Controversial plans to build eight new three-storey houses with twelve parking spaces on the land of 85-87 Woodside Avenue, at the rear of Lauradale Road, have been rejected following an unprecedented number of letters and emails opposing the development. The plans were originally withdrawn in July last year after the planning department recommended the application be refused following strong objections from residents and local Lib Dem councillors.

The application was resubmitted late last year with a few alterations to meet some of the shortcomings highlighted in the original development plans. However the Planning Sub-Committee on Thursday (15th January) agreed with the planning department that a number of issues regarding traffic and space had not been addressed and it was refused.

The recommendation for refusal came off the back of some 101 letters and a petition with over 300 signatures to the Council from local residents, parents of children at nearby Teatherdown Primary School and Friends of the Earth expressing their opposition to the development.

Fortis Green Councillor, Matt Davies has been working closely with local residents on this issue and is delighted that once again local residents have shown a united front and prevented the development from going ahead.

Cllr Davies comments:

“The planning application submitted was almost identical to the previous plans, which was rightly rejected by the Council following a concerted campaign by Lib Dem councillors and local residents. I am delighted that this application has met the same end.”

“Once again residents objected in huge numbers and have succeeded in keeping the developers hands off this piece of land.”