Ref: Planning application by Gentoo Homes for 50 new homes in South Hylton.

Dear Mr McIntyre,

We wish to object to the above planning application for 50 domestic homes in South Hylton, Sunderland, on the following grounds:

· Traffic and transport – 50 additional homes will drastically increase local traffic, impact on local air quality, safety of pedestrians (particularly local schoolchildren), and already congested parking. I therefore urge the council to carry out a thorough, independent and transparent assessment of the traffic and transport issues.

· Local services impact – The local medical surgery is already over subscribed and an additional 50 households will impact on appointments for existing and new residents. School places at the local primary school are also currently fully subscribed, which could result in local children having to travel further afield for school places. There is concern that existing drainage (which regularly floods gardens) will not be able to handle the waste from an additional 50 households.

· Loss of greenspace – The proposed site will take over the only large greenspace area between Birchwood and Keelmans Road. This outdoor space is well used by local dog walkers, residents and children. There is currently a Lottery funded Childrens Playground on the greenspace which is used for play, exercise and socialising by local children. This space is essential for the welfare and social growth of local children, as well as a safe outdoor exercise area for residents who cannot travel further afield due to disabilities and/or physical restriction.

· Loss of protected nature area – The proposed site also includes a protected natural area, which is home to rare fauna and flora. This site featured in a project by the late David Bellamy, and is a source for nature education for the local primary school, as well as an area for families to enjoy together. This is not something that can easily be relocated, and once lost will not be able to be replaced. I therefore urge the council to carry out a thorough, independent and transparent assessment of the loss of this natural reserve.