FURIOUS Charles Street residents joined forces this week to oppose developers' plans to replace an Edwardian house with a modern, three-storey block of flats. They say it is time to "stand up and be counted" after comments attributed to town councillor Paul Molloy that the new development "can't be any worse than the scrub and rubbish there at the moment". Neighbouring home owners believe the comments cast a negative light on similar buildings in the area, and that the new 11- bedroom property would add to the chronic parking problems the street already endures. In a letter to The Herald, signed by 16 fellow residents, Ian Crossby said there was nothing wrong with the current house at 5 Charles Street. He said: "The remark is particularly offensive because the building concerned is reflective of and in keeping with the majority of housing in the Petersfield area. "Are councillors really suggesting that the majority of town houses would be greatly improved by being demolished and replaced by featureless high-rise buildings? "Replacing pleasant houses and gardens with a large and overwhelming block of flats will not improve anything, rather degrade the situation further. Another resident, Gerry Barkham, is "fired up" by what he says are offensive remarks. "What was Mr Molloy calling rubbish? Is it the houses in the street? If that is the case, please councillors, come round and knock them down and you can build what you want here. "He thought we would ignore it, but they are very offensive remarks. It is about time the street stood up and was counted. "It is a nice old building in keeping with the rest of the street." Mr Barkham said he was worried about a loss of privacy and further parking problems if the development gets the go-ahead. "The new development is going to be three storeys high - my privacy will be invaded, as will everyone else's. "And parking is already a nightmare. They [the councillors] seem to be skating over a problem that the whole town has felt. And neighbour Quentin Jay believes the new plans represent a "terrible precedent" for the area and fears similar developments could soon follow. "I think it is the thin end of the wedge. They would be knocking down a perfectly habitable building," said Mr Jay. "It is heartbreaking to knock down a nice Edwardian property. It is an appalling precedent to set for the town as a whole. "I think the comments by Paul Molloy were unnecessary." His wife Sally added: "It just suggests he has absolutely no idea what he is talking about. It is a perfectly good house." When contacted by The Herald Mr Molloy did not deny making the comment in question, but said he did not recall any council member making the remark. The Herald was unable to contact the owners of 5 Charles Street. l See letters, Page 11
