opposing a new housing development

[mitsy]

Not sure if this is the right category!! The is a major housing development proposed in my area for 800 houses, the access to the site is via a road that closes during snow/frost therefore the access routes would have to be through a small street or a little village of only 300 houses. The land of the proposed development is on an old colliery site, where there are 8 known mine shafts. Only recently it is going back to its natural beauty and wildlife coming back to the area. They are planning on diverting the river to the opposite side of the valley, and there is a smaller valley towards the top of the site which they are planning on flooding to build a small lake. We have said up a local group and started petitions and done questionnaires, but where can we go from here??? anyone got any ideas how we can oppose the development, what we can look into to back us?

Many Thanks

[Eve]

Has planning permission already been granted?

If not then there may be a possibility to object though beneficial to use reasons that the local authority and those they will consult with will be interested in such as transport and environmental.

Please note though that this would not necessarily be able to get rid of the whole thing, it may be ignored or granted with conditions such as making better access.

You could try and come to some kind of compromise and meet with the developers to try and come up with some kind of solution which works for the residents who are there already and see what the benefits may be such as more and better facilities and employment for the area.

Often when the council grants permissions for development they will put a section 106 Agreement in place placing certain obligations on the developers such as contributing certain sums of money to improve some local facility such as children's play areas.

Maybe compromise is better than fighting what may be a losing battle.

[buildersmate]

New housing schemes of this scale don't gain appoval overnight and there is a consultation period during which any interested party can write to object, and generally muster up lobbying of MPs and others for potential support.
You've mentioned 4 things here, access, environmental, ground stability and your vista across the hillside.

In turn: -
Access - this is definitely one the planners will look at carefully. It is not possible that the developer can make such an application without fully explaining how the scheme would impact existing broutes. Often this involves him commissioning traffic surveys. Get hold of the relevant part of the Planning Application and see what it says and see to what extent you can agree with it - then work out a counter statement.
Environmental - the EA would be involved in assessing the impact if water courses are being modified. Again see what has been said in the application and speak to the local planning department to assess who at the EA is dealing with it. Then approach them with any concerns they may not have thought of. They provide a report back to the Planners recommending (or not) the application.
Ground stability - unless you think it may impact your house, I'm not sure why this is anything to do with you. It will be assessed as part of the overall scheme. There are many ways of capping old shafts.
Your vista - one has no right to a view so don't even go there in your objection letter(s). Just makes one seem like a NIMBY. What is assessed in planning is overlooking a particular house or garden, but if this is across the valley it is not relevant.