Those were the words of one of my constituents who lives on Alexandra Road and who is currently one of a small handful of residents fighting against a controversial plan to convert No 22 into four flats.
This is one of many local campaigns going on the ward we are supporting to try and help maintain the unique character of the Redlands area.
The other 'biggie' on the go at the moment is our campaign against plans to redevelop 46 Redlands Road for ten flats. I sent in a five-page objection to that proposal earlier today and I know lots of local residents are doing the same.
Glenn has already written about the work he is doing helping residents campaign to save the trees on Alexandra Road which were removed by the Council. A petition is doing the rounds: please sign it if you see it.
Both these planning proposals have nothing to offer local people (for example they are too small to include any elements of 'affordable' housing).
They will do nothing to improvethe area and simply line the pockets of greedy developers.
One of the big worries is the problems more cars on this already overcrowded street will cause. No-one I've spoken to who lives there believes this wil be a 'car-free development'.
When 22 Alexandra Road was discussed at Planning Applications Committee a couple of weeks ago officers were recommending approval but we persuaded Members to defer the decision for a site visit to take place.
This was mainly down to some very heartful arguments in favour of preserving the character of this lovely area put across by my constituents Martin, Conor and Arthur, I.
The site visit took place last week and Members were greeted by residents bearing placards which read:
"Over development - Loss of amenities"
"Don't be fooled: work goes on relentlessly (till 1h55 on 23.10.09) -visito f councillors due between 2pm and 4 pm - the 4 flats are nearly ready"
"The garage was ATTACHED & PART OF the house ( as its other semi) We have been watching since March No. 22 being transformed day in day out, weekends included, without planning permission and are appalled"
The developer was apparently in the vicinity handing out written material contradicting what residents saying.
Residents I've heard from today cannot believe officers are still recommending that this application should be approved and that parking is not an issue.
Arthur who is Chair of the Alexandra Road residents association emailed me to say:
"I'm sure I speak on behalf of nearly everyone at this end of Alexandra Road. We don't object to development of our street. We love this street as a living evolving and changing environment. We do object to development which is unsympathetic and out of character. This property was a beautiful example of Victorian architecture before it had its garage unceremoniously removed. Important trees have been pulled down. And with four flats, the property looks likely to put yet more cars on this already crowded street if planning is approved."
Arthur's neighbour, Conor added:
Despite the Council's positive commitment to the special character of the area, residents in the conservation area of Alexandra Road are likely to have their objections to the proposals to convert a familyhouse into 4 flats ignored.
Parking is the big issue - 4 flats could mean 8 cars! Local residents are angry that this blatant overdevelopment (if approved) will see the chronic parking situation get worse and will create a less safe street.
This doesn't seem to worry the developer as work has been underway for a number of months without planning permission.
If this scheme is approved - it will be a travesty for the Conservation Area make a mockery of our planning process and will make our street less safe."
We are backing these residents 100% in their fight to maintain all that is great about the area they live in.
Sadly there will be no opportunity for public speaking at that meeting but I really hope Members of PAC see sense next week (4 November) and they agree to reject this dreadful plan.
If you are moved by what you have read please email your objections through to julie.williams@reading.gov.uk before 4 November!
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