9 Brae Hill CloseThe planning applications part of the parish council meetings is usually quite short and sweet. There are generally two or three applications for our consideration; extensions, garages and the like. Councillors examine the plans online before the meeting, visit the site and, nine-times-out-of-ten, return ‘no objections' to the Planning Department, on the grounds that the project is in proportion and in keeping with its surroundings, and has no negative impact on the environment. The planning application for 9 Brae Hill Close was different. A neighbour attended our November meeting specifically to warn us of the implications of plans for demolition of the existing bungalow and construction of a new dwelling which would enable unimpeded vehicular access through to Harris Close (aka “the donkey field”). The neighbour’s warning was very welcome but unnecessary since the council was already on high alert; our concerns justified by the unprecedented number of public objections subsequently logged on the Planning Department website. (There may still be time to add your comments; click the green button below to be taken to the application 21/04143/APP.) The case of 9 Brae Hill Close throws up some interesting themes. We cannot object on the grounds of what the developer may be planning - only on ‘material grounds’. This made us think. We cannot second-guess that there are plans a-foot to build houses in the Donkey Field (in any case, some parishioners may welcome more houses in Brill, especially affordable homes) but we can object to easy vehicle access to a public footpath, disruption to a valuable habitat and green corridor for wildlife, and the implications for increased traffic through a quiet village cul-de-sac. With your help, we’ll be keeping our eye on 9 Brae Hill Close.
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