Road safety fears in Honiton over bungalow plan

PUBLIC safety in Old Elm Road, Honiton, is a strong theme of letters objecting to a proposed development in nearby Oak View.The owners of 1 Oak View are seeking planning permission from East Devon District Council to erect a bungalow in the grounds of the property and to utilise an existing access onto Old Elm Road.Honiton Town Council's planning committee has recommended the proposed dwelling for approval, saying it is in keeping with neighbouring properties. However, the council has notified EDDC that it was unaware of neighbours' concerns when councillors made their recommendation.Liz Brown, of Oak View, has complained that Honiton Town Council made its recommendation without a site visit.She says the plan could endanger people's lives on Old Elm Road - and has told town clerk Lyn Hargood in a letter.Other Heathfield Estate residents share Mrs Brown's concerns.Stephen Jones has told EDDC: "The erection of a bungalow here will only lead to more traffic congestion by vehicles turning into or leaving a new property."And Richard Andrews, of 27 Oak View, argues: "When approaching the estate from the Sidmouth direction, the proposed access will only be visible for a matter of some 20 metres as the sight line is obstructed immediately off the (Sidmouth Road) roundabout by the hedge and bank, and this will cause an unacceptable danger..."The applicants' agent, Kevin Flowers, managing director of TFQ Architects, told EDDC in writing last week: "We are pleased that the consultations with Devon County Council Highways and Honiton Town Council have been positive, with both organisations supporting the planning application."With regards to objections received from neighbours, we understand that there has been some canvassing by one neighbour, which has initiated some of the correspondence. However, the majority of the objections, published in a local newspaper, do not object to the principle of development...