Plymouth MP joins opposition to blocks of flats

By krossiter keith rossiter political reporter

SUTTON MP Linda Gilroy has backed a campaign to prevent a developer building new flats on communal land in Devonport.

The 56 homeowners at Admiral's Gate, off Raglan Road in Devonport, have been fighting plans by developers Risesign, a subsidiary of Galliard Homes, to put up three blocks with a total of 14 two-bedroom flats.

Members of the planning committee refused permission for the development to go ahead, after Mrs Gilroy wrote to Plymouth City Council planning department lending her weight to residents' objections.

But Cllr George Wheeler (Lab, St Budeaux) warned that it appeared the company was laying the groundwork to launch an appeal to the planning inspectorate.

This is the third attempt to build on the site. Since its original application in 2005, the company has reduced its proposals from 16 flats to 14, just below the threshold of 15 that would trigger the requirement for 30 per cent affordable housing.

Cllr Bill Stevens, who withdrew from the committee in order to speak against the development, said: "Nothing has changed since the last application in August.

"Parking will be a nightmare, particularly when Plymouth Albion rugby club are playing.

"In Admiral's Gate we have a true community, which needs to be encouraged and supported."

Cllr Patricia Nicholson (Con, Peverell), a member of the committee, said: "Over the past many years Devonport has been blighted by blocks of flats. I don't think this is the place for any development."

Planning officers said the developer was not prepared to pay enough to offset the impact on the surrounding community.

The city's planning tariff would require Risesign to pay £66,826 towards community infrastructure. The company said this would make the scheme unviable.

Planning officers also told members of the planning committee that the extra homes would result in overdevelopment and create a crammed appearance.