, and received permission to do.

"Build smaller homes that people can afford. If they truly want to change the fundamental nature of the development, they should submit a revised, full planning application so it can be debated and, possibly, approved."

Bellway Homes has been approached for comment.