The obvious first impression is that they are trying to cram too much in but having looked in detail at the application I'm surprised to say I'm erring on being supportive.

Not sure the 'gated' element is really an issue. It is already gated for a start and the idea of a queue of traffic attempting to enter the site at the same time doesn't seem likely. The position of the gate would seem to allow for at least two cars to be off the main carriageway if such a situation did occur or if deliveries etc were being made.

I also like the idea of a group of family homes tucked away safely near a local park and schools. I live in a cul-de-sac of similar sized properties with similar sized gardens. One of the things that is valued by many of the residents is the quiet shared space to the front of the houses where kids are relatively safe to play, under supervision. It looks like this development would provide a similar amenity.

The size of the units seems to closely mirror a set of 6 houses on the opposite side of Baxter's Field but I can see why local residents are nervous or objecting to an increase from 1 to 6 houses on the plot. That said, if it was cut to 4 or 3 houses I imagine the level of objection would be much the same.

When a house in our street went up for sale recently there was plenty of interest despite the state of the property market, presumably as it represented an affordable family home.