The HRA formally objected to the planning application for 30 new dwellings on Sladburys Lane on 11th August 2025. You can see a copy of the objection below:
Dear Planning Officer
I am writing on behalf of The Holland on Sea Residents Association and its members to formally object to the proposed development of up to 30 dwellings on land to the west of Sladburys Lane, Holland-on-Sea (Planning Application Ref: 25/01011/OUT).
While we appreciate the need for housing, we believe this proposal raises serious concerns regarding traffic safety, infrastructure strain, environmental impact, and flood risk.
Traffic and Transportation Concerns
- Road Suitability: Sladburys Lane is a narrow, hedge-lined country road with multiple bends and limited visibility. It was never designed to accommodate high volumes of traffic or large construction vehicles.
- Cyclist Safety: The road is frequently used by cyclists, and safe overtaking is already difficult. Increased traffic will heighten the risk of accidents.
- Pedestrian Access: Although footpaths exist along a small area of Sladburys Lane, a section regularly floods, rendering it impassable and exposing pedestrians to splash hazards from passing vehicles.
- Public Transport Access: The nearest bus stop is approximately ¼ mile away, making the site poorly served by public transport.
Pressure on Local Services
- School Capacity: The proposed housing is likely to attract families, yet Holland Haven Primary School is over capacity (confirmed by a school governor) and Holland Park Primary School at 99%, according to Crystal Roof statistics.
- Amenity Strain: Holland-on-Sea, with around 3,500 dwellings, is primarily a retirement area. The influx of younger families may strain services not currently scaled for this demographic shift.
Environmental and Safety Issues
- Road Surface and Infrastructure: The condition of Sladburys Lane has deteriorated, with worsening potholes and verges. Burrs Road, which connects to the area, includes a narrow railway crossing and limited passing places, already under pressure from increased traffic.
- Noise and Disruption: Residents report increased noise, dust, and antisocial driving behaviour (e.g., speeding around the new roundabout), as well as lorries obstructing driveways.
Flood Risk and Drainage
- Downhill Impact: While the proposed site is elevated and may not flood, runoff could affect lower-lying properties. Historical flooding in Keswick Avenue, where rainwater flowed from Sladburys Lane into homes, is a real concern.
- Drainage Infrastructure: If sewers are overwhelmed, flooding may involve wastewater, not just rainwater.
- Water Feature Risk: The proposed lake or attenuation pond at the top of the site raises questions—where will overflow water go during heavy rainfall?
Access and Emergency Services
- Bridge Over Pickers Ditch: This bridge is already problematic. Bin lorries reportedly avoid it, using Burrs Road instead. Increased traffic may exacerbate access issues, especially during flooding.
Planning Contravention
- A current Sladburys Lane resident has recently moved to their property and specifically requested information on building in the immediate vicinity and searches were returned stating no building was to take place. The new development is planned to be directly next to her house.
In conclusion, while the development may appear modest in scale, its cumulative impact - especially following the nearby Trinity Park development - poses significant risks to road safety, local infrastructure, and environmental resilience. I urge the planning committee to consider these objections seriously and reject the application.
Yours sincerely
Karen Clark
Transport, Planning & Highways