I wish to document my concern about the proposed building of 23 new homes on this site.
I have submitted the following comments to Osprey Homes:

1) While I accept the need for development of this site with the inclusion of some 'affordable' homes, the proposed number of 23 new homes is too high for a site of approx. one hectare (2.5 acres). A rough calculation shows that the development planned represents an increase in the Preston housing stock of nearly 20% squeezed into only about 5% of the area covered by the village. This density would render the site out of line with the very special character of our historic village; it would also act as a precedent for future planning applications on remaining plots of undeveloped land in the village.
2) The number of cars likely to be introduced by purchasers of the properties has adverse implications for road safety. The Templars Lane access road comes out - in either direction - onto quiet country lanes with no pavements or street lights (though the absence of light pollution is a benefit of living here). Butchers Lane so narrow that cars cannot pass in opposite directions without one or other reversing.
3) There is insufficient parking allocated in such a confined space. Even the one-bedroom properties are likely to have two cars but the commitment to more parking spaces is limited to the larger properties. Nine visitor spaces is woefully inadequate - other visitors will therefore need to park inappropriately on access streets. On Chequers Lane, residents of the Lutyens cottages already routinely park on the lane, requiring traffic to pass with care.
4) Is there a guarantee that the designated wild flower meadow will remain as an open space in perpetuity? At present it is unclear whether this part of the site could be built on in future.
5) In environmental interests, it would be preferable for the development to include heat pumps rather than gas.