December 2004 No 92
Planning continues to be major concern in Christchurch Ward.
Despite efforts in Guildford’s Planning Committee by refusing a number of applications detrimental to the ward, there are some that are being overturned on appeal. As you know this happened in Tangier Road, and has now happened in Epsom Road. What will happen in St Omer Road has been rejected?
A reduced development at Lindfield Gardens has been approved. Andrew Hodges, living as close as he does to the site was not allowed to attend that planning meeting as he had a "prejudicial interest", but local residents were heard at the meeting and convinced the meeting to approve the application for 12 apartments.
It is increasingly difficult for the Planning Committee to refuse applications on the grounds of density and more often street scene and unneighbourliness are being used. But the Planning Committee can only do so much, while the Government and John Prescott are determined to flood the South East and Surrey with unwanted additional houses. Guildford Conservatives will continue to fight for our environment wherever possible.
When applications are refused by Guildford, the more residents that write to the Planning inspector on an appeal, the greater the opportunity for the refusal to remain.
One consequence of additional flatted developments, in what is predominantly family house area is a concern that they will undermine the community spirit in some individual roads. This is an aspect which many are now voicing.
Beware the next threat is the South East Plan - put out for consultation in January. This could bring unwanted radical changes to Guildford, so please make your voice heard
Stadium proposal
Little progress. It had been hoped that the application would have been taken to the Planning Committee ion September. Unfortunately the applicant did not provide all requested info. So the consideration of the application will not now be discussed until mid December or January at the earliest.
First class football returned to Guildford in November. The ground at Spectrum has been upgraded to meet Football Association requirements and is now in use by AFC Guildford.
Recycling green waste
Have you been using the green waste collection service? The system has changed! In stead of buying green sacks, which are then disposed of you can know but two reusable waste sacks for just £10. These are available from the Council - just write to Guildford Borough Council - FreepostNAT21722, Guildford GU1 1BR - However, such has been the popularity of this new scheme unfortunately some residents have had to wait longer than hoped for delivery of the new sacks. Andrew Hodges regrets this initial problem, but once the new system beds down, it will provide a more environmentally friendly service.
Home composting is viable for the vast majority of garden waste. Woody material (shredded or chopped up if possible) is an essential ingredient for making good compost. Weeds can be composted if dealt with before they seed. The two sacks with which the council can provide you will be able to cope with the material that cannot be composted at home. All types of garden waste can we put in the sacks. You are asked not to use them for such things as plastic flower pots, rubble etc.
Do you still get plagued with junk mail?
If so write to Mail preference Service Freepost 22, London W1E for an application form to prevent it.
Party Conference
Anne Milton, Prospective MP for Guildford discusses waste issues with Tony Rooth, Chairman , Guildford Conservatives and Andrew Hodges
At this year’s Conservative Party Conference, Guildford was again well represented. The Chairman of the Guildford Association, Tony Rooth, Prospective MP, Anne Milton and Leader of Guildford Borough Council Andrew Hodges, are seen here in discussion at he conference, where they met a range of MPs and had the opportunity of putting various concerns to members of the Conservative Parliamentary team.