Information on public speaking is available online
Minutes:
A number of members of the public commented on item 38, as follows:
Richard Mead, speaking as a resident of Axminster asked the committee to provide evidence for the need of 850+ houses, evidence that would show that East Devon residents could afford to purchase the houses, that residents had been consulted about the types of houses, bungalows or apartments that would be needed and to show that Axminster wanted and needed another retail centre. Confirmation was sought that the proposed relief road and other surfaces would be completed before starting the proposed development. Mr Mead referred to the need for bungalows for the disabled and houses for families with gardens, and went on to ask for a referendum on the proposal.
Alistair Ferguson, speaking as a resident of Axminster on focused on two main concerns. His first concern was about the 2016 Local Plan and how the land area proposed to be developed had almost doubled in size. He questioned the credibility of Persimmon Homes on the pretext that more houses were required to fund the relief road and that Persimmon Homes would be benefiting from £10m of taxpayers money. He went on to say that the people of Axminster felt they had not had any meaningful say in the size of the development. The second concern he raised was about the environmental impact of the development and the relief road and referred to David Attenborough’s concerns about the environmental crisis to the ecosystems. Mr Ferguson felt that East Devon was building houses on a scale that was not required for local needs and would not be supported by the local community. He said the relief road by design would generate high levels of pollution and noise pollution which would impact upon the houses built, wildlife habitats, potentially causing trees and hedgerows to be destroyed and be exacerbating the risk of flooding.
Cllr Alistair Forbes, Chairman of All Saints Parish Council, outlined to the committee that members of the parish council and residents of the village were against the Axminster Master Plan because it would make the village unsustainable. He questioned the Central Government Funds to subsidise 850 unwanted houses. He addressed there had been no local press coverage, no meetings and no concern for Axminster residents. Cllr Forbes requested a written response to his questions. He said that issues relating to the bridge and the by-pass needed to be addressed.
Paul Hayward, speaking as a member of the public made reference to the councillor Code of Conduct and predetermination. He believed it was a rushed plan that had been designed for commercial gain and not in the interests of Axminster residents and other neighbouring parishes. He said it was merely to achieve housing targets. Mr Hayward raised concerns about the lack of consultation for the relief road and said the road would increase air pollution to the new estate. He asked the committee to consider a deferral of the masterplan so that land to the north east of Axminster could be assessed as the site was believed to be a medieval deer park and was of archaeological interest.
Barry James, from Persimmon Homes, advised the development of the masterplan had been a robust process which had included two sets of public consultations. He advised Permission Homes were content with the plan as it was presented today subject to late revision to the phasing and providing a range of dwelling numbers rather than prescribing specific numbers. He referred to the southern parcel and up to 95 units and advised that applications had been submitted including the much needed relief road.
Conrad Libischer, speaking as a member of the public, endorsed what the first four speakers had said but questioned the robustness of the process and made reference to the topography of the site and the increase to the 850 homes required to fund the relief road. He addressed a number of issues including traffic and the increase in more homes would result in more cars which would generate additional traffic into Axminster; the distances to local amenities and schools Mr Libischer said it was doubtful that people would be encouraged to walk or use public transport. The second issue addressed was about Weycroft Bridge and the A35 junction and it was highlighted it was dangerous road. Mr Libischer addressed the Chairman and urged him to reject the extension of houses in the Master Plan.
Brian Watson from Axminster Town Council outlined to the committee that the majority of town council members did approve the 650 houses but had issues with the masterplan. He referred to page 46 and 47 of the agenda and raised concerns that the entire length of the road should be in place first before the houses. He raised concerns about the road itself and said it would need to be integrated into the current roads and no recognition of three footpaths 5, 19 and 73 that go within that site. Mr Watson queried about how the sector lane junction was going to be treated and raised concerns that people from Hawkchurch would need to use that junction to come into Axminster. He commented that a town centre weight restriction would need to be enforced. Brian Watson queried the housing mix and referred to the need for bungalows and apartments and the requirement of parking close to properties to encourage electric cars and said there was no evidence of car parking facilities within the development.
Elizabeth Pole from Honiton & Axe Vale Branch Labour Party queried the housing needs for residents and said more social housing was needed. She questioned the employment space and the infrastructure to support the town. Ms Pole outlined to the committee that data showed there was a 40% of growth in East Devon and questioned why East Devon District Council was only delivering 12% - 14% of housing and said this was barely half of its own targets. She also referred to executive housing and not meeting the needs of its local residents and highlighted that social housing is self-evidently the cheapest option and underprovided by the district council.
Brian Henstock, speaking as a resident of Axminster agreed a relief road was needed but raised concerns about the inclusion of Weycroft Bridge and suggested that the relief road should follow the railway line which would take off the road before Weycroft Bridge.
Jeremy Walden from Axminster Town Council outlined to the committee that the relief road should be delivered first before any of the houses were built. He also referred to the town centre and said it should be closed off to heavy goods vehicles expect for delivery. Other issues include the parameters of the design of the masterplan do not seem to mesh with the existing road.