Self-build home will worsen 'already hazardous' junction, residents fear

New plans for a self-build home in Holyport have attracted a string of objections.

The application, from Mr N Burgess, seeks planning permission for a single self-build property on greenbelt land near the junction of Holyport Street and Holyport Road, facing the village green.

The scheme is for a two-storey, four bedroom detached house, a detached garage, parking and new access.

A previous application for the site, which was refused and later rejected at appeal, was for two semi-detached homes.

So far, 11 letters opposing the plans have been submitted to the Royal Borough, including a substantial objection from the Holyport Residents Association (HRA).

In it, association chair Andrew Cormie said the application would have an inappropriate impact on the greenbelt site and conservation area.

He also raised serious concerns about the impact on road safety.

The proposed new driveway access lies on a bend close to the Holyport Street junction, which Mr Cormie says is an unsafe, blind corner.

While considering the plans an improvement on the previous scheme, Bray Parish Council is also recommending the plans for refusal.

In a letter of objection it said: “This is already an awkward and hazardous junction, and the proposed development would increase the risk of accidents.”

The letter added: “The site lies within the Holyport Conservation Area, where development is required to conserve or enhance the character and appearance of the area.”

It continued: “The proposal fails to meet this requirement as it does not conserve the established setting and would adversely affect the openness and important views across Holyport Green.”

The Royal Borough’s highways team has also objected to the application.

It says the proposed access fails to meet mandatory safety standards, including required visibility splays — the ability to see traffic from both directions at a junction — and the minimum safe distance from a junction.

The council’s highways team also said the applicant had failed to provide all the necessary information on issues such as visibility at the junction and the size of the parking planned at the property.

It said the access element of the application should be refused.

The objection from Holyport Residents’ Association also criticised wider Government policy which requires local authorities to give enough suitable plots of land to meet demand for self-build housing,

It is concerned that after getting permission in principle the land could be sold to a self-builder, who would have to apply again with a detailed design.

It also fears that a lack of transparency over demand for self-build could lead to inflated demand creating more pressure for in-fill developments which could have a detrimental effect on greenbelt and conservation areas like Holyport.