I spoke at planning committee yesterday to object to this dreadful overdevelopment in Kingswood Lane. As you can see from the photograph it will tower above the adjoining bungalows and is extremely over dominant in the rural setting next to an ancient woodland. It seems the Labour administration are intent on destroying the character of the area by preferring to demolish family homes for very expensive flats. The excuse is always that young people and families need homes but sadly these flats are extremely expensive and it is a myth that first time buyers can afford these properties. I also mentioned the fact that the very narrow lane is now seeing cars parking across the pavements forcing residents into the road because of the overspill from other flatted developments that don't have enough parking. One committee member said that these residents can use public transport. They should read the report - a PTAL rating of 1. No public transport to the lane and a long walk to a bus stop with a fairly infrequent service. Here a car is essential. During lock down I walked down the lane and around the woodland and found some parts totally impassable during to flooding. This area constantly floods and surface water also travels to other parts of Hamsey Green causing major issues for residents who have in the past been put up in hotels. Sadly this was not taken into consideration either. These flatted developments have a large concrete base taking up much of the green space and always have a "forecourt", much like a petrol station. Whilst this might be appropriate in a more built up area it is certainly not conducive to country living and jars with the rural location. Much of the shrubbery and hedging is to be removed again a natural habitat for wildlife so important in the woodland will be taken away. None of this a consideration. In coming to the application, which is clearly too large and dominant and takes away much of the light from neighbouring properties this too didn't seem to be a good reason for the committee or officers to refuse. This application will have a huge impact on the neighbours but sadly non of this is taken into account in a quest to concrete over the borough. It is so sad. Once these beautiful cottage style properties are gone they will never be replaced and the area will lack good quality family homes, which in the main are far more affordable and offer space for children to play than these very expensive flats.