3/19/2010 11:05:00 AM Community divided by housing development
* Photo by Kageaki Smith. Controversial: The construction of four apartment blocks in Somerset has infuriated some local residents, who say the increase in traffic will be dangerous for local children and the height is out of keeping with surrounding properties.
Plans to build a series of apartment blocks on a narrow road have divided a community.
Some residents say the development in Bridge View Lane, Somerset, will cause traffic congestion. But other neighbours believe the new homes are a welcome addition to the neighbourhood.
Kathleen Simons, who lives on Bridge View Lane, told the Bermuda Sun she was concerned because the extra traffic will go right past her home.
Safety concerns
She said: "The only access to these new properties is through a narrow road running through my own property.
"It's only a narrow road and it will struggle to deal with the extra cars that will inevitably come when the buildings are complete.
"The road can not be made any wider as our properties open out on to it.
"We have already had problems with large equipment going up the road and damaging the surface.
"There is not enough room to get an ambulance or a fire engine up the road so there are some safety concerns too.
"We were late picking this new development up - we know that now. We missed the planning appeal stage but since then I have been in touch with my lawyers trying to let the other side know about our concerns."
Another worried resident, who asked not to be named, added: "The planning department does not appear to have shown any consideration for residents in approving this development.
"I am opposed to the height of this new building because it is out of character with the surrounding properties."
Michael Corday, who also lives in Bridge View Lane, fears the extra traffic will make it unsafe for children to play in the street.
He added: "The amount of traffic going up and down the road now is quite horrendous.
"We have a lot of children in the area and I worry the extra traffic will make it dangerous for them.
"I don't begrudge development, I just don't think the road will be able to handle another 16 apartments. There are a lot of people in the area who have concerns about this."
The development will see four apartment blocks built along Bridge View Lane, providing 16 new apartments.
Construction is already under way on "Lot 3", which will consist of five new units.
Some residents in Bridge View Lane approve of the development.
Robert Moulder said: "I live next door and I am not offended by it in the slightest.
"I understand people's views are not protected by new construction and some may feel upset by the new building.
"But the construction company has conducted itself correctly and have gone out of their way to keep everyone happy.
"Nothing is wrong with this development and I have not had a problem with access into the road."
Another Bridge View Lane resident, who asked not to be named, added: "I am pleased with how it is going.
"You really would not know anything was going on up the hill - the developers have done a fantastic job.
"Obviously no one wants this many new apartments in their street but it is a done deal and I am impressed with the way it has been handled."
Excited
Project Manager Veronica Daley maintained she had done her best to keep all neighbours appraised on developments.
She said efforts were being made to see if the road could be widened.
Ms Daley added: "I have been contacted by a number of people who live in and around the area and they are very excited by the development.
"They have asked me how to go about getting hold of one of the properties.
"All the lawful permissions have been granted for this development. The entire area where the development is taking place is in Zone Residential One, which is designed for high-density development.
"I have met with the neighbours and we have exchanged correspondence.
"We have done everything in accordance with the planning rules and regulations."
Reader Comments
Posted: Saturday, March 20, 2010
Comment by:
Belcario Thomas
Looks like much ado about nothing!
Though, as a new Dockyardian, can attest that the west is the best! A waterfront development, built responsibly, attractive while affordable...EXACTLLY the type of fresh new energy more often needed in Bermuda.
As to the parents letting their kids play in the street, well...umm, don't?
