THE TELEPHONE HOUSE NEIGHBOURS ASSOCIATION
37 Church Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1JT
e-mail: telephonehouse@cs.com - internet: http://uk.geocities.com/telephonehouse

FAO: Arthur Mann - CALA Homes (South)
Burgan House, The Causeway, Staines, Middlesex, TW18 3PR

30 April 2002
Telephone House Tunbridge Wells
Your ref: : DAM1/fh 22 April 2002

- SUMMARY -

You are still clearly intending to proceed in accordance with the original application which was granted on appeal.

I accept that CALA have bought a site which is ripe for development with detailed planning permission and seemingly therefore ready for an immediate start. However, there is great strength of feeling against the present plans, all residents and Councillors strongly favour a development but, with the exception of a few Council officers, we desperately want a SYMPATHETIC one, which will reduce the density, have an entrance in Church Road and with the blocks on York Road set back thus enabling the trees to be retained.

The present plans with the high density are unsuitable for this site and would market slowly and at lower prices. It is surely significant that Crest Nicholson sold the site to you, yet you will see from our Internet site (Meeting Notes 12 April 2002) are advertising to purchase additional land for development. As we mentioned at our meeting, Crest originally considered a development of 25 units, which was not supported by officers and not referred to the Western Area Planning Committee.

Demolition and Construction
You confirm that CALA agree that access from Church Road would be preferable.

Whilst we agree any change from the present monstrosity is for the better it is clear to the residents and Councillors that it lacks sensitivity and inspiration and, whilst it may add variety, it certainly will not be a valuable addition which is not surprising since the present plans provide for 43 units to be squeezed into this small site.
Do CALA think that the present plan is the best?

As you know plans may be modified and at our meeting Councillor Roy Bullock offered to arrange a meeting between you, residents, Councillors and Council officers. This must surely be worthwhile.
If you can be assured that a sympathetic development along the lines mentioned will be supported by Councillors and accepted by officers, we do sincerely believe that here would be greater profit for CALA and greater happiness in Tunbridge Wells.

Finally, I am somewhat at a loss in understanding your fears about what we may or may not publish on our Internet site.
You will appreciate that our internet site is the means by which our members and local residents keep themselves up to date. Judging by the number of hits the site receives, many others interested in the local property and housing markets, are also kept abreast of developments.

Peter Morse

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