Mary Reid

Many local residents objected to a planning application in Somerset Avenue. The development would have replaced two semis, and part of the back garden of the house next door, with eight houses and an access road.

I'm pleased that the planning application was refused by the Council today. You can see all the details of the application here.

As local councillors we have to be careful not to state our views on planning applications.  That is because we could easily compromise our position if the applications came to the Neighbourhood Committee for decision.

But I can now state that I was very unhappy about this proposal. It is the first of its kind for the Somerset Avenue area and the new development would have damaged its well designed layout and consistent architectural style. It would also have caused considerable access problems on a bend in the road which is already quite tricky to negotiate.