NEWS ITEMS FROM ISSUES NO 75 MARCH/APRIL 1999
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A TRIUMPH IN EPSOM ROAD!
The appeals against refusal of planning permission for four and five houses on the site of 111/115 Epsom Road have been dismissed by the Planning Inspector. The concerted efforts of many residents, the Council's officers, together with the Ward Councillors resulted in this satisfactory outcome. Andrew Hodges, who has supported the views of the majority of residents in this battle was delighted with the outcome.
The Inspector was of the opinion that from the public viewpoints to the south and to the north, east and west ..... the spaciousness and the greenery rather than the buildings are the most important features un the contribution and appearance of the residential site.
The supplementary guidelines 'Large Houses in large gardens' were accepted by the Inspector as relevant, with the aim to attain densities as high as might be appropriate for a particular area. The Inspector considered that 'whilst sight of neighbouring houses is to be expected in a built up residential area, and views would ony be available through gaps in the planting, it seemed' to her 'that the close proximity of the buildings to the boundaries of the site would be overbearing for neighbouring residents.'
In comparing the site with the corner of Aldersey Road development it seemed to her the schemes were not directly comparable. 'Aldersey Road follows the formal road frontage pattern of development characteristic to the area and although the plots are small, it was clear from representations made by Councillors at the enquiry and in correspondence that the planning history was an important determining factor.' She concluded that the proposals would seriously damage the character and appearance of the residential area. Therefore the schemes conflicted with the Development Plan, and this case outweighs the importnat objective of making full and effective use of land in urban areas.
There is now an application pending for one house on the land at Epsom Road.
THIS UNDERLINES THE IMPORTANCE OF THE LOCAL PLAN
THE GUILDFORD BOROUGH LOCAL PLAN IS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REVEIWED
The closing date for submission of representations, on the approriate form , is 15 March. The plan is on display at a number of places, specifically at teh Council Offices at Millmead, Guildford
The plan is about planning for future needs across the Borough. This is your opportunity , if you wish, to getinvolved in the document which will set the framework in the Boroigh up to 2006. It includes sections on important topicssuch as housing, movement, town redevelopment, historic environments and the University of Surrey. For further information on these or other subjects in the Plan contact the Planning Policy Team on 0483 444673 or Andrew Hodges.
THE APPLICATION AT ELMDON LONDON ROAD,
may be significantly amended and could now include th eretention of the present building, with an extention in courtyard form and just one block of flats.
The application is likely to go before the planning committee on 2 March.
SHOULD STOKE PARK BE MANAGED?
Officers of Guildford Borough Council have come up with proposals to manage Stoke Park. These ideas will be put to the Arts & Recreation Committee in the summer.
Do you think there should be a lake near the wodds along side Stoke Park?
Do you think trees shoul dbe planted across the Park by the tarmacpat and subdivide the area in to smaller ones?
Do you think that the formal sports should be located at the eastern part of the park?
Do you think the County Show should be related away from Stoke Park?
Whatever you thoughts on the future of the Park Andrew Hodges would like to hear from you.
A SAFER BOROUGH
has many aspects to it . Andrew Hodges supports the initiative of the Safer Guildford Partnership. Among the strategic objectives which are particularly relevant to the Ward are in the section on neighbours, which are to continue:
* Support the Guildford Community Mediation Service
*Promote the Nuisance Investigation Service of the Housing and Health Department
*Promote and encourage Neighbourhood Watch and assist in the establishment of new schemes
David Hunter, as the Secretary of the Guildford Mediation Service, has spent a considerable amount of time in getting this service up and running and it is now a successful support service in the Borough.
ON STREET PARKING PHASE 4,
out in February to public consultation has continued to be met with mixed views. Andrew Hodges, David Hunter and Mike Bruton have called on many residents affected by any extension of the controlled parking zone. Concerns include the restriction of all day parking which could affect visitors; unsughtliness and urbanisation of the street scene with additional street furniture and yellow lines. Some residetns object to reduction in theier present freedom.
Those on favour cite the removal of all day parking as makinh driving easier and safer for residetns and enabling short term visitors to be able to park. Some residents welcome the opportunity to gain entry and exit from their own drives without manoeuvres to avoid parked cars.
The scale of the displacement of the all day parking of commuters and those working in the town centre from the roads within controlled parking zones is difficult to assess and is one of the principal factors. The decision as to whether to proceed and to what extent will be considered by the Highways Partnership Committee in April. Andrew hodges urges all effected residents with views to respond to the official Council consultation now.
NONE OF THE PARKING PRESSURES WILL BE EASED
by the closure of the Sydenham Road Car Park. The rebuild which will take into the next millenium, will include a restaurant, for which there is no tenant. If none is found then there will be more offices. The restaurant ( or offices) is being built loosing the opportunity to use the space for the extra car parking which could have been acheived and for which Guildford Conservatives strove.
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