9 June

THE GRANGE

10/00493/REM

Planning Application (Reserved Matters) for approval of access, appearance, landscaping, layout, scale and construction of 156 dwellings at land south of Atherstone Ave and Portman Close, west of Grange Road and north of Mayor's Walk (Part of Mayor's Walk Allotments) Peterborough

Netherton Neighbourhood Association offer (without prejudice) the below comments which may help you in writing your own comments to the City Planning Officers either at Planning Services. Stuart House East Wing, St. John's Street, PE1 5DD or at mailto:planningcontrol@peterborough.gov.uk.  Full references must be quoted on all correspondence.  Attention of Miss A. McSherry and/or Mrs. V. Nutter.

Public consultation letters dated 3 June 2010 (Thursday) arrived on 9^th June 2010 (Wednesday) with a closing date 24 June 2010 for comments.

COMMENTS

This site was the subject of an outline planning application in 2008 for the erection of 177 houses and flats.  The current proposal is for approval to component parts, mentioned above, with a lesser number of properties, 156, containing 30% affordable homes.

The proposed development is too intensive for the site.

The development is out of character with the established  style and general pattern of the 1930 and 1960 existing residential development in the immediate locality to the detriment of the character and appearance of the area.

The two storey houses immediately to the south of Portman Close would provide a dominant adverse overbearing relationship to the rear of the existing bungalows due to their size and close proximity.

The first floor rear facing windows of those properties on the north perimeter line of the proposed development would allow overlooking into the rear gardens of close by bungalows and the bungalows themselves.

The site is contained by two roads, Westfield Road and Mayor's Walk.   Both these roads are heavily trafficked and are feeder roads into and out of town as well as frequent bus routes (every 10 minutes).

The access in Westfield Road is off an existing roundabout, near to a petrol filling station, and may be the cause of road traffic accidents.

The boundary fence proposed at 2.2m is of sufficient height but there may ensue difficulties of maintenance and ownership.

There may be a loss of sunlight and daylight entering gardens.  There will be a loss of garden privacy.

The construction of the properties would be detrimental to the amenities of the occupiers of the Close by residential properties by way of noise, dust, smells, fumes, vibration and grit.

The proposal is considered to be an over development of the site.

Regardless of previous Consultants Reports and statements by experts there is a continuing persistent opinion of abutting and adjacent residents that the land area to be built on is now subject to the sporadic surface water flooding and if and when the ground is disturbed for building the flooding incidence will become more positive and increase.  It is suggested that a more comprehensive survey is undertaken prior to building works to convince residents that all steps have been taken and, if found necessary, a comprehensive pattern of drainage is installed.

Concern is also expressed regarding access to the construction site and the effect upon local residents and traffic both in Mayor's Walk and Westfield Road and the footpath entrance at Wilton Drive/Portman Close.

NNA

9^th June 2010.

5 June

There is a Meeting in Town Hall on 15 June at 1.30 pm regarding planning application for 156 houses on part of Westwood Grange Allotments.  All residents are invited to attend the meeting; your support would be most welcome.  Mr Drewnicky is going to speak.  If you wish to make comments about Planning Application 10/00493/REM (see below) please contact Planning Officer, Miss A McSherry, tel no 453410.  Closing date is 23 June. 

4 June 2010

Planning Application 10/00493/REM Application for approval of access appearance landscaping, layout, scale and construction of 156 dwellings at land South of Atherstone Ave. and Portman Close. West of Grange Rd. and North of Mayor's Walk (part of Mayor's Walk Allotments) Peterborough.

Notice of the above planning application was received this morning 4^th June residents have until 23^rd June to make representations.

This application relates to housing on The Grange the AWP has been resolved and building work is expected to commence in the near future.

Our next meeting is not until 12^th July so the date has passed the time for submission of comments.

I suggest to you that NNA Committee have to make a few decisions:-

You will recall that the outline application was approved some months ago but it seems to me that several sections or parts of the application may have changed following our, and other residents, comments and objections.

You may recall that a public open meeting arranged by NNA was held and the City Council, at our request, brought along consultants and experts to answer allotments all residents questions.  This was a  successful meeting and whilst it may not have pleased everyone it was an important far reaching event.

I urge all members to visit Bayard Place and view the plans – otherwise those who do not see the plans will not, in my opinion, be able to help and/or assist in the formation of comments or objections, if, NNA decides to take that path.

I need to know soonest what you wish to do as I may have to book rooms or the hall at Thorpe School and there is not much time to a. hold a meeting, b. prepare and write comments/objections.

Eric B Dent

4^th June 2010

8 February 2010

We have received an email from www.vegetableseeds.net who say that our members may be interested in their website. 

VegetableSeeds.net.  For best value vegetable seeds. 10% discount for association members. Use coupon code [AD677].
 

We're a supplier of vegetable seeds to allotment associations. All sales are through our site at www.vegetableseeds.net.  We have over 400 varieties on the site (including organic and flower seeds), and all orders are shipped next working day. We operate an SSL server, and are an accredited ISIS site (Internet Shopping Is Safe), which is run by the Internet retail body IMRG.org (visit http://www.imrg.org/isis for more info).

13 January

We understand that the land has been sold.  Also that Prince Build and their equipment have been digging holes (testing drainage) on the Grange Playing fields between the main football pitch and a second hole at Ledbury Road.  Another company called Ennerity have also been digging holes to test drainage.

11 January 2010

I have had a letter dated 5th January 2010 from Planning yesterday morning.  Four pages long.   Telling NNA that the Planning Application 07/01946/OUT has after careful consideration to all consultations and representations received, the provisions of the development plan, and Government advice, the Council have given outline permission for this application Residential Development at Land South of Atherstone Avenue and Portman Close, West of Grange Road and North of Mayor's Walk (part of Mayor's Walk Allotments).

27 November 2009

Peterborough City Council is to hold a Public Open Meeting on Wednesday, 2^nd December, 2009 in the Main Hall of Thorpe Primary School at 6.30pm.  Netherton Neighbourhood Association understands that the spirit and intention of this meeting is to hold a forum where under residents may air their views, opinions and ask detailed questions on matters which concern them. 

15 November 2009

Read NNA's comments regarding:

12 November 2009      Planning Applications:    THE GRANGE

I have just received the Plans for the New sports and children's play provision for land off Atherstone Avenue: See the Plans for the Grange and playing field

NNA's Comments:

Regarding applications 1 & 2.  These applications refer to revisions of the area of original approved outline application for housing on The Grange (July 2008) in relation to the Application No 3 where under changes have had to be made to the boundary line of the residential area to accommodate additional land needed for the extended proposed improved children play area and car parking at the rear of the changing rooms and pavilion.  This will result in a reduction of the proposed number of houses on the original residential site (177 then 173) unless, the City Council again revise their out line plan 07/01946/OUT to include further allotment sites.

NNA has viewed the application and plans 09/01186/FUL and read the   accompanying reports and documentation.

Residents who abut, front or live near by to the site and believe they may be affected are recommended to visit Bayard Place at the times and days stated in their letter and read themselves into the application and accompanying plans, reports and other documentation and speak with the duty Planning Officer

In précis the proposal is for a 3G All Weather Pitch which will be floodlit and comprise an All Weather Pitch flood lit pitch measuring 100x64m surrounded by a 4.5 metre high fence.  Lighting will be 14m high with a downward deflection.   There are 6 other grass pitches of various sizes.

Car parking will be for 84 vehicles.   There will be car parking lighting with a combination of poles and low level bollards.

The City Council has initiated three detailed Reports from professional consultants on 1. Flood Water. 2, Noise. 3. Lighting.  There is not report on the possible effects of car movements and car parking.   All three Reports contain no adverse effect on the surrounding areas.  Residents are recommended to read these Reports.

Contained within this application is a much improved  1980 sq m. Children Play Area.

Access to the site will be from Ledbury Road/Portman Close and perhaps later from the access road proposed to be built when the full residential planning application is before the Council.  There will be a temporary access from Mayors Walk until improvements are made in this area.

A 2m high Acoustic Fence is to be constructed at the rear of several properties to the West and two properties to the East of the Mayors Walk access.   There will be an access at this point to the Allotments site.

The changing rooms are to be extended

It is proposed that there will be opportunities for 16/17 years old who work on a   Saturday to play midweek.

There will be increases in changing facilities with two further changing rooms and an extension to the existing block.

The AWP will be available to other Clubs and Educational Establishments

Several other organisations already have approached Netherton Football Club to use the proposed AWP.

No football will be played after 10pm (2200hours)

Details of Landscaping proposals to be agreed by Condition.

NNA has asked City Planning Department to arrange a public open meeting whereat residents will be able to ask any questions that they wish

NNA at their meeting on 9^th November discussed the applications at length and agreed in principal to accept what PCC and the FA intended to provide subject to a detailed question and answer session to assuage any doubts and problems raised by residents on

NOISE pollution

FLOOD LIGHTING

FLOODING both surface and foul

CAR PARKING  standard provisions and control/movement of vehicles at cup tie

It has been reported that land/drainage surveyors were on The Grange Site this afternoon taking bore samples to determine whether the football pitches area would be able to take the use of playing and whether surface water would or could be successfully drained away.

There appears to be confusion on the dates that comments should be submitted NNA has received assurance that all comments, objections, will be considered even if they arrive after the closing date.

This information is supplied as an act of courtesy and upon the understanding that no liability whatsoever is placed upon Netherton Neighbourhood Association

1 May 2009

I have heard is that the Surveyor working on The Grange is surveying for the All Weather Pitch.

19 February 2009

As you know the City Council have given themselves outline planning permission for some of the Allotment Site and have placed an advert in the local paper offering the land for sale by closed tender.

As you also know a complaint was raised with the Local Government Ombudsman regarding the methods and procedures used by the City Council to obtain that permission and the Ombudsman replied to our complaint saying that there was no activity which warranted any action.     Following protracted research the Ombudsman has been written a very careful but well crafted letter suggesting that he may have been wrong in his earlier decision.

Surprisingly the Ombudsman replied within days, instead of weeks, saying that  ‘I note that you are unhappy with the decision reached on your complaint against Peterborough City Council and I am writing to let you know that the complaint file will be reviewed’    

So it appears the all may not be lost and we await the result of his review.  

2 February 2009

I have received a letter from GOEast confirming the Secretary of State's decision on the Westwood Grange Allotments.  Read letter:  GOEast letter dated 29 January 2009.

I have also received a copy of the Secretary of State's decision on appropriation and disposal of allotment land.  Read letter: Disposal of allotment land.

24 January 2009

The Westwood Grange Allotments

As you will, no doubt, have either read in the ET or have been engaged in local gossip that the City Council have advertised twice in the ET seeking tenders from developers for purchase of part of The Grange Allotment Site with outline planning permission for housing.

As you also know this land is part of the Westwood Grange Allotment site which has been the prolonged subject of consultation and negotiation by Netherton Neighbourhood Association, Westwood Grange Allotment Association and Peterborough City Council eventually resulting in an approval of change of use of this land from statutory allotment land to land which can be used for housing or other ancillary purposes.

The current situation, as NNA understands it, is that under the Allotments Act 1925 Section 8 the Secretary of State (Go East) has not given approval to the change of land use from allotments to housing of the whole area of the proposed sale and that there still remains on file some September 2008 unanswered letters to Peterborough City Council, Go East and the Local Government Ombudsman regarding the administration procedures and the legality involved in this activity.

NNA and WGAA are also aware that two parcels of the land proposed for sale may not have been totally cleared of restrictions.  The first area of land, on the Eastern boundary is, so far as we understand, still at the public consultation stage and is under Planning Policies DPD Site SA 10624 and SA 10625.  The second is that the children’s playing field to the East of the site was the subject of a supplementary request by Peterborough City Council and an add on to their original application for change of use which has never been approved by the Secretary of State (Go East).  Nor, as NNA understands was this land part of the planning application

In these circumstances we ask you to keep a watchful open eye on what is happening on The Grange and we also sincerely hope that prospective purchasers will look very carefully at the documents contained in the Information Pack and if what we think may be true any sale will fall through and, hopefully, not go ahead.