PROPOSALS to build affordable homes on the site of a car-sales showroom near Lowestoft have been turned down by a government inspector.The Flagship Housing Group applied to build 14 homes at Four Acres in Rushmere Road, Carlton Colville, last year but the scheme was refused by Waveney District Council.
PROPOSALS to build affordable homes on the site of a car-sales showroom near Lowestoft have been turned down by a government inspector.
The Flagship Housing Group applied to build 14 homes at Four Acres in Rushmere Road, Carlton Colville, last year but the scheme was refused by Waveney District Council.
The housing group appealed against the decision, but now a government-appointed inspector has dismissed the appeal, saying that potential problems with flooding and road safety would outweigh the benefit of affordable homes.
Planning inspector John Felgate's report said that the roots of a large, mature oak tree on the edge of the site could get damaged if new access to the site - currently used by the Carter's car showroom - was built.
His report said: 'I consider that the appeal site is suitable for the provision of affordable housing, in that it meets the criteria for such developments as set out in the relevant planning policies. However, based on the information before me, the present proposals fail to demonstrate that the important oak tree could be protected, or that flood risks and highway dangers could be mitigated to acceptable levels.'
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