Work has just started on the Cane Hill site in Coulsdon, which will eventually become 650 houses. Barratt’s Homes are developing the site.
I have two ongoing concerns about the development.
Firstly, I am concerned to ensure that as few trees as possible are destroyed to make way for the development. I have urged the developer make sure that only trees directly in the way of the development are removed, and no others. The view from Farthing Down onto Cane Hill is currently very beautiful – which I see every time I go running on Farthing Down – and I want it to stay that way.
Secondly, I believe that we do need a third access point from the development directly on to the A23 Farthing Way. At the moment there are only two exits, onto Marlpit Lane Roundabout and onto Portnalls Road. I am concerned about the traffic impact at those places if we only have these two exits. Future residents wanting to get onto the M25 should be able to get out directly onto the A23.
I met with the developer on site on Friday with Cllrs Margaret Bird and Mario Creatura to press these points. I will be sure to monitor the progress of this development to ensure the trees are protected and the planning consent is kept to.
