Our town's character and the heritage site we collectively hold dear, the Somerset Lodge and Arksey pub, is under threat due to a proposed development of a block of flats surrounding the main building, essentially blocking it from view and preventing public access. The green lawn and surrounding trees will be lost and an imposing structure (which will have to be excavated for underground parking), of four stories of tiny 30m square bedsit and two bedroom apartments will dwarf the surrounding residences and businesses.

We recognize and support our town's need for development, but it must not be at the cost of our town's identity and the rich historical heritage it carries. We believe that there is unquestionable value in preserving the Somerset Lodge and leveraging it's unique contribution to the town's character and history, which would enhance the town, and brings about economic benefits through tourism (National Trust, 2017). 

What's more, such dense development imposes undue stress on our town's already strained infrastructure, including sewage, flooding risk and traffic flow, consequently impacting the living conditions for the existing residents. We argue that the proposed development, in its current form, lacks the sensitivity towards our town's character, does not match the character of neighbouring single dwellings as well as the heritage site. It will be an eyesore.

We urge our city officials not to approve the deviations applied for by the developer and explore alternative development strategies for this site that can meet densification objectives in a more careful and considerate way, protecting our town's unique essence and the heritage site for the future generations to come. Please stand with us in preserving our town and sign this petition.