Campaigners angry at developer's second bid for Bidford homes - The Stratford Observer

Campaigners angry at developer's second bid for Bidford homes

Stratford Editorial 6th Aug, 2015 Updated: 28th Oct, 2016   0

CAMPAIGNERS have reacted furiously to news developers have not given up in their bid to build 200 homes in Bidford.

Miller Homes were looking to build the homes on land at Waterloo Road but despite officers recommending the plans be given the go-ahead back in March, members of Stratford District Council’s planning committee unanimously refused permission.

They argued the location was unsustainable and there were insufficient contributions towards education and healthcare provision. They also maintained the homes would lead to increased traffic congestion in the village.

But this week Miller Homes submitted another application to the council for the same number of homes in the same area — in effect a re-submission of the previously refused scheme.




And campaign group Bidford Residents Against Development (BRAD) were quick to criticise the move by Miller Homes – branding it “extremely aggressive.”

Spokeswoman Rachel Thompson said: “Miller Homes have brazenly disregarded the words of SDC councillors, who were in 100 per cent agreement Bidford is no longer a sustainable place to build.


“They rejected the plans because Bidford does not have the healthcare or educational infrastructure to sustain this development but clearly Miller Homes do not consider sustainability to be of any importance.

“The developer is aware of the dearth of resources in Bidford, but they have chosen to ignore this to make a fast buck at the expense of the well-being of existing residents and the very people buying their homes.

“Rapacious developers do not have the right to bully a community whose resources are already stretched to breaking point. We will not stand for this and are prepared to fight Miller Homes tooth and nail.”

The tactic of submitting two identical planning applications to a local authority at the same time – known as ‘twin tracking’ – was also employed by developers Bloor Homes back in June.

They were hoping to build 40 homes in the village on land at Jacksons Meadow but the plans were rejected by Stratford District Council.

Bloor Homes then chose to submit a second application for the same number of homes in the same area while an appeal on the original decision was also launched.

The proposals for 200 homes are set to undergo a period of public consultation with the application expected to be considered before the end of the year.

A date for the appeal hearing on the original application has not yet been set.

Residents have until mid-August to make their thoughts known at the district council’s website.

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