The Crookes community has launched efforts to oppose the plans, which would see 13 flats and three retail units built on Cobden View Road.<\/p>\n
This is the third time the local community has come together to object to planning applications on the site.<\/p>\n
The area used to be a community garden managed by nearby St Timothy’s church but has been empty for two years, attracting anti-social behaviour and becoming an eye-sore for the local community.<\/p>\n
Councillor Ruth Milsom said: “It was heart-breaking to watch the destruction of what had been a much loved and valued community garden.<\/p>\n
“But the strength of feeling of the local community, and it’s readiness to act, remain steadfast. A cynical tactic of the developer is to argue that rejecting their plans for tiny rabbit hutch apartments would rob the area of much needed new builds.”<\/p>\n
When the first planning applications was submitted the community applied for the site to be a designated Village Green with the support of MP Olivia Blake and many local councillors.<\/p>\n
Such green spaces, says local resident Jane Monach, 77, are “little jewels” for the local community.<\/p>\n
John Vose, who lives directly opposite the proposed flats said: “The plans are outrageous. The monster building would greatly decrease my quality of life.<\/p>\n
“The people who lived next door already sold their house and moved away.”<\/p>\n
Locals say the building would block light from reaching their homes, decrease their privacy, increase congestion, and make crossing the road unsafe.<\/p>\n
They also claim that parking, already an issue in the area, would be made increasingly difficult.<\/p>\n
Previous plans for 18 flats were denied after they failed to meet national space standards.<\/p>\n
The revised plans will provide 11 two bedroom and two one bedroom apartments with three retail units.<\/p>\n
These will not be used for food and drink outlets.<\/p>\n
Some have questioned the need for more outlets after the closure of two popular stores, Fulton’s Foods and Priceless, due to rising rent prices.<\/p>\n
Hopeful local councillor Minesh Parekh, said: “There are many areas in Crookes which are vacant and can be redeveloped.<\/p>\n
“There are many other things that can be done to increase footfall for Crookes which will have better social impact for the area like subsidised public transport.”<\/p>\n