'We don't want this development'

Overwhelming vote by residents against town centre plans

By Will Davies

HENLEY RESIDENTS have voted overwhelmingly against the controversial re-development plans for Market Place Mews — with 96 per cent saying no.
Responding to a questionnaire printed in the Standard, angry residents are branding the £5 million development as ‘dense and vulgar’ and ‘big money talking.’
The developers London and Henley Properties are launching a revised bid after their original plans were rejected.
But many residents worry about what is already a contentious issue in the town — the increase in traffic congestion and heightened exposure to carbon emissions.
They are also concerned about additional parking requirements to cater for extra visitors the development would generate.
But mayor Cllr. Barry Wood stressed that while the council is sympathetic to the issues of parking and congestion, there was a need to find a solution in order ‘to encourage investment and development in the town.’
The majority of those who replied to the questionnaire, voiced fears over the size of the project — that it was ‘far too large’ and that ‘the buildings are too high and over intensive.’ But the overriding concern was that Henley would eventually become overdeveloped and lose its charm.

One reader said: “The retail units are aimed at attracting large companies rather than niche shops, which are more attractive to Henley.”And another wrote: “I object to the proliferation of chain shops. Soon Henley will resemble any other high street.”

But Cllr. Wood insisted that the council does not want to increase the number of chain shops within the town.He said: “We might have no choice but to let chain shops come to Henley, but we don’t want a predominance of them.“We have a great need to encourage independent retailers.”

One reader gave a cautious thumbs up to the development, saying: “I hope it will put pay to the proposed development at the Townlands site. We do not need a department store or a 600-seat auditorium.”
The mayor said that at present, it is ‘most unlikely’ that the town council will endorse the development and has asked that the new plans which are being drawn up are exhibited at the end of the month.
He said: “We hope that as many people as possible will view these plans and give their response. It is important that the people of Henley have their say.”