30/04/2007   D4/07   Downland

Affordable homes plan goes on show

Development plans for the Gala Bingo Hall site in Portland Road went on show last week at a public consultation event.

Members of Affinity Sutton Group, who are developing the site on behalf of Downland, met with local residents, schools and businesses at St Phillip’s Church, New Church Road on Wednesday 25th April.

The proposal is to build up to 47 affordable homes for local people in a mix of rented and Homebuy (formerly known as shared ownership). The plans also include the proposed provision of a surgery and pharmacy, whilst an idea to provide a community hall received a mixed reaction and will require further consideration and consultation.

As well as having the opportunity to ask specific questions about the scheme, those attending were able to view a model and artists’ impressions of how the new development will look.

David Shepherd, head of development for Affinity Sutton Group said: “We acquired the site in October 2005 and have since been working with the Local Authority on the proposals for the site. Over the course of numerous consultation meetings with all sectors of the community, we have enjoyed receiving the thoughts of local residents and action groups who are understandably very interested in our ideas, and their input has been invaluable. It was particularly pleasing that around 85 people attended this event, which was the final major consultation before we submit a planning application, hopefully in June.

“The feedback from the day will help to inform our final design, which I hope will reflect local opinion whilst meeting as many specific aspirations as possible.

For example, in addition to providing a number of flats which will be designed to meet the needs of disabled people, Affinity Sutton is also exploring the possibility of offering some of the apartments specifically to those aged over 55.”

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