Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Over 250 objections to Apartments

On behalf of the residents of an area of Bangor West I have been fighting the Planning Service against a proposal to build 21 apartments. What really breaks my heart is that these are designated for the over 55's.
However, the developer is proposing to squeese into a small site where the post office once was 21 apartments, three stories high. Because of the lack of amenity space they are also proposing a roof terrace, I have questioned will this be supevised at all times - I doubt it, as the apartments will not have a caretaker/warden.
One of my major concerns is that effect this is having and will have on the elderly residents who will be affected by the proposal. The are all senior citizens, the majority have serious health problems and all are deeply distressed by what is happening. They have lived in their homes some 40 years and have established gardens which would achieve awards at any garden show.
Their request to the developer take away the 3rd floor, reduce the number of apartments. Also, nearby residents are worried about the depth of digging which will take place on site - this is to reduce the height roof level.
The proposal sits on the brow of a hill on a very busy road and there are concern as to just how traffic would exit enter the site. Roads Service have come up with the wonderful suggestion that those exiting sit and wait until there is a break in the traffic which at busy times is very difficult and to exit rather than make a right hand turn out, go left and then drive along the road, make a turn around the roundabout then drive into Bangor. They refuse to come out to try to make an exit or entrance from where the site is.
I have asked this matter to go to the Management Board as there are too many queries to be addressed.
Not least I hope those whose lifes will be affected that their worries are seriously taken into consideration.
No one has any problem with the proposal, we all welcome such a scheme - but surely consideration must be given first and foremost to residents.