"James Bond-style villa" on May Hill sparks anger
VILLAGERS fear new planning rules could be exploited to allow a "hideous James Bond-style villa" to be built at an iconic beauty spot.
Tim and Sara Nash's plans for a futuristic home on May Hill have been slammed by Daily Mail columnist and nearby resident Quentin Letts, and sparked uproar in the parish of Longhope.
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how it could look: An artist's impression of a planned 'James Bond-style' mansion on May Hill.
"The new planning minister, Nick Boles, and his Secretary of State, Eric Pickles, gave assurances about the Green Belt," wrote Mr Letts, who lives around seven miles away in Herefordshire.
"But what about the rest of the English countryside? Places like historic May Hill, threatened by a hideous James Bond-style villa?"
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Mr and Mrs Nash's application states it is in direct response to new rules in the National Planning Policy Framework, which allow for isolated homes in the countryside if they re-use old buildings, have exceptional design or are innovative – and sensitive to the surrounding environment.
Many residents who turned out in force at Longhope Parish Council's Monday meeting believe the proposal does not accord with the new part of the framework, even though the application details many environmentally-friendly features.
Longhope Parish Council oppose the application.
A statement from Mr and Mrs Nash said: "We understand this has become a very controversial application but our intention has never been to spoil beautiful May Hill where we have lived ourselves for over seven years and where Mr Nash has visited since he was a small child, being born and raised on a farm nearby. We have always wanted to build an inspirational contemporary home in a traditional country setting. "We feel this house fulfils that and will provide a legacy."
Comments
by valhalla2010
Friday, September 21 2012, 5:54PM
“yes, yes, and Polar Bears with lazers beams strapped to their heads.”
by dontyaknow
Friday, September 21 2012, 5:35PM
“I quite like it. What really makes the English Countryside are the buildings and not the never ending green fields. Imagine the Cotswolds without the stone towns, villages and country houses. Whilst it would still be a worthy day out, it certainly would not have the appeal it does now.
Only 5% of land in this country has been built on, and as long as people build interesting and well kept houses, I see no reason why we shouldn't keep building them
And I don't know what Quentin is on really, just another NIMBY. I know his area well, and you cannot even see May Hill from there.”
by NibNobs
Thursday, September 20 2012, 8:43PM
“Chrisgump2011, "I agree with Nick"”
by Alf58
Thursday, September 20 2012, 7:58PM
“I'm sure that buildings like Fallingwater, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, would have drawn as much criticism in their day as this proposed building is today. I'm not a great fan of modern architecture myself, generally speaking, but it may be that this building will look far better built once the surrounding landscape has recovered than it looks in the artist's impression.”
by Chrisgump2011
Thursday, September 20 2012, 7:40PM
“NibNobs. I will allow you to record a cover version of my apology provided proceeds go to charity”
by NibNobs
Thursday, September 20 2012, 7:35PM
“Chrisgump2011, apology accepted. Does the fine quality drawing mean the paper is worth 50p...?
no, I thought not.”
by Chrisgump2011
Thursday, September 20 2012, 7:08PM
“Thanks NibNobs. Just checking you were awake. Not a bad artists impression though (I would say that wouldn't I?) spoilt only by the Cider with Rosie couple in the foreground.
Just realised that there were forts like this in the Maginot line were there not? Hopefully the good folk of Longhope can use this one to keep out interlopers from Hereford, particularly Daily Mail journalists”
by 2ladybugs
Thursday, September 20 2012, 6:52PM
“I can't see what is wrong with it. It looks like it will sit nicely in the surrounding countryside and at least it isn't shaped like a cardboard box.”
by NibNobs
Thursday, September 20 2012, 6:36PM
“Chrisgump2011, err it says "artist impression" meaning NOT YET BUILT.”
by BigDog2010
Thursday, September 20 2012, 5:55PM
“I think it looks great, good luck to them”