Flackwell Heath Residents' Association

Sub Group - Planning & Environment

Dear Members,

A number of you have contacted us to share your concerns regarding The Old Nursery Site – 128 Heath End Road since reading the article in the South Bucks Star dated 20th June.  We have worked very closely with WDC Enforcement since the factory style gates first appeared at the site in late February, notifying them of all subsequent activity breaching planning rules.  Enforcement have been very appreciative of us acting as their eyes on this site and have responded extremely quickly in every instance we have reported, visiting the site a number of times.  A High Court Injunction was obtained on 7th March to prevent any further work requiring planning permission being undertaken on the site.  We have endeavoured to keep you informed regarding this site by means of our articles in ‘The Grapevine’ but are aware that unlike the South Bucks Star not every household in Flackwell Heath receives this publication. 

Unfortunately the article in the South Bucks Star is not wholly accurate.  Whilst it is true that the Public Enquiry into the land by the RAF base was adjourned until September to allow consideration as to whether The Old Nursery Site might satisfy the needs of this particular family, to date WDC have not received a full planning application for this site in the Green Belt.

This is one of the sites we are closely monitoring and should such an application be submitted we will draw it to your attention for action.  In the meanwhile you maybe interested to read the latest planning policy for traveller sites which is below.

Yours sincerely,

Carolyn Leonard
Chair of Planning & Environment Group

Planning

RAF DAWS HILL
We are continuing to work with Daws Hill Residents’ Association and the WDC Reference Group regarding the development of the RAF Daws Hill site by Taylor Wimpy and are monitoring the situation very closely.  Today I have received an invitation from Taylor Wimpy for us to attend an exhibition to discuss the redevelopment proposals for the site.  The dates are Thursday 1st December from 2pm-8pm and Saturday 3rd December from 10am -5pm when members of their project team will be available to listen to your views and answer questions.  This is an open meeting on the site so we would urge you to attend and make your views known.  We will of course keep you updated as this development will undoubtedly affect the present infrastructure and place further strains on it.

AMERSHAM & WYCOMBE COLLEGE
You will probably have noticed the building works on the Amersham & Wycombe College site.  At present two new blocks have been completed, and shortly the next phase will commence with the demolition of the tower block.  We understand a number of courses with January starts are being offered and enquiries will be welcomed.

Environment

DIAMOND JUBILEE PLANS
We are pleased to report that preparations for celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee are progressing. 

On 17th November, we presented our plan to rejuvenate and enhance School Green, the main green in the centre of the village, to the Chepping Wycombe Parish Council Amenity Land Committee.  We explained that at present this area needs attention as many of the plants are past their best and in some areas, particularly in front of the re-cycling bins, weeds have completely taken over.  We presented two designs to the committee for their consideration, both designs retaining the trees already on the green.  The members of the committee listened intently to our presentation and asked a number of relevant questions before choosing the design they preferred and agreeing unanimously that we could proceed with the project.  We now look forward to working with Chepping Wycombe Parish Council personnel on this project.  A number of local businesses have encouraged us in this venture by responding with substantial pledges to sponsor this project and our grateful thanks go to them.  We would be delighted to accept any further pledges to sponsor shrubs, plants and even sleepers and/or any offers of gardening skills/help from any business or individual/family.  Please contact us, details below.

Carolyn Leonard

Chair of FHRA Planning and Environment Group

01628526512

fhra-planning-environment@flackwellheath.net      

Planning

RAF DAWS HILL
The RAF Daws Hill site visit and subsequent Reference Group meeting proved very useful.  It was interesting walking around the site and seeing not only the facilities and buildings but also the number of beautiful, mature trees.  We understand the site has a blanket Tree Preservation Order; hence this will be one of a number of constraints the developers will need to accommodate.  Due to the vast amount of work necessitated by a planning application for a site of this size, an application is unlikely before the autumn of 2012.

BABS PARK
The Babs Park enquiry finally closed late on 5th October so we now await the result of the Inspector’s deliberations.  With 9 days of evidence to sift through this is likely to take some time.

WYCOMBE DISTRICT COUNCIL – Site & Allocations Document
We have made comments to WDC regarding the latest version of the Delivery and Site Allocations Document.  These have centred on traffic infrastructure, particularly in view of the likely development of RAF Daws Hill.  We are pleased to note that development on Abbey Barn South is not being brought forward.  Further information on this can be found on WDC’s website. 
http://www.wycombe.gov.uk/council-services/planning-and-buildings/planning-consultations/delivery-and-site-allocations-document.aspx

Environment

LITTERPICK
Thank you to those of you who helped with the litter pick last Saturday.  It was disappointing when we arrived at School Green to see one of the waste bins rolled over with its inside loose by its side, we can only assume this was an instance of anti-social behaviour.  This was a great pity; however on a positive note I believe it was the best weather we have ever had for a litter pick.  Come along and join us next time.

Carolyn Leonard

Chair of FHRA Planning and Environment Group

01628526512

fhra-planning-environment@flackwellheath.net      

Planning

RAF DAWS HILL
You will no doubt have read in the press that RAF Daws Hill has been sold by the MOD, the successful developers being Taylor Wimpy.  Residents in the Daws Hill area are obviously concerned that a suitable development is achieved for the area and that appropriate infrastructure is put in place.  They have recognised Flackwell Heath will be affected by this development and have invited us to work with them, which we are pleased to do. 

WDC are in the process of forming a group of planning officers, councillors and residents, including those from Flackwell Heath to work together on this development to try to ensure the best possible solutions for such a development.  The first meeting of this group will be a site visit which will help us gain an insight into its characteristics as of course due to its previous history it is a site we are not familiar with.  It is expected that a planning application will not be presented for some time however our membership of the WDC group in particular will enable us to keep abreast of the situation.

THE GREEN MAN
Over the summer holidays The Green Man car park became a BMX venue for a short while.  This served to highlight the lack of facilities for the youth of the area, which we hope to address in the coming months by working with CWPC, the police and the youngsters themselves.  We are hoping the youngsters will come up with ideas, which can be considered and costed.

BABS PARK
The Babs park public inquiry continued on October 3rd, 4th and 5th at 10am each day in the main Council Chamber in Wycombe.  There now follows a long wait (we anticipate several weeks) while the Inspector deliberates and then delivers his verdict.  We will keep you posted.

Environment

PLANTERS
You will have noticed how lovely the planters have been looking over the summer and our thanks go to Liz, Pam, Charles and Charlie for their help in achieving such wonderful focal points.  Thanks too to all those who have been busy watering them, without you they would not have looked so beautiful over such a long period.  We are now planning for the autumn and 2012 and will be planting more bulbs in the recreation ground amongst other projects we have in mind.

LITTERPICK
Did anyone notice the Executive Committee out litter-picking on 1st October?  We’ll advise the date of the next one well in advance and look forward to welcoming new “pickers”.  We urge you to join us and help make the village a tidier place to live in.

Carolyn Leonard

Chair of FHRA Planning and Environment Group

01628526512

fhra-planning-environment@flackwellheath.net      

CHERRY FAYRE

We’d like to say a big THANK YOU to all of you who contributed to the Residents’ Association Stalls at the Cherry Fayre last Sunday.  We really appreciated all the books, plants and prizes that were given to us.  The help given to us by so many willing volunteers was greatly appreciated by us all so a big thank you to you and also thank you to those of you who turned up at our stalls taking part in the games, buying books, plants and cherry turnovers.  It was a fun and successful day for the whole village.

Planning

BABS PARK
The Babs park public inquiry will be continuing on October 3rd, 4th and 5th at 10am each day in the main Council Chamber in Wycombe.

Environment

PLANTERS
You will have noticed how lovely the planters have been looking in the village and our thanks go to Liz, Pam, Charles and Charlie for their help in achieving such lovely focal points.  Thanks too to all those who have been busy watering them!

LITTERPICK
We hope to hold our next litter pick on Saturday 1st October from 10.30am to 12.30pm.  We would urge you to join us and help make the village a tidier place to live in.

Carolyn Leonard

Chair of FHRA Planning and Environment Group

01628526512

fhra-planning-environment@flackwellheath.net      

Planning

THE GREEN MAN

As I write there is still no decision on the application 11/05045/FUL by Oakengates Ltd / Enterprise Inns PLC for the Green Man site.  We understand that WDC has undertaken a Retail Impact Survey of its own but at the moment it is not available for general view on the WDC website. 

BABS PARK

The Babs Park inquiry recommences on June 2nd at 10am in the Main Council Chamber at the Council Offices in High Wycombe and will continue on June 8th and 9th.  Thank you to everyone who contacted me regarding the numerous large lorries going in there with soil the week of the ‘Royal Wedding’.  I understand that WDC Planning Enforcement visited the site to assess the situation.

Environment

LITTERPICK

Despite the wonderful weather we have had recently and early Saturday morning being bright and sunny, by Litter Pick time it had clouded over.  Fortunately the rain held off for the duration of the ‘Pick’ and for clearing up afterwards.  We collected a lot of litter again and noticed far fewer cigarette packets, so well done for that.  It was disappointing however to still see so many cigarette ends and we hope there will be an improvement in this aspect next time.  We are also pleased to report that there is a lessening in the quantity of dog mess on the recreation ground however we would remind dog owners that it should be picked up and put in the bins which are easily accessed.  I should like to thank all of you who came out to help with the Litter Pick, as I know you lead busy lives.  It was good to see a couple of new faces but we would love to see more of you, especially younger members of the community.

SCHOOL PARKING

There is still considerable concern regarding inconsiderate parking outside the schools.  We have mentioned the parking outside the Carrington Schools in particular but I have been reminded by a phone call today that residents in Bracken Way are experiencing considerable problems with parking making it very difficult and at times impossible to get out of their drives.  We would remind parents picking up their children to consider the residents of the area around Juniper Hill School when they park.

PLANTERS

You hopefully will have noticed that we have planted more plants in the planters on the Methodist Church corner and have also turned our attention to improving the planting in the planter outside Radhuni on a more permanent basis.  Our thanks go to Liz Johncock and Pam Mannering for their help with this.  Watering during the prolonged dry spell, the driest April on record I believe has proved a real challenge.  We are grateful to the Methodist Church for watering on a regular basis and thanks also go to the Ian Rennie shop and the Community Centre for help in providing water.

Carolyn Leonard

Chair of FHRA Planning and Environment Group

01628526512

fhra-planning-environment@flackwellheath.net      

It has been good to have had so much contact with villagers over the past few weeks and we are always pleased to help you where we can or to refer you to someone we think can help. 

Planning

TELECOMMUNICAITONS MAST

We are pleased to report the refusal of planning application 11/05473/TCIF on behalf of Vodaphone / O2 for the telecommunications mast, harrier and meter cabinets on the island outside Frackle Fryers was posted on the WDC website earlier today.  Thank you to those of you who wrote to Jenny Ion, the Planning Officer in charge of the case, expressing your views.

THE GREEN MAN    
                            
As I write there is still no decision on the application 11/05045/FUL by Oakengates Ltd / Enterprise Inns PLC for the Green Man site, clearly Jenny Ion who is also the Planning Officer in charge of this case feels there is much to consider as do our District Councillors, who have asked for the application to go before the Planning Committee if the Planning Officers are minded to approve it.

BABS PARK

Last week the Babs Park inquiry was adjourned after three days until Thursday 2nd June at 10am, it is also scheduled to continue on 8th and 9th June; all members of the public are welcome to attend.

Environment

SCHOOL PARKING

Traffic problems and inconsiderate parking in the village continue however due to the perseverance and diligence of Barbara Hunt and Carrington School’s Travel Team yellow lines are to be installed along Chapel Road.  It is hoped these will alleviate some of the parking problems in the area of the Carrington Schools and our thanks go to them.

DAFFODILS

The 500 or so daffodils we planted in the recreation ground last year have started to fill in the gaps but there is still room for more so we hope to continue planting next Autumn.  Residents of the village donated some of these and all of the daffodils in the planters and we thank them for their kindness.

Carolyn Leonard

Chair of FHRA Planning and Environment Group

01628526512

fhra-planning-environment@flackwellheath.net      

THE GREEN MAN

At the time of writing The Green Man planning application is still pending consideration however having read all the submissions sent to WDC, it is clear traffic issues are considered a real concern.  The residents of Swains Lane have felt so strongly that traffic in Swains Lane is a growing problem that they organised a meeting, which was well attended by themselves and residents of Halls Corner.  I was pleased to help with this and it enabled them to express their concerns to councillors at both parish and district level.  As a consequence they decided to park fully in the road instead of partially on the pavement and this has slowed the traffic. 

SPEEDING ON STRAIGHT BIT

Residents of Straight Bit are also concerned regarding speeding traffic, the recent traffic survey recording an average speed of 29mph indicating that a number of vehicles must be travelling at speeds greater than the 30mph limit.  David Onslow took the concerns of both groups to the last NAG meeting and as a result we hope to have a Speedwatch Campaign in the village shortly.  This campaign will seek to educate those travelling in excess of the speed limit and will be run by a trained officer from TVP together with volunteers from the village.  If you have speeding problems in your road please let us know, as unless you do we are unaware of them.  We would like to thank David for his help in securing this positive outcome.

SCHOOL PARKING

Inconsiderate parking, particularly in the vicinity of both schools, appears to be an ongoing problem that we know is of concern to the school travel teams.  Last week this problem culminated in an ambulance with flashing blue lights being delayed due to parking on both sides of the road outside the Carrington Schools.  Despite the Rescue and Emergency services putting up posters on the lamp posts in Chapel Road the same evening asking motorists to leave a minimum 10 foot (3m) passage for emergency vehicles the problem is still evident.

BABS PARK

Last Friday, Jim Penfold (Chair or Bourne End Residents’ Association) attended the FHRA AGM, especially so he could thank all the folk who have reported the movements of the lorries into Babs Park on Blind Lane.  WDC planning officers are delighted with the help and evidence these reports have given them in the run up to the public inquiry in April, so thank you to all of you.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS MAST

We have also noticed there is a planning application 11/05473/TCIF on behalf of Vodaphone and O2 for a telecommunications mast, a harrier cabinet and a meter cabinet on the island outside Frackle Fryers.  We hope that as with the Green Man application you will make your feelings felt but you will need to do this very quickly.  The Planning Officer in charge of the case is Jenny Ion who can be contacted at Jenny.Ion@wycombe.gov.uk or of course you can make your submission via the WDC website.    

Carolyn Leonard

Chair of FHRA Planning and Environment Group

01628526512

fhra-planning-environment@flackwellheath.net      

THE GREEN MAN

It is hardly surprising the proposed Green Man Development seems to have been the main topic of conversation since Christmas due to the potential impact on the village should it go ahead.  We were however overwhelmed by the response to the public meeting we organised for villagers to express their views on the evening of 24th January.  Our thanks go to the Community Association for their help and support in organising it and also to the badminton players who gave up their slot to enable the meeting to go ahead.  Thank you to all those folk who have phoned, e-mailed, and caught me in the street etc. to chat about their concerns, I just hope I have managed to answer all the messages received one way and another.  There is clearly huge feeling in the village about the potential development and the P&E group held a special meeting to discuss the planning concerns that quickly became apparent in the developer’s application.  Clearly FHRA has to represent villagers’ views and although these appeared to be overwhelmingly against the development we felt we should only express our concerns regarding planning policies, which we felt the developer had ignored.  These included:

• Overshadowing / Lack of light to the rear of neighbouring properties
• Noise / Light nuisance to neighbouring properties
• Traffic issues
• Servicing the site
• Impact on the vitality and viability of existing businesses
• Lack of community facilities
Besides the full version of our submission being available on the WDC Planning Website you can also see it on the Flackwell Heath Website:   www.flackwellheath.net
We are extremely pleased that so many of you wrote expressing your views to the Planning Officer, Jenny Ion and I will be collating these for a submission on The Local Traffic Plan on which WDC are currently consulting.   

AMERSHAM & WYCOMBE COLLEGE

Wycombe District Council have granted Amersham & Wycombe College planning permission for their development programme on the Flackwell Heath site and we look forward to this progressing over the next few months.  The new Construction Skills centre in particular should benefit the whole area and we hope will provide folk with improved skills for employment in the construction industry. 

PLANTERS AT THE METHODIST CHURCH

We hope you have all noticed the new planters that we have been able to purchase to enhance the corner by the Methodist Church.  Our grateful thanks to Charles Colton and Tim Kendell, who have given up their time to help me to place and fill the planters and to Liz Johncock, and Pam Mannering who helped to plant the planters.  We have almost finished the planting but some of the plants are not available yet, however as soon as they are we will finish the project.  We are hoping that in time the shrubs will fill the planters and with the under planting of bulbs for the spring will brighten the corner.    

Carolyn Leonard

Chair of FHRA Planning and Environment Group

01628526512

fhra-planning-environment@flackwellheath.net      

Planning

By the time you read this you will no doubt have heard of the planning application 11/05045/FUL for the Green Man site.   The proposal clearly indicates 2 retail units, open from 7am to 11pm seven days a week, one of which is designated a Sainsbury Local store.  At the time of writing the detailed documents have only been available for 48 hours and as these run into several hundred pages we have been unable to study them all in depth but we will do so over the next few days.  We hope folk will express their opinions to the planning officers and ask for the impact of such a development upon all the existing retail units within the village to be assessed before a decision is made, however as with all applications their decision will be based on planning issues.  We are of course interested in your opinions so please let us know what you think as soon as possible.

I have a date for the public inquiry regarding the enforcement notices issued for Babs Park.  It will be taking place from April 5th – 8th at the main Council Chamber in High Wycombe and is open to the public.  A record is still being kept of all the lorry traffic going to the site, so if you see any, please log the date, time and any other details you can and inform me so I can pass the information on.

You may have seen in the press that Amersham and Wycombe College are to redevelop the Flackwell Heath campus to give a new Construction Skills Centre, Gym and enhanced facilities for other vocational courses together with improved social spaces and wheelchair access.  In particular it is hoped the new Construction Skills Centre will serve the whole region and will provide a wide range of courses for those involved or wishing to be involved in the construction industry.  The project will commence in February with completion due in November and is a really exciting development for the college, which should benefit the whole community.

                  

We are pleased that WDC have refused planning permission for a 2-bedroom bungalow in the rear garden of 49 Oakland Way.  The council clearly thought it was overdevelopment of the site so thank you to all those folk who also wrote expressing their concerns.

Environment

We had hoped to have the new planters in place on the Methodist Church corner just before Christmas but the snow prevented the hauliers delivering them.  They are now in place and will be planted up over the next few weeks.  We would love to hear from any gardeners who would be willing to help us with the maintenance of them.

Carolyn Leonard

Chair of FHRA Planning and Environment Group

01628526512

fhra-planning-environment@flackwellheath.net      

Planning

We sent Wycombe District Council our submission regarding the proposal for a Community Stadium in the area.  We highlighted our concerns, particularly regarding Abbey Barn South and land to the East of Abbey Barn Lane in three main areas:

• The use of Greenfield land
• Traffic issues
• Lack of separation between High Wycombe and Flackwell Heath which use of this site would cause

We also highlighted a number of questions, which we felt needed addressing in the consultation.

Environment

As this year closes we are busy preparing for next.  Charles and Charlie have been very busy planning the future look of the planter on the corner of Chapman Lane and Sedgmoor Road.  They have improved the soil and replanted it with shrubs, both evergreen and flowering, which we hope will provide interest throughout the year.  The shrubs have been under planted with bulbs to add colour in the spring.  They have also added pansies and polyanthus to help fill in whist the shrubs grow to maturity. 

We have the new planters for the bare corner by the Methodist Church on order.  As soon as they arrive we hope to plant them with shrubs in the main.  It may be too late to plant bulbs for the spring in them this year but hopefully we will remedy this next year.  We are really looking forward to this project coming to fruition, as there have been so many hurdles to overcome to achieve it.  We would be very interested to hear of any gardeners who would like to help improve the look of the village by helping with the maintenance of them.  Please contact us if you can help us in this way.

This will be the last article for this year so all that remains is for us to wish you all a very happy Christmas and New Year.

Carolyn Leonard

Chair of FHRA Planning and Environment Group

01628526512

fhra-planning-environment@flackwellheath.net      

Planning

At present Wycombe District Council is holding a consultation regarding a new Community Stadium.  You will no doubt have noticed in the local press that the three sites on their short list are: Adams Park, Wycombe Air Park and Abbey Barn South together with land to the East of Abbey Barn Lane. 

We attended one of the discussion groups with planning officers and are preparing a submission to the council at present.  We hope that many of you will also have made your views known and will update you as the consultation progresses. 

Environment

We have been very impressed with the work done by the families at the end of Buckingham Way on the roundabout, which has made such a difference to the look of the area and have been pleased to make a contribution to the planting of it.

Now autumn is upon us we are planning for the future and have purchased bulbs to plant in the planters and in the recreation ground area.  We have also been delighted to accept daffodil bulbs donated by local residents for this purpose and look forward to seeing them brighten up the village in the spring. 

We also hope to continue to work with the Parish Council, donating more cherry trees for Juniper Corner, one of these will be to commemorate the very successful Cherry Fayre held in July. 

The Bourne End and Cookham Rotary Club who are hoping to plant about 3000 purple crocuses in Flackwell Heath as part of the ‘Thanks for Life’ campaign, to rid the world of polio, have contacted me to ensure we don’t disturb each other’s bulbs.  We wish them well in the campaign and look forward to seeing the crocuses in flower next year.  

Carolyn Leonard

Chair of FHRA Planning and Environment Group

01628526512

fhra-planning-environment@flackwellheath.net      

Planning

We are pleased to report Wycombe District Council Planning Officers took notice of our objections to the planning application for 28 Sedgmoor Road in their refusal.  It was good that a number of near neighbours also put pen to paper expressing their concerns.  It is important that unsuitable developments receive as many objections as possible; otherwise WDC is not aware of our concerns.

Wycombe District Council has informed us they hope to undertake a public consultation regarding the proposed new stadium and community sports facility, responding to issues caused by the constraints of the present Adams Park venue.  If approved by cabinet, this will run from Friday 17th September until Friday 29th October.  The consultation materials will be available from their website, the council offices in Wycombe and at libraries within the district.  There will also be drop in exhibitions and discussion sessions.

Environment

We are sure you will have noticed the wonderful displays of summer flowering plants in the planters outside Radhuni and on the corner of Chapman Lane and Sedgmoor Road.  The Residents’ Association have been pleased to provide the plants however we are indebted to Jeff Herschel for planting them. 

You will probably wonder how the displays in the planters have done so well in the dry weather over the summer. Our thanks go to the staff of Radhuni for watering the planter outside the restaurant, and special thanks to Charles Coulton and Charlie Hobbs who have tended the planter on the corner of Chapman Lane, as they have carried water a considerable distance to keep it looking so fresh.

The Sedgmoor Planter

Carolyn Leonard

Chair of FHRA Planning and Environment Group

01628526512

fhra-planning-environment@flackwellheath.net      

Wycombe Community Stadium

You may have noticed in the local press there has been a ‘Collaboration Agreement’ between Wycombe District Council, Wycombe Wanderers and London Wasps regarding the provision of a new Community Stadium for Wycombe. The vision is to provide a sports village as well as a Community Stadium.  Although the Adams Park site will be reviewed it is possible a new location will be necessary to provide the envisioned facilities.  We will of course update you as more information becomes available.  Should you wish to read more detail go to:  www.wycombe.gov.uk/planning.  Once in the planning portal click on planning news and then Wycombe Community Stadium.

Litter Pick

We have noticed that there is a build up of litter in various parts of the village again so are organising another litter pick on Saturday 12th June from 10.30am to 12.30pm, meeting on the village green, all are welcome please so please come and join us.

We have noticed that there is a build up of litter in various parts of the village again so are organising another litter pick on Saturday 12^th June from 10.30am to 12.30pm, meeting on the village green, all are welcome please come and join us.

Planning

The Planning Inspectorate have dismissed the appeal for permission to demolish the existing bungalow and build two 4-bedroom houses at 18 Wilfreds Wood Close on the grounds of harming the character and appearance of the locality and providing poor living conditions for the occupants of neighbouring properties or the development itself.  We note however that a new application has recently been submitted for demolition of the bungalow and the building of a single detached 4-bedroom house with a separate garage/garden store.
Carolyn Leonard
Chair of FHRA Planning and Environment Group
01628526512

Click here to View, Print, Download this document in PDF format

A considerable amount of further work has taken place on this corner, Parish Council staff have spread tons of topsoil to even the surface somewhat and work is in hand to plant a traditional Chiltern hedge and junipers. I understand the cost of transforming this area from a village eyesore to a very pleasant and attractive area has been exceptionally modest due to local Parish Councillors donating their time to help supervise the use of folk from the Community Payback Scheme in this work, and also to Councillor Julia Langley’s contribution for the hedge from her ward budget.


Carolyn Leonard
Chair of FHRA Planning and Environment Group
01628526512

Click here to View, Print, Download this document in PDF format

Planning

The Magpie
At the time of writing we have just been informed that the Planning Inspectorate has dismissed Shanlys appeal for the first of the two planning applications they have made for the site.  The grounds for dismissal appear to be:

• Appropriate arrangements have not been put into place to secure provision of an appropriate form of social housing
• Suitable arrangements have not been made to secure contributions to items such as education, indoor sports and leisure facilities, and fire services.

The second planning application, an amendment of the first is still pending a decision.

18 Wilfreds Wood Close
We understand the refusal of permission to demolish the bungalow and build two 4-bed houses has been taken to appeal.

Environment

There continues to be a considerable problem with dog ‘poo’ on public open spaces, for instance it has to be cleared off the recreation ground before Saturday football.  This is very unfair to those having to do the clearing and also to responsible dog owners who clear up after their pets.  There are two ‘poo’ bins on this particular area so there is really no excuse for this un-neighbourly behaviour.  We understand the problem has been discussed at council level and there was considerable support for banning dogs from such areas, however it was decided to leave this in abeyance for the present.  It is clear that a ban might be implemented in the future should the problem persist so PLEASE CLEAR UP AFTER YOUR PETS!

We are still endeavouring to make the village look more attractive.  We have however experienced problems with suitable sites to place cherry trees and planters.  Some sites have services underneath, others are too near the highway and there are also the various bureaucratic hurdles to overcome.  We are hopefully making some progress in these directions, albeit slow and hope that we will have some native species cherry trees and some new planters in the village over the next few months.  About 500 spring bulbs have been planted in the recreation ground area, which we hope will brighten up the area in the spring.

Minutes Secretary

We have a need for a Minutes Secretary to help us in our endeavours to make the village an even more pleasant place to live.  If you have some time to spare and feel you could help us in this way, please contact me

Carolyn Leonard
Chair of FHRA Planning and Environment Group

Click here to View, Print, Download this document in PDF format

What a load of rubbish!

In our quest to make a difference in the village we held our latest litter pick on 3^rd October, it was great to welcome new folk and our thanks to all who came and collected 23 full bags of rubbish, including old carpeting, bits from cars plus a large tyre.  Our thanks go to Terry, Kerry and the guys at the depot without whose help our tidying up of the village in this way would be impossible. 

Chatting to Kerry I find the litter problem in the district is costing the council thousands of pounds a year, which of course is reflected in our council tax payments.  This however is avoidable if we all take a little more care and dispose of our litter properly.  Prevalent this time, sweetie papers, the type small children tend to have and cans and bottles stuffed in the hedges. 

It was very disconcerting to see the amount of dog mess, particularly on the recreation ground.  Please may we make a plea to those dog owners to deal with this matter responsibly, there are two dog waste bins situated on the recreation ground so there is really no excuse for it, and after all a dog poo bag takes up little room in your pocket or bag.  Chepping Wycombe Parish Council pay a considerable amount each year to have these bins maintained so let’s make it worthwhile and use them rather than leaving the mess around to cause a health hazard and messy shoes. 

Another problem is the amount of discarded cigarette ends, apart from being difficult to pick up I gather that these take around 15 years to degrade completely and have been shown to cause pockets of pollution due to the nicotine and other waste products concentrating as they decompose.  On a more positive note we didn’t find all the used bus tickets we did the time before so well done for that.  Please consider joining us for our next effort to tidy up the village, we would really welcome you.

There is now a big hole in Heath End Road where ‘The Magpie’ once stood, however at the time of writing the appeal by Michael Shanly Homes for building 9 homes on the site is still in progress.  We will update you when we hear more.

Lastly thanks for contacting me on a range of issues; it is good to hear your comments and concerns, which we do try to address.      

Carolyn Leonard

Chairman FHRA P&E

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