Letter: More Sensitivity Required in Development Plans

Published on: 21 Dec, 2016
Updated on: 20 Dec, 2016

From Chris Cotton

I fear there are no easy answers to the issues connected with the proposed development of land surrounding the cathedral.

Building new homes is clearly necessary but when we do it we are almost invariably changing something that was already there which is cherished by some. Replacing existing houses with higher density housing changes the nature of the area and, it would appear, is unpopular with some who live in that area.

The main, but not the only, objection that current residents have to the scheme to build on the cathedral site is that the housing density will be twice as high as in the neighbouring road, thus changing the nature of the area.

Calling the replacement of existing houses with higher density housing ‘vandalism’ is just as much Nimbyism as objecting to a new development that is completely out of keeping with the existing housing in the area.

The solution will always need to be a compromise: yes, allow building, whether infill or as replacement, but be sensitive to the feel of the existing area and the views of local residents.