Last updated at 19:59, Thursday, 05 July 2012

Brigham residents have vigorously objected to proposals to build 35 homes in the village.

Social landlord Home Group wants to build the housing development for local people in a field behind High Brigham.

Of the 35 houses, 12 will be put on the open market, 12 will be available for shared ownership and 11 will be for rent.

Home Group believes it will help to secure vital services in the village.

A drop-in session was held on Monday in Brigham for people to view the plans and talk to representatives from Home Group.

Some villagers said they were concerned that Brigham would not be able to cope with increased traffic. They also feared access problems, potential flooding and wondered if the sewerage system would cope.

Pamela Watson, 43, of High Brigham, said: “Traffic at the moment is already highly dangerous and some of the footpaths are non-existent.

“The size of the access to the development is unacceptable as it would go past conservatories and destroy people’s quality of living, and who has the right to do that?”

John Sutton, 62, of High Brigham, said: “The village cannot take any more houses.

“They are building on a greenfield site. We have to look after the environment and it could damage wildlife.”

His wife Maureen said: “I don’t think it can bring anything into the village apart from more traffic.

“A village is a village and we should keep it that way.”

Stewart Gimber, who would live next to the development, said: “They are ripping up the countryside and even though the majority of residents don’t want it they are going ahead with the application.”

Edna Edger, chairman of Brigham Parish Council, said: “The biggest problem will be the extra traffic as there will be four times as much. The sewers are already overloaded and it is totally the wrong place for this development.”

Jack Robinson, 78, who has lived in Brigham all his life, said: “It is a disgrace. To have an extra 50 cars coming through the village doesn’t bear thinking about.”

Sharon Hodgson, Home Group project manager, said: “We have shown people drawings of our proposals and asked for feedback through questionnaires.

“It is positive having affordable housing in the village. Before putting in any application we wanted to consult the community and try to incorporate people’s ideas.”

Elsa Brailey, Home Group development manager, added: “The turnout was positive with many residents coming along to ask questions. A lot of people recognised the need for affordable homes and social housing in rural areas and the part it can play in ensuring the continued viability of villages.

“We’re really pleased with the level of interest shown by people.

“Building homes in this area will help to secure vital services within Brigham and help ensure the sustained viability of the village.”

First published at 19:20, Thursday, 05 July 2012
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk