A recipe for bad feelings

Some people living on Fairbourne Close received letters from the council on April 7 but neighbouring houses on the same road and those on nearby Chepstow and Ruthin Closes did not.

Chris Moulding of Fairbourne Close said: "I'm very annoyed about not getting a letter because as the crow flies I'm about 50 yards from the unit and can see it from my bedroom window."

Residents on Fairbourne photocopied the council's letters for neighbours and a packed meeting was held on Monday night.

Chris said: "There are people on other roads almost in touching distance and until we gave them the letters they didn't know anything.

"It's terrible and the attitude from the council is, 'well we've done everything we need to do and have followed Government guidelines'. It is just appalling in terms of democracy."

The unit in question is 262 Europa Boulevard.

Jim Teenan, aged 49, Fairbourne Close said: "If planning permission goes ahead it will be a change of use for the whole site. We're worried about the noise of people arriving late at night as well as music and cooking smells.

Keith Speakman, aged 58, of Fairbourne Close, said: "My concern is that it's the thin edge of the wedge and eventually all the units could be turned into shops or restaurants."

A council spokesman said: "Government guidance stipulates adjoining neighbours must be informed, however, we have well exceeded that guidance by sending 18 letters to residents living in Fairbourne Close.

"The consultation so far has been appropriate for proposals such as this and has generated interest, which is the aim.

"The word of mouth factor is important as part of the consultation, however, anyone interested can come along to our offices at New Town House to view and comment on the plans."

The original deadline for letters of objection was April 26 but it has been extended to May 4. It can take four days for letters received by the council to be registered.