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Vishal
Starting Member
United Kingdom
1 Posts |
 Posted - 08/25/2008 : 12:53:02
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I am curious to know how many residents are aware about the Planning Application at Vernon Close...to demolish 2 Bungalows and replace them with EIGHT 1Bedroom flats and TWO 2Bedroom flats with apparently 'associated parking', if this goes ahead the amount of chaos surrounding this area will be extremely high with regards to parking for residents, aesthetics of the area....as i fail to believe how this amount of flats could make the area look nice the best it would do is make it look totally condensed !
What are your thoughts and opinions...obviously you know mine!
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Diane
Starting Member
United Kingdom
20 Posts |
Posted - 08/25/2008 : 13:59:40
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Hi Vishal
I live in Gadesden Road and spotted it during my weekly online check of the planning applications. I went to the Bourne Hall earlier this month to look at the plans before putting in my objections on the grounds that it is not in keeping with the area, that there will be loss of privacy for the adjacent bungalows in Poplar Farm Close and Chessington Close, general disturbance for the residents of Vernon Close and Gadesden Road due to the increase in traffic and a further increase in the existing parking problems. I also mentioned the fact that there is no mention of the access required from Chessington Road to the bungalows' existing garages, plus I was not sure that the design of the building was acceptable, with all of the sewage discharging into the middle of the building and the plans to use a soakaway for rainwater, since the block will be very close to a flood zone. I also advised that replacement of bungalows by three storey blocks of flats and their associated parking problems is just not acceptable.
The pleasant outlook they rave about in their application is presumably looking out from the windows over a 21 space car park (shared with the recent new block opposite) and two bin sheds, or perhaps it's from towering over other people's bungalows and gardens? I took the short walk down there a couple of nights ago and was horrified to see the car park for the existing block opposite packed with cars (and no bikes in the bike shelter!) and people parking half on the pavements so they could park on both sides of Vernon Close, as there's already no room for all the cars. A very similar application in respect of these same bungalows was refused earlier this year both by the Council's planning department, and even on appeal, but some people obviously need to waste a lot more money before the message hits home and they realise that this monstrous 3 storey block is not acceptable here.
We know it's madness, but unfortunately, developers are greedy and look at everything in a different way to the rest of the population, until it comes to their own back yard....! |
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werra
Forum Admin
8 Posts |
Posted - 09/09/2008 : 13:58:08
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The WERRA committee and councillors are aware of all planning applications and these are posted on our web site on a regular basis; although please bear in mind that this is a voluntary organisation and the up dates can be delayed occasionally. The planning dept at the council will mail out notices to immediate neighbours and a notice should be up on site. So in answer to the question “how many residents are aware…”; always assume that the answer is “not enough!” and if you see an application notice in your locality then make sure that your neighbours know about it too.
It is easy for your Residents Association and councillors to assume that people will be generally against planning application, but it would be wrong to do so. Sometimes people do support applications; so make sure that WERRA and your ward councillor know your opinion.
So far it would seem that the main objection to this proposal is that of parking and West Ewell Ward councillors are looking into this aspect as well as clarifying information that we have heard that trades vehicles are not allowed in the parking area of the new block.
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Diane
Starting Member
United Kingdom
20 Posts |
Posted - 09/11/2008 : 14:06:35
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| I notice that on the council's planning list, this application (08/00538/FUL) has been withdrawn today. I won't hang the flags out quite yet, in case it's just a short term thing on a technicality of some sort, but I'm hoping that common sense has finally been restored and it won't be back again soon! |
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Diane
Starting Member
United Kingdom
20 Posts |
Posted - 09/11/2008 : 14:23:15
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| My joy was indeed shortlived, as 08/00643/FUL application that was put in three weeks later (25/7), still stands. That is fortunately, the one that I have objected on. Perhaps this is the latest ploy by developers; put in two applications and then withdraw one once the guaranteed consideration date has passed, to "dilute" the number of objections! |
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Diane
Starting Member
United Kingdom
20 Posts |
Posted - 10/10/2008 : 02:46:24
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I am sure that all local residents are very grateful to the Epsom and Ewell BC Planning Committee who sat until late last night to review the written objections from local people and hear from myself for three minutes, on how this development would impact me, as a resident of Gadesden Road, and the grounds on which I felt it should be refused.
I am delighted to report that the outcome was well worth the wait, as it was a unanimous decision to reject the application. Thank you to all of the Councillors present, for treating this as a new application, judging it on its merits, and refusing to be swayed by the fact that there is any possibility that this may be granted on appeal. We all know this was the case with No. 34 Vernon Close, where the appeal reviewers, with no knowledge of the local area and its problems seemed blinkered to the likely outcome, as they overturned the decision of the local Councillors and permitted the development. We local residents are now all living with the dreadful consequences we had said we feared.
Councillors Clive Smitherham, Jan Mason and a number of others had spoken at some length regarding the very valid reasons for rejection, on the grounds of; Traffic (including parking and the increased danger to children using the back gate to Danetree School), the unreasonable overbearing of the bungalows in Chessington Close and Poplar Farm Close, and the fact that the proposals were not in keeping with the area. The block of flats at No. 34 Vernon Close, opposite, which was only permitted on appeal (so outside of their control) was an exception and should not become the rule.
There was also a recommendation that the management company should not be permitted to exclude parking by any form of commercial vehicles in the car parking spaces of the development, as was the case currently with the new flats at No. 34. It is acknowledged that this is already causing serious problems with parking in Vernon Close in the evenings and overnight, and over-spilling into the only vehicular access road, Gadesden Road, which already has its own parking problems.
The flood risk with the dramatically increased hard landscaping was discussed, since the proposed development is very close to a flood risk area. Unfortunately, since it is not actually in the flood risk area, we were told that this does not carry much weight, but permeable materials or suitable drainage should be used for the any parking areas, as per the recent legislation.
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n/a
deleted
17 Posts |
Posted - 10/31/2008 : 06:31:31
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quote:
Originally posted by Diane
Perhaps this is the latest ploy by developers; put in two applications and then withdraw one once the guaranteed consideration date has passed, to "dilute" the number of objections!
Welcome to the world of reality. So why did you not lodge objections to BOTH planning applications?
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Diane
Starting Member
United Kingdom
20 Posts |
Posted - 10/31/2008 : 17:27:46
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Had I known that there were two, obviously, I would have objected to both at the time. Fortunately, I am a realist, and having more than a modicum of intelligence, I did something about my objections to this application, both writing in objection to the plans (which I viewed at the Bourne Hall on a Saturday morning) and subsequently attending the planning meeting and speaking in objection.
Incidentally, the RA recently posted a little green flyer through local resident's doors (including mine), to say that in the event an appeal is lodged, it has been requested that it go to a Public Hearing at the Epsom Town Hall. I am waiting to hear when this will be, so I can attend that and speak too. Anyone who wishes to speak on this planning application will be able to at the Hearing. If you don't want something to happen locally, you have to get your views known by those that have the power to stop it.
Of course if no-one objects to West Ewell and Ruxley wards being transferred into a traffic gridlocked "bedsit land", full of mini tower blocks which are gradually replacing the original range of houses and bungalows, with their own gardens and beautiful green spaces (making it voted one of the best places to live in Britain), that's what everyone that chooses to remain silent here can have.... |
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n/a
deleted
17 Posts |
Posted - 11/02/2008 : 14:19:01
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quote:
Originally posted by Diane
Incidentally, the RA recently posted a little green flyer through local resident's doors (including mine), to say that in the event an appeal is lodged, it has been requested that it go to a Public Hearing at the Epsom Town Hall.
Let's dispel that rumour before it gets out of hand. I too live within a stone's throw of Vernon Close and would have been severely affected by the increased traffic. etc. However, I like my immediate neighbour did NOT receive the green flyer from WERRA on this.
quote:
Originally posted by Diane
Of course if no-one objects to West Ewell and Ruxley wards being transferred into a traffic gridlocked "bedsit land", full of mini tower blocks which are gradually replacing the original range of houses and bungalows, with their own gardens and beautiful green spaces (making it voted one of the best places to live in Britain), that's what everyone that chooses to remain silent here can have....
I sympathisise with your point, but residents are confronted by two problems:
(1) Property developers are able to go to appeal when planning applications are refused. It is then difficult for the planning authority to argue the case against the development.
(2) RA Councillors openly promote the redevelopment of the original Borough that many of us once new and loved. For example to quote just one instance, ask Cllr Derek Phillips next time you see him why he openly spoke out in favour of the new school development in the playing field behind Gadesden Road (statement to the press, published in the Epsom Guardian dated 7 February 2008 refers).
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Diane
Starting Member
United Kingdom
20 Posts |
Posted - 11/02/2008 : 15:29:12
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Re your point 1, Clive Smitherham has called for the Vernon Close issue to be held as a public enquiry if an appeal is lodged, and the little green fliers were issued by Helen Worwood. Therefore WERRA are trying to address this issue, in preparation for any appeal.
Re your point 2, I am sure that Derek Phillips can speak for himself, but in case he's not on line at the present time (as I understand that he is not well), to put the record straight on the School Redevelopment issue, Derek advised during the subsequent WERRA monthly meeting, that he was actually misquoted by the press, in the same way as the WERRA AGM write up in the Epsom Guardian was rather full of errors. Having attended all of the meetings since February, I am satisfied that the WERRA Committee and local Councillors are working very hard on our behalf on the school redevelopment issue and any other local planning issues that are brought to their attention. The general opinion over the school redevelopment issue is that improvement or redevelopment of the school on its current site would be most welcome and be of benefit to the local community, losing the school field and the building of a multitude of properties on the current school site is not welcome in the slightest. If you would like more information on the school redevelopment or any other local issues, I suggest you contact one of the committee, or attend the monthly meeting this coming Wednesday (5th)at 7:30 pm in the Webber Hall. |
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Diane
Starting Member
United Kingdom
20 Posts |
Posted - 11/05/2008 : 16:07:16
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I was advised in tonight's WERRA meeting that it could take several months after the appeal is lodged for the public hearing to be scheduled, so nothing is likely to happen very quickly here.
I see that an appeal against refusal has been lodged under 08/00037/REF. on 28/10/2008, with an appeal start date of 3/11/08. There is nothing shown for the likely hearing or decision date as yet, but I will continue to monitor the situation.
The issue of the lack of green flyers also came up in tonight's meeting. I live in Gadesden Road and I and the neighbours I spoke to here received the green flyers from WERRA. I also know some people in Chessington Close who received them, so I was wondering where you are, Long Term Resident, that you didn't. If you can let me or one of the committee know, WERRA can ensure that when there is further news regarding the public hearing, they extend the circulation area to cover all those that are likely to have an interest. I am told that there were approximately 50 written objections to the application this time, so hopefully, you were one of them. If not, there's always the public hearing that Clive requested, as an opportunity to voice your concerns. |
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n/a
deleted
17 Posts |
Posted - 11/06/2008 : 06:07:00
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quote:
Originally posted by Diane
... to put the record straight on the School Redevelopment issue, Derek advised during the subsequent WERRA monthly meeting, that he was actually misquoted by the press, in the same way as the WERRA AGM write up in the Epsom Guardian was rather full of errors.
Ah yes, the old chestnut: shock horror, I've been misquoted!
Claiming to be have been "misquoted" is one of the most common excuses used by both national and local politicians. Only the party faithful are so naive to believe the politician who attempts a ‘U’ turn by denying they had made a previous statement.
To quote from the Epsom Guardian article in question...
<quote> But Councillor Derek Phillips said that the plans for the new school were "exciting" and "great for the area". <unquote>
And again further on in the article, the Councillor was quoted as saying...
<quote> "It will be a positive thing for the area...". <unquote>
Clearly that exposes the plans and intentions of this particular Councillor. Exactly what his personal motives are, may or may not, become known in the future.
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Edited by - n/a on 11/06/2008 06:09:02 |
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Diane
Starting Member
United Kingdom
20 Posts |
Posted - 11/06/2008 : 16:58:25
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If we can get back to the issue regarding Vernon Close, you didn't say which road or area you are in, Long Term Resident?
As an objector to this planning application, I have received a letter from the Council today, advising that the appeal has been launched. (I spotted it first on the Council's Planning website). The letter doesn't make any mention of the Public Hearing, so I will be following this up. I presume that everyone else that wrote in objection has also received a letter. In case not, anyone that has previously objected can write (in triplicate copies) with any additional comments they wish to make, to the Planning Inspectorate at 3/20 Eagle Wing, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol BS1 6PN. These must be received by 15th December 2008 and quote appeal reference APP/P3610/A/08/2088626/NWF. I am assured by the Council that all previous correspondence will be forwarded to both the Planning Inspectorate and the Appellant.
Letters will not be acknowledged unless specifically requested and if you want a copy of the appeal decision after it is made, you should request this, in writing from the Planning Inspectorate.
My letter also advised that a booklet, "Guide to Taking Part in Planning Appeals" is available, free of charge, from the Town Hall. |
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Vernon Close
