Housing has spoiled area’s character

I AM absolutely appalled at the new houses that have been allowed to be built in Sapley Road in the heart of the old village of Hartford. I owned and lived for 28 years in the bungalow that stood on part of this site and has now been demolished. When I pu

I AM absolutely appalled at the new houses that have been allowed to be built in Sapley Road in the heart of the old village of Hartford. I owned and lived for 28 years in the bungalow that stood on part of this site and has now been demolished.

When I put my bungalow on the market in 2003, a prospective purchaser was extremely interested in the property and made me an offer on the condition that he could obtain planning permission to extend it into a two-storey dwelling as he needed extra rooms. He went to a great deal of expense in having plans drawn up, surveyors' reports carried out etc. But his planning application was refused and he subsequently withdrew his offer.

The reason given for the refusal was that the proposed height for the bungalow would intrude and spoil the views for neighbouring properties and the adjoining playing field.

I ask why the planning application for this extension was refused and now, only four years later, not only are there 14 houses being built but some of these are three-storey (some towering above the height of the old village school). I feel extremely sorry for the residents adjoining this site and how this development has affected their lives.

The eventual purchaser assured me that he would not be demolishing it but was buying it as an investment. How naive one can be.

This development has absolutely spoiled the character of the old village of Hartford.

JUNE PARKINS

Low Road

St Ives