I received a response from Cllr Julie Young regarding my previous blog post.
I have updated the previous blog post with some notes from what she said.
I also emailed a reply, which went to all the Greenstead Ward councillors. My reply is reproduced here:
Dear Ms Young,
Size of Country Park
Of course, it is the size of the “country park” that is the crucial point. The area a hundred yards to the side of Salary Brook along its length is very unlikely to be developed, and could be called a “country park”. That would leave an enormous housing sprawl over the hillsides opposite Greenstead and Longridge Park.
Boundaries of Country Park
The boundaries need to be very clearly defined, as well. “East of the tree line” could be interpreted in several ways, I think. The term “Salary Brook Valley”, used last year by the Lib Dems, is a mistake, I think – the “valley” is only the part at the bottom of the slopes. A good informal definition I have recently heard is from Sir Bob Russell, who said “new development should only be over the brow of the hill and out of sight of existing residents of Greenstead and Longridge Park”. Of course this needs formally defining, including with maps.
Current Local Plan Proposals
The current Local Plan proposals from Colchester and Tendring Councils talk about a country park of 70 hectares, incorporating Churn Wood. Highwoods Country Park is 150 hectares, so more than double the size.
Comparing here:
https://binged.it/2a9lqHO
and looking at the attached map from the recent Tendring meeting, which shows an enormous potential area of development, it is obvious that, apart from Churn Wood, there will probably be very little green space protected apart from probably the few hundred yards around Salary Brook that I mention above. (In the attached map, Greenstead and Longridge Park are in the bottom 25% of the page.)
Churn Wood is protected anyway – see the second attachment.
Tendring Council
Much of the proposed development near Longridge Park, and Greenstead, is part of Tendring Council’s area. Representations need to continue to be made to them as well.
Your Newsletter
I hope your newsletter will describe how the local plans as currently proposed will mean that the hill-slopes opposite Greenstead and Longridge Park will almost certainly be covered in houses. I hope you will encourage residents to object to this in the current public consultations.
Representations to the Councils
I hope you will be making representations to both councils in your capacities as councillors.
Please keep me informed. I will update the CHEAG blog.
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
Blog: http://cheag.blogspot.co.uk/
Sunday, 24 July 2016
Friday, 22 July 2016
Greenstead Ward Councillors - My Comments on their Actions on the Local Plan Proposals
This post updated:
25 July 2016 - I have added the full text of the email received from Councillor Julie Young in response to this blog post, at her request. I have added this at the end of this blog post. My summaries of her email below are accurate, I believe. I had good reasons for not originally publishing her full email - there was some legal text in the email saying not to, and there is personal information in her email.
24 July 2016 - 2 updates, both highlighted below with this date - these are my notes and comments on an email received in response to this blog post from Councillor Julie Young.
Greenstead Ward Councillors - My Comments on their Actions on the Local Plan Proposals
I am going to comment here on actions taken by our Greenstead Ward Councillors regarding the current Local Plan housing development proposals affecting Greenstead and Longridge Park.
This is a crucial issue, and residents need to be sure that they are being adequately represented.
Please contact them with your views on the proposals, in addition to responding yourselves to the current public consultations, which I will write about in the coming weeks.
Greenstead Ward Councillors
The Councillors for Greenstead Ward, Colchester, which now covers Greenstead and Longridge Park, are:
Tina Bourne
Julie Young
Tim Young
Their contact details are on their party communications which you have probably received through your letter box. If you do not have these, please email me and I will point you in the right direction. There is an email button available from the 'View my complete profile' link under 'About Me' on this Internet page.
Colchester Local Plan Meeting, 5 July 2016
This was an important meeting and many local ward Councillors spoke regarding the proposals. Also, many Councillors visiting from neighboring districts spoke for their constituents.
None of the Greenstead Ward Councillors spoke. None of the Greenstead Ward Councillors are on the local plan committee. I am dissapointed by this.
Update 24 July 2016: I received an email from Cllr Julie Young. Cllr Tim Young was present at the meeting but couldn't speak because the local plan comes under his cabinet portfolio. The other two Councillors had important, prior commitments so couldn't attend the meeting. Tina Bourne and Tim Young cannot sit on any committees because they hold cabinet positions. Julie Young is Mayor of Colchester, and does not sit on any panels or committees.
I hope the considerable political weight she describes will be brought to bear on the important issues facing the East of Colchester.
Green Buffer / 'Country Park' Between Existing and New Development
The current proposed size of this country park / green buffer, around half the size of Highwoods Country Park, is small, and will mean that much of the new development is visible to residents of Greenstead and Longridge Park. The sloping hill-sides opposite Greenstead and Longridge Park could well be covered in houses, according to my analysis.
I will record here efforts made by the Greenstead Ward Councillors to improve this situation.
This is one of the crucial issues!
Update 24 July 2016: I received an email from Cllr Julie Young. She said the Greenstead Councillors did submit a request for a country park when they first heard about the local plan proposals. She has met with representatives from Essex University, and also participated in a walk through the Salary Brook area with senior planning officers from Colchester and Tendring last year. She also said that their newsletter had covered this issue, although since July 2015, I could only find one small mention of this issue in the newsletters that I received. Ms Young also said that the Councillors highlighted an error on the maps distributed for the July 5th 2016 Local Plan meeting, which incorrectly showed housing, already, near to Longridge Park.
I replied to Ms Young and the other councilors to say that it is the size and clearly-defined boundaries of the country park which need to be determined. I also encouraged them to respond to both Colchester and Tendring Councils, and to use their upcoming newsletter to alert residents to the clearly-inadequate size of the currently-proposed "country park".
Colchester Council Local Plan Consultation running to September 2016
I will record their responses individually:
Tina Bourne
Reponded? [To be confirmed]
My views on content of response: [To be confirmed]
Julie Young
Reponded? [To be confirmed]
My views on content of response: [To be confirmed]
Tim Young
Reponded? [To be confirmed]
My views on content of response: [To be confirmed]
Tendring Council Local Plan Consultation running to September 2016
I will record their responses individually:
Tina Bourne
Reponded? [To be confirmed]
My views on content of response: [To be confirmed]
Julie Young
Reponded? [To be confirmed]
My views on content of response: [To be confirmed]
Tim Young
Reponded? [To be confirmed]
My views on content of response: [To be confirmed]
Update 25 July 2016:
Here is the full text of the reply received from Councillor Julie Young to this blog post on 24 July 2016, which is included at her request.
My reply to this email is reproduced in my later blog post 'Email to Greenstead Ward Councillors', which will be above if you are viewing the entire blog rather than just this post.
Dear James
If we are to protect as much of the wonderful green space that residents of East Colchester currently enjoy, this will require ward Councillors and residents to work together to ensure everyone in the local community is made aware of the proposals and take part in the consultation over the 10 week period. You may have noticed that [this sentence was not complete in the original email]
Indeed it was your current ward Councillors who asked for a Country Park to be created at the earliest opportunity we could, as soon as the development was talked about by the Local Plan committee. Indeed this was made possible by the Labour representative Cllr Kim Naish on the local plan committee who gave the ward Councillors in Greenstead early notification of the proposals. This early submission was made by me on behalf of the three ward Councillors and specifically stipulated this.
In January 2015 I made arrangements to meet with Anthony Forster Vice Chancellor at Essex University, Bryn Morris, the Registrar and Steve Clarke, their planning expert to discuss the proposals. They explained the University's approach and their preferences and I explained the Greenstead ward Councillors desire to see a Country Park created.
In April 2015, I had meetings with Cllr Barry Cook, St Anne's ward, Cllr Neil Stock (Leader of Tendring District Council) Cllr Gary Scott,mAlresford ward and local residents at the Oak Tree Centre where we viewed plans and discussed the impact of this development would have on our respective communities. We all agreed that this should NOT be allowed to strip away the natural environment that our respective communities currently enjoy. We arranged to walk the whole area and Cllr Barry Cook and I did so with residents and local environmental experts together with SENIOR planning officers from Tendring and Colchester. At the end of that day planning officers of both authorities would have had no doubt in their minds about the shared view that development should be east of the tree line with as large a Country Park as possible, this happened on the 15th May 2015 , under separate cover I will send you a screen shot of my Facebook page created on the 17th May 2015, together with the photos I took that day together with the business card of the Tendring District Planning officer present.
Due to the Boundary changes, we started to distribute newsletters to the Longridge area, starting with a Longridge special which introduced ourselves to residents. The proposed development has been a feature of these newsletters right from the start making our views very clear.
As soon as the papers for the 5th July were released we realised that a large chunk of housing had been placed on the map incorrectly close to Longridge. This was immediately raised with officers, an error had been made and this was changed at the meeting.
As for the 5th July, this was an important meeting that is why Cllr Tim Young was at the meeting, the local plan is in his portfolio, although responsibility for the plan rests with this committee. Cabinet Members cannot be members of the Local Plan so neither Tina or Tim can sit on this committee. As Mayor of Colchester I do not sit on any panels or committees, I chair Full Council and concentrate on the ceremonial role and ward casework. On the 5th July I was travelling back from Loughborough having moved my son from his University Accommodation into his new home and I believe Tina as Deputy Head Teacher of a local primary school had a school commitment that she had to honour. Just because Tina and I were not able to be at the meeting does not signify a lack of commitment to ensuring as much open space as possible is protected.
As your ward Councillors we will be promoting the necessity to respond to the consultation in our next newsletter, as we will be doing, reiterating the position we have been promoting both publicly and behind the screens over a significant and sustained period.
Julie
End of Update 25 July 2016
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
Blog: http://cheag.blogspot.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colchestereastactiongroup
25 July 2016 - I have added the full text of the email received from Councillor Julie Young in response to this blog post, at her request. I have added this at the end of this blog post. My summaries of her email below are accurate, I believe. I had good reasons for not originally publishing her full email - there was some legal text in the email saying not to, and there is personal information in her email.
24 July 2016 - 2 updates, both highlighted below with this date - these are my notes and comments on an email received in response to this blog post from Councillor Julie Young.
Greenstead Ward Councillors - My Comments on their Actions on the Local Plan Proposals
I am going to comment here on actions taken by our Greenstead Ward Councillors regarding the current Local Plan housing development proposals affecting Greenstead and Longridge Park.
This is a crucial issue, and residents need to be sure that they are being adequately represented.
Please contact them with your views on the proposals, in addition to responding yourselves to the current public consultations, which I will write about in the coming weeks.
Greenstead Ward Councillors
The Councillors for Greenstead Ward, Colchester, which now covers Greenstead and Longridge Park, are:
Tina Bourne
Julie Young
Tim Young
Their contact details are on their party communications which you have probably received through your letter box. If you do not have these, please email me and I will point you in the right direction. There is an email button available from the 'View my complete profile' link under 'About Me' on this Internet page.
Colchester Local Plan Meeting, 5 July 2016
This was an important meeting and many local ward Councillors spoke regarding the proposals. Also, many Councillors visiting from neighboring districts spoke for their constituents.
None of the Greenstead Ward Councillors spoke. None of the Greenstead Ward Councillors are on the local plan committee. I am dissapointed by this.
Update 24 July 2016: I received an email from Cllr Julie Young. Cllr Tim Young was present at the meeting but couldn't speak because the local plan comes under his cabinet portfolio. The other two Councillors had important, prior commitments so couldn't attend the meeting. Tina Bourne and Tim Young cannot sit on any committees because they hold cabinet positions. Julie Young is Mayor of Colchester, and does not sit on any panels or committees.
I hope the considerable political weight she describes will be brought to bear on the important issues facing the East of Colchester.
Green Buffer / 'Country Park' Between Existing and New Development
The current proposed size of this country park / green buffer, around half the size of Highwoods Country Park, is small, and will mean that much of the new development is visible to residents of Greenstead and Longridge Park. The sloping hill-sides opposite Greenstead and Longridge Park could well be covered in houses, according to my analysis.
I will record here efforts made by the Greenstead Ward Councillors to improve this situation.
This is one of the crucial issues!
Update 24 July 2016: I received an email from Cllr Julie Young. She said the Greenstead Councillors did submit a request for a country park when they first heard about the local plan proposals. She has met with representatives from Essex University, and also participated in a walk through the Salary Brook area with senior planning officers from Colchester and Tendring last year. She also said that their newsletter had covered this issue, although since July 2015, I could only find one small mention of this issue in the newsletters that I received. Ms Young also said that the Councillors highlighted an error on the maps distributed for the July 5th 2016 Local Plan meeting, which incorrectly showed housing, already, near to Longridge Park.
I replied to Ms Young and the other councilors to say that it is the size and clearly-defined boundaries of the country park which need to be determined. I also encouraged them to respond to both Colchester and Tendring Councils, and to use their upcoming newsletter to alert residents to the clearly-inadequate size of the currently-proposed "country park".
Colchester Council Local Plan Consultation running to September 2016
I will record their responses individually:
Tina Bourne
Reponded? [To be confirmed]
My views on content of response: [To be confirmed]
Julie Young
Reponded? [To be confirmed]
My views on content of response: [To be confirmed]
Tim Young
Reponded? [To be confirmed]
My views on content of response: [To be confirmed]
Tendring Council Local Plan Consultation running to September 2016
I will record their responses individually:
Tina Bourne
Reponded? [To be confirmed]
My views on content of response: [To be confirmed]
Julie Young
Reponded? [To be confirmed]
My views on content of response: [To be confirmed]
Tim Young
Reponded? [To be confirmed]
My views on content of response: [To be confirmed]
Update 25 July 2016:
Here is the full text of the reply received from Councillor Julie Young to this blog post on 24 July 2016, which is included at her request.
My reply to this email is reproduced in my later blog post 'Email to Greenstead Ward Councillors', which will be above if you are viewing the entire blog rather than just this post.
Dear James
If we are to protect as much of the wonderful green space that residents of East Colchester currently enjoy, this will require ward Councillors and residents to work together to ensure everyone in the local community is made aware of the proposals and take part in the consultation over the 10 week period. You may have noticed that [this sentence was not complete in the original email]
Indeed it was your current ward Councillors who asked for a Country Park to be created at the earliest opportunity we could, as soon as the development was talked about by the Local Plan committee. Indeed this was made possible by the Labour representative Cllr Kim Naish on the local plan committee who gave the ward Councillors in Greenstead early notification of the proposals. This early submission was made by me on behalf of the three ward Councillors and specifically stipulated this.
In January 2015 I made arrangements to meet with Anthony Forster Vice Chancellor at Essex University, Bryn Morris, the Registrar and Steve Clarke, their planning expert to discuss the proposals. They explained the University's approach and their preferences and I explained the Greenstead ward Councillors desire to see a Country Park created.
In April 2015, I had meetings with Cllr Barry Cook, St Anne's ward, Cllr Neil Stock (Leader of Tendring District Council) Cllr Gary Scott,mAlresford ward and local residents at the Oak Tree Centre where we viewed plans and discussed the impact of this development would have on our respective communities. We all agreed that this should NOT be allowed to strip away the natural environment that our respective communities currently enjoy. We arranged to walk the whole area and Cllr Barry Cook and I did so with residents and local environmental experts together with SENIOR planning officers from Tendring and Colchester. At the end of that day planning officers of both authorities would have had no doubt in their minds about the shared view that development should be east of the tree line with as large a Country Park as possible, this happened on the 15th May 2015 , under separate cover I will send you a screen shot of my Facebook page created on the 17th May 2015, together with the photos I took that day together with the business card of the Tendring District Planning officer present.
Due to the Boundary changes, we started to distribute newsletters to the Longridge area, starting with a Longridge special which introduced ourselves to residents. The proposed development has been a feature of these newsletters right from the start making our views very clear.
As soon as the papers for the 5th July were released we realised that a large chunk of housing had been placed on the map incorrectly close to Longridge. This was immediately raised with officers, an error had been made and this was changed at the meeting.
As for the 5th July, this was an important meeting that is why Cllr Tim Young was at the meeting, the local plan is in his portfolio, although responsibility for the plan rests with this committee. Cabinet Members cannot be members of the Local Plan so neither Tina or Tim can sit on this committee. As Mayor of Colchester I do not sit on any panels or committees, I chair Full Council and concentrate on the ceremonial role and ward casework. On the 5th July I was travelling back from Loughborough having moved my son from his University Accommodation into his new home and I believe Tina as Deputy Head Teacher of a local primary school had a school commitment that she had to honour. Just because Tina and I were not able to be at the meeting does not signify a lack of commitment to ensuring as much open space as possible is protected.
As your ward Councillors we will be promoting the necessity to respond to the consultation in our next newsletter, as we will be doing, reiterating the position we have been promoting both publicly and behind the screens over a significant and sustained period.
Julie
End of Update 25 July 2016
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
Blog: http://cheag.blogspot.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colchestereastactiongroup
Tuesday, 28 June 2016
Colchester Council - Update on Proposals in Agenda for 5th July 2016 Meeting
Colchester Council have published an update to their proposals for the East of Colchester.
Please see the agenda for the 5th July 2016 Colchester Local Plan Committee meeting:
Colchester Council - Local Plan Committe
There will be a public consultation running until September 2016 - see the meeting agenda for more details.
I haven't had a chance to look at the documents yet.
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
Blog: http://cheag.blogspot.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colchestereastactiongroup
Please see the agenda for the 5th July 2016 Colchester Local Plan Committee meeting:
Colchester Council - Local Plan Committe
There will be a public consultation running until September 2016 - see the meeting agenda for more details.
I haven't had a chance to look at the documents yet.
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
Blog: http://cheag.blogspot.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colchestereastactiongroup
Sunday, 12 June 2016
Tendring Council - Update on Proposals at Local Plan Meeting 9th June 2016
Tendring Council have published much more detail on their proposals for the East of Colchester / West of Tendring area.
Details can be found in the agenda for the 9th June 2016 Tendring Council Local Plan Committee meeting:
Tendring Council - Local Plan Committee
There will be a public consultation running until 8th September 2016 at 5pm, to which I encourage you to submit comments when it starts. Please check the documents on the web page linked above regarding how to participate.
Please note: this may only cover Tendring Council's proposals, not Colchester Council's proposals.
I have only briefly looked through the documents so far.
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
Blog: http://cheag.blogspot.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colchestereastactiongroup
Details can be found in the agenda for the 9th June 2016 Tendring Council Local Plan Committee meeting:
Tendring Council - Local Plan Committee
There will be a public consultation running until 8th September 2016 at 5pm, to which I encourage you to submit comments when it starts. Please check the documents on the web page linked above regarding how to participate.
Please note: this may only cover Tendring Council's proposals, not Colchester Council's proposals.
I have only briefly looked through the documents so far.
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
Blog: http://cheag.blogspot.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colchestereastactiongroup
Monday, 21 September 2015
Tendring Council Issues and Options 2015 Consultation
Deadline: Tuesday 13 October 2015.
Tendring Council are currently running a consultation on their 'Local Plan Issues and Options 2015' document, starting Tuesday 1 September 2015 and ending on Tuesday 13 October 2015.
The possible 'Colchester Fringe' development to the East of Colchester is mentioned.
The consulation is described here:
Tendring District Local Plan: Issues and Options 2015
I have put together a draft response (below), which can be emailed to:
planning.policy@tendringdc.gov.uk
Please see the above-linked webpage for more details on other ways to respond, and other information.
Please feel free to amend my answers to fit your views, and add other answers if you read the document from the web page linked above. You might want to highlight parts of your answers different from mine below, to be sure the council take note of them.
Anonymous responses will not be accepted, so you must include your contact details. The council will publicly publish responses, but I assume contact details will not be included - please check the web page above, or contact Tendring Council if you are worried about this.
By email (or post):
[Start of email or letter]
Email Subject: Response to Tendring District Local Plan: Issues and Options 2015 Consultation
To: The Planning Policy Manager,
Planning Department,
Tendring District Council,
Council Offices,
Thorpe Road,
Weeley,
Clacton-on-Sea,
Essex,
CO16 9AJ
Email: planning.policy@tendringdc.gov.uk
From: [Your name here]
[Your Address Here]
Email: [Your email address here]
Telephone: [Your telephone number here - this may not be necessary]
Dear Sir/Madam,
Here are my answers to selected questions from your Issues and Options 2015 document.
Please personally send me confirmation of receipt of this email and display my comments, without my personal details, on your web site.
Question 1
Do you agree that creating the conditions for economic growth and creating new jobs should be a top priority for the Local Plan?
It should be a priority, but it has to be balanced against the other equally, or more, important priorities of conserving heritage and the natural environment.
Question 5
Do you agree that we need to plan for the right number of new homes, of the right size, type and tenure to be built and in the right locations for current and future generations?
The council should also think about why so many new homes are needed, and whether there are any policies which could be put in place to reduce the number needed in future, perhaps by co-operating with national government.
Question 7
Do you have any other comments or suggestions about housing development?
Many modern housing developments are a mishmash of different styles, often side-by-side. This looks awful. More control should be placed on housing developers, so that estates have a uniform, attractive appearance.
The following extract from an email to a Colchester East Action Group member from the Department for Communities and Local Government, received this year, states that good design of external appearance can be required by councils:
"The [NPPF] Framework also states that local and neighbourhood plans should develop robust and comprehensive policies that set out the quality of development that will be expected for the area and that planning policies and decisions should aim to ensure that developments are visually attractive as a result of good architecture and appropriate landscaping. It also encourages local planning authorities to consider using design codes where they could help deliver high quality outcomes."
This information has been sent on to Tendring Council planning department.
Also, the NPPF states that planning should always seek to secure high quality design and adds at paragraph 56: "Good design is a key aspect of sustainable development, is indivisible from good planning." and at paragraph 64: "Permission should be refused for development of poor design that fails to take the opportunities available for improving the character and quality of an area.."
The new local plan should include provisions for requiring high-quality external appearance of new buildings and the developments they are in.
Question 13
Do you agree that protecting and enhancing the environment is an important issue for this Local Plan?
Yes, it is very important. The environment is crucial for education, cultural development and general wellbeing.
Heritage assets should all be preserved and well maintained.
Question 14
Do you have any thoughts about how the Council, through the Local Plan, should go about addressing this issue?
Wildlife habitats and landscapes should all be protected through appropriate designations, to prevent them being spolit in any way.
Question 17
Do you agree with the vision for the future of Tendring set out above?
Regarding the 'Colchester Fringe' development, when is comes to be considered:
The East side of Colchester is already well-developed, but has some well-used and important green open spaces nearby which are valued by the public, and are important for wildlife. These green open spaces, stretching to a distance of at least 1.5km away from existing development, should be untouched by new development, as described later in this answer. Too much new development directly on the Eastern border of existing developed areas of Colchester would create an unpleasant and unmanageable urban sprawl.
Furthermore, Tendring Council, by introducing a significant amount of residential or other development into the countryside to the East of Colchester, would materially harm the character and appearance of the rural area contrary to the objectives of national policy (National Planning Policy Framework, 2012, paragraph 17, 5th bullet point; paragraph 109; and paragraph 81 is also related, although paragraph 81 is specific to Green Belts). This may also contravene local planning policy.
Local and national policy should collectively recognise the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside, seek to enhance the rural landscape and visual amenity of any Green Belt or general green land, and prevent development conspicuous from within any Green Belt or general green land which would have an excessive impact on rural character.
If there is to be new development to the East of Colchester, there should be a buffer of green, completely undeveloped land of 1.5km around Salary Brook.
This protected 'Salary Brook Valley' would include the Salary Brook itself, plus currently-undeveloped land 1.5km either side of the brook, along its entire length between Ardleigh and where the brook meets the River Colne.
One of the Colchester community groups organised an e-Petition with Colchester Council called 'Save Salary Brook Valley' which has nearly 800 signatories.
Please also take into account all objections to the 'Colchester Fringe' proposals received during your 6th January 2014 to 17th February 2014 public consultation.
Question 22
Are these the right planning policies to help the Council deliver sustainable development?
Green gaps of significant size between developments are very important, both for people and wildlife.
Green gaps of, say, at least 2km between developments per 1,000 dwellings in each development should be considered.
Question 26
Are these the right planning policies to help the Council plan for people?
Green infrastructure and green gaps are very important, both for people and wildlife.
Question 28
Are these the right planning policies to help the Council plan for places?
Regarding heritage, all listed buildings, conservation areas and scheduled monuments should be preserved and maintained at all costs. Other heritage assets should be protected by a generous local list.
Other, unlisted, heritage assets should also be preserved and maintained.
Regarding nature conservation, important wildlife sites should be protected, but it should also be realised that these sites may not work on their own - they need a buffer of countryside suitable for wildlife around them.
Data Protection
I understand that any comments submitted cannot be treated as private and confidential and may be made available for public inspection. Respondents’ details will be held on a database in accordance with the terms of Tendring District Council’s registration with the UK Information Commissioner pursuant to the Data Protection Act 1998.
[End of Email or Letter]
Tendring Council are currently running a consultation on their 'Local Plan Issues and Options 2015' document, starting Tuesday 1 September 2015 and ending on Tuesday 13 October 2015.
The possible 'Colchester Fringe' development to the East of Colchester is mentioned.
The consulation is described here:
Tendring District Local Plan: Issues and Options 2015
I have put together a draft response (below), which can be emailed to:
planning.policy@tendringdc.gov.uk
Please see the above-linked webpage for more details on other ways to respond, and other information.
Please feel free to amend my answers to fit your views, and add other answers if you read the document from the web page linked above. You might want to highlight parts of your answers different from mine below, to be sure the council take note of them.
Anonymous responses will not be accepted, so you must include your contact details. The council will publicly publish responses, but I assume contact details will not be included - please check the web page above, or contact Tendring Council if you are worried about this.
By email (or post):
[Start of email or letter]
Email Subject: Response to Tendring District Local Plan: Issues and Options 2015 Consultation
To: The Planning Policy Manager,
Planning Department,
Tendring District Council,
Council Offices,
Thorpe Road,
Weeley,
Clacton-on-Sea,
Essex,
CO16 9AJ
Email: planning.policy@tendringdc.gov.uk
From: [Your name here]
[Your Address Here]
Email: [Your email address here]
Telephone: [Your telephone number here - this may not be necessary]
Dear Sir/Madam,
Here are my answers to selected questions from your Issues and Options 2015 document.
Please personally send me confirmation of receipt of this email and display my comments, without my personal details, on your web site.
Question 1
Do you agree that creating the conditions for economic growth and creating new jobs should be a top priority for the Local Plan?
It should be a priority, but it has to be balanced against the other equally, or more, important priorities of conserving heritage and the natural environment.
Question 5
Do you agree that we need to plan for the right number of new homes, of the right size, type and tenure to be built and in the right locations for current and future generations?
The council should also think about why so many new homes are needed, and whether there are any policies which could be put in place to reduce the number needed in future, perhaps by co-operating with national government.
Question 7
Do you have any other comments or suggestions about housing development?
Many modern housing developments are a mishmash of different styles, often side-by-side. This looks awful. More control should be placed on housing developers, so that estates have a uniform, attractive appearance.
The following extract from an email to a Colchester East Action Group member from the Department for Communities and Local Government, received this year, states that good design of external appearance can be required by councils:
"The [NPPF] Framework also states that local and neighbourhood plans should develop robust and comprehensive policies that set out the quality of development that will be expected for the area and that planning policies and decisions should aim to ensure that developments are visually attractive as a result of good architecture and appropriate landscaping. It also encourages local planning authorities to consider using design codes where they could help deliver high quality outcomes."
This information has been sent on to Tendring Council planning department.
Also, the NPPF states that planning should always seek to secure high quality design and adds at paragraph 56: "Good design is a key aspect of sustainable development, is indivisible from good planning." and at paragraph 64: "Permission should be refused for development of poor design that fails to take the opportunities available for improving the character and quality of an area.."
The new local plan should include provisions for requiring high-quality external appearance of new buildings and the developments they are in.
Question 13
Do you agree that protecting and enhancing the environment is an important issue for this Local Plan?
Yes, it is very important. The environment is crucial for education, cultural development and general wellbeing.
Heritage assets should all be preserved and well maintained.
Question 14
Do you have any thoughts about how the Council, through the Local Plan, should go about addressing this issue?
Wildlife habitats and landscapes should all be protected through appropriate designations, to prevent them being spolit in any way.
Question 17
Do you agree with the vision for the future of Tendring set out above?
Regarding the 'Colchester Fringe' development, when is comes to be considered:
The East side of Colchester is already well-developed, but has some well-used and important green open spaces nearby which are valued by the public, and are important for wildlife. These green open spaces, stretching to a distance of at least 1.5km away from existing development, should be untouched by new development, as described later in this answer. Too much new development directly on the Eastern border of existing developed areas of Colchester would create an unpleasant and unmanageable urban sprawl.
Furthermore, Tendring Council, by introducing a significant amount of residential or other development into the countryside to the East of Colchester, would materially harm the character and appearance of the rural area contrary to the objectives of national policy (National Planning Policy Framework, 2012, paragraph 17, 5th bullet point; paragraph 109; and paragraph 81 is also related, although paragraph 81 is specific to Green Belts). This may also contravene local planning policy.
Local and national policy should collectively recognise the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside, seek to enhance the rural landscape and visual amenity of any Green Belt or general green land, and prevent development conspicuous from within any Green Belt or general green land which would have an excessive impact on rural character.
If there is to be new development to the East of Colchester, there should be a buffer of green, completely undeveloped land of 1.5km around Salary Brook.
This protected 'Salary Brook Valley' would include the Salary Brook itself, plus currently-undeveloped land 1.5km either side of the brook, along its entire length between Ardleigh and where the brook meets the River Colne.
One of the Colchester community groups organised an e-Petition with Colchester Council called 'Save Salary Brook Valley' which has nearly 800 signatories.
Please also take into account all objections to the 'Colchester Fringe' proposals received during your 6th January 2014 to 17th February 2014 public consultation.
Question 22
Are these the right planning policies to help the Council deliver sustainable development?
Green gaps of significant size between developments are very important, both for people and wildlife.
Green gaps of, say, at least 2km between developments per 1,000 dwellings in each development should be considered.
Question 26
Are these the right planning policies to help the Council plan for people?
Green infrastructure and green gaps are very important, both for people and wildlife.
Question 28
Are these the right planning policies to help the Council plan for places?
Regarding heritage, all listed buildings, conservation areas and scheduled monuments should be preserved and maintained at all costs. Other heritage assets should be protected by a generous local list.
Other, unlisted, heritage assets should also be preserved and maintained.
Regarding nature conservation, important wildlife sites should be protected, but it should also be realised that these sites may not work on their own - they need a buffer of countryside suitable for wildlife around them.
Data Protection
I understand that any comments submitted cannot be treated as private and confidential and may be made available for public inspection. Respondents’ details will be held on a database in accordance with the terms of Tendring District Council’s registration with the UK Information Commissioner pursuant to the Data Protection Act 1998.
[End of Email or Letter]
Saturday, 18 July 2015
Comments on Summer 2015 'Focus on Longridge' Newsletter from the St. Anne's Lib Dems
I received this newsletter on 14 June 2015.
Here are my comments on the section 'Preserving the Salary Brook Valley' in the newsletter.
I am disappointed with what is being done by the St. Anne's Lib Dems, as reported in the newsletter, because they seem to have missed three important things:
- There was no mention of the crucially important Colchester Council public consultation which was run in January 2015 and covered development plans in these areas, the results of which were released at a Colchester Local Plan Committe meeting on 8 June 2015. See my previous blog post. This consultation received over 600 responses from residents around Colchester, but the St. Anne's Lib Dems barely publicised it - hence only a small fraction of the responses were from our area. Also, the St Annes Lib Dems have not published any analysis of the consultation responses with regard to our area, hence I had to do what I could, see my previous blog post!
- The St. Annes' Lib Dems are not publicising the meetings of the Colchester Council Local Plan Committee, where the new development proposals are discussed. I think they should, and they should provide a summary of discussions that occurred which are relevant to our area.
- I think the St Anne's Lib Dems should have contacted Colchester's new MP regarding the possible development to the East of Colchester. According to an article in the Daily Gazette, they have spoken to him about security concerns at a local community centre, but I've seen nothing about the possible enormous development to the East of Colchester!
Frankly, if there is room in the newsletter to talk about a new salt bin (on page 2), there would have been room for the above, if there was any news, so we have to assume there hasn't been.
Let's hope the St. Anne's Lib Dems buck their ideas up so that I can spend time on other things, rather than analysing these issues!
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
Blog: http://cheag.blogspot.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colchestereastactiongroup
Here are my comments on the section 'Preserving the Salary Brook Valley' in the newsletter.
I am disappointed with what is being done by the St. Anne's Lib Dems, as reported in the newsletter, because they seem to have missed three important things:
- There was no mention of the crucially important Colchester Council public consultation which was run in January 2015 and covered development plans in these areas, the results of which were released at a Colchester Local Plan Committe meeting on 8 June 2015. See my previous blog post. This consultation received over 600 responses from residents around Colchester, but the St. Anne's Lib Dems barely publicised it - hence only a small fraction of the responses were from our area. Also, the St Annes Lib Dems have not published any analysis of the consultation responses with regard to our area, hence I had to do what I could, see my previous blog post!
- The St. Annes' Lib Dems are not publicising the meetings of the Colchester Council Local Plan Committee, where the new development proposals are discussed. I think they should, and they should provide a summary of discussions that occurred which are relevant to our area.
- I think the St Anne's Lib Dems should have contacted Colchester's new MP regarding the possible development to the East of Colchester. According to an article in the Daily Gazette, they have spoken to him about security concerns at a local community centre, but I've seen nothing about the possible enormous development to the East of Colchester!
Frankly, if there is room in the newsletter to talk about a new salt bin (on page 2), there would have been room for the above, if there was any news, so we have to assume there hasn't been.
Let's hope the St. Anne's Lib Dems buck their ideas up so that I can spend time on other things, rather than analysing these issues!
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
Blog: http://cheag.blogspot.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colchestereastactiongroup
Thursday, 25 June 2015
My Comments on Responses to January 2015 Colchester Consultation
I've had a look online through the responses to the January 2015 Colchester consultation and I found these of particular interest:
Essex Wildlife Trust, see here. (Archived by WebCite® on 19 July 2015.)
Colchester Natural History Society, see here. (Archived by WebCite® on 19 July 2015.)
Responses from other groups, see here. (Archived by WebCite® on 19 July 2015.)
Natural England (under 'Public Bodies'), see here. (Archived by WebCite® on 19 July 2015.)
Tony and Lisa Barker, see here. (Archived by WebCite® on 19 July 2015.)
Sir Bob Russell, see here, here and here. (Archived here, here, and here by WebCite® on 19 July 2015.)
Cllrs Cook, Hogg and Chuah, see here. (Archived by WebCite® on 19 July 2015.)
Also, I saw eleven responses that used the template letter from this blog.
Regarding the historical environment of Colchester in general:
English Heritage (under 'Public Bodies'), see here. (Archived by WebCite® on 19 July 2015.)
I think it's a shame that the politicians (Sir Bob Russell and the councillors above) didn't publicise the consultation more to residents of East Colchester. East Colchester had the fewest responses from residents out of all the areas, according to my check of the responses online.
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
Blog: http://cheag.blogspot.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colchestereastactiongroup
Essex Wildlife Trust, see here. (Archived by WebCite® on 19 July 2015.)
Colchester Natural History Society, see here. (Archived by WebCite® on 19 July 2015.)
Responses from other groups, see here. (Archived by WebCite® on 19 July 2015.)
Natural England (under 'Public Bodies'), see here. (Archived by WebCite® on 19 July 2015.)
Tony and Lisa Barker, see here. (Archived by WebCite® on 19 July 2015.)
Sir Bob Russell, see here, here and here. (Archived here, here, and here by WebCite® on 19 July 2015.)
Cllrs Cook, Hogg and Chuah, see here. (Archived by WebCite® on 19 July 2015.)
Also, I saw eleven responses that used the template letter from this blog.
Regarding the historical environment of Colchester in general:
English Heritage (under 'Public Bodies'), see here. (Archived by WebCite® on 19 July 2015.)
I think it's a shame that the politicians (Sir Bob Russell and the councillors above) didn't publicise the consultation more to residents of East Colchester. East Colchester had the fewest responses from residents out of all the areas, according to my check of the responses online.
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
Blog: http://cheag.blogspot.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colchestereastactiongroup
Colchester Council Update on January 2015 Consulation
I received the following email from Colchester Council, regarding the January 2015 public consultation. (Please email me if you want the contact details which I have removed from the email before posting on this blog.)
Subject: Local Plan - Issues & Options
From: Charlotte Allen
Date: Mon 15/06/2015 15:22
Dear Consultee,
Thank you for your response to Colchester Borough Council’s consultation on the Local Plan Issues and Options document. All responses can now be viewed on-line (with all personal details redacted). Additionally, a summary table of responses and a report on the consultation are also available.
The Council is now developing a draft plan based on consultation responses, up-to-date evidence and planning policy requirements. Consultation on a Preferred Options version of the plan is programmed for early 2016, and you will be kept informed of details of this consultation and all other further opportunities to be involved with the plan-making process.
Please feel free to contact the Planning Policy team if you have any questions. [Contact details removed].
Regards
Planning Policy Team
Charlotte Allen
Support Assistant - Commercial Services
Colchester Borough Council
[Contact details removed]
Subject: Local Plan - Issues & Options
From: Charlotte Allen
Date: Mon 15/06/2015 15:22
Dear Consultee,
Thank you for your response to Colchester Borough Council’s consultation on the Local Plan Issues and Options document. All responses can now be viewed on-line (with all personal details redacted). Additionally, a summary table of responses and a report on the consultation are also available.
The Council is now developing a draft plan based on consultation responses, up-to-date evidence and planning policy requirements. Consultation on a Preferred Options version of the plan is programmed for early 2016, and you will be kept informed of details of this consultation and all other further opportunities to be involved with the plan-making process.
Please feel free to contact the Planning Policy team if you have any questions. [Contact details removed].
Regards
Planning Policy Team
Charlotte Allen
Support Assistant - Commercial Services
Colchester Borough Council
[Contact details removed]
Saturday, 7 February 2015
Suggested Response to Colchester Local Plan Public Consultation, 16 January - 27 February 2015
1. Deadline
The deadline for responses to Colchester Council is 5pm, 27 February 2015.
It will really make a difference if you help by spreading the word to friends and neighbours.
2. Background
This consultation is about important issues to be decided for the future of the Colchester area. I suggest people read the following page:
Colchester Council: New Local Plan 2017-2032
Click Here
There is a lot of detail in the public consultation - the important thing for us is to just send some comments to the Council, we don't need to get bogged-down in all the information and issues.
The public consultation is described here:
Issues and Options Consultation (16 January - 27 February 2015)
Click Here
Please email me if you have any comments on what I have written here, there is an email button available from the 'View my complete profile' link under 'About Me' on this internet page.
3. Suggested Responses
There are two main ways to send comments to the council.
3.1 By Email (or Post)
Send your email to
planning.policy@colchester.gov.uk
This email address is on the consultation page linked above.
(Or send by post to: Spatial Policy Team, Colchester Borough Council, FREEPOST RLSL-ZTSR-SGYA, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1ZE.)
Suggested text of email (or letter) follows - please check that you agree, and edit as appropriate. You can just add any other ideas or opinions you have, they don't have to be answers to the questions listed.
(For anyone interested, the last part of the answer to question 29 below is adapted from the text of Appeal Ref APP/J1535/A/13/2201035 from The Planning Inspectorate, Point 16, regarding a separate planning application elsewhere in Essex.)
[Start of Email (or Letter)]
" re Colchester Local Plan Issues and Options Consultation, 16 January - 27 February 2015
Here are my answers to selected questions from your online questionnaire.
Please personally send me confirmation of receipt of this email and display my comments, without my personal details, on your web site.
29.Which option do you think would form the most appropriate strategy for the growth of the Borough and why?
Options 2A and 2B, which do not involve new development to the East of Colchester, are most appropriate because the East is already well-developed, and has some well-used and important green open spaces nearby which are valued by the public, and are important for wildlife. These green open spaces, stretching to a distance of at least 1.5km away from existing development, should be untouched by new development. Too much new development directly on the Eastern border of existing developed areas of Colchester would create an unpleasant and unmanageable urban sprawl. Please also see my answer to question 32.
Furthermore, Colchester Council, by introducing a significant amount of residential or other development into the countryside to the East of Colchester, would materially harm the character and appearance of the rural area contrary to the objectives of national policy (National Planning Policy Framework, 2012, paragraph 17, 5th bullet point; paragraph 109; and paragraph 81 is also related, although paragraph 81 is specific to Green Belts). This may also contravene local planning policy.
Local and national policy should collectively recognise the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside, seek to enhance the rural landscape and visual amenity of any Green Belt or general green land, and prevent development conspicuous from within any Green Belt or general green land which would have an excessive impact on rural character.
32. Should we look to have high densities if possible, if so, where do you think higher densities would be appropriate and why?
If there is to be new development to the East of Colchester, there should be a buffer of green, completely undeveloped land of 1.5km around Salary Brook.
This protected 'Salary Brook Valley' would include the Salary Brook itself, plus currently-undeveloped land 1.5km either side of the brook, along its entire length between Ardleigh and where the brook meets the River Colne.
25. Do you have any further comments to make on design and heritage related issues?
Many modern housing developments are a mishmash of different styles, often side-by-side. This looks awful. More control should be placed on housing developers, so that estates have a uniform, attractive appearance.
Heritage of all kinds, including architecture, is a very important part of Colchester, and utmost importance should be placed on preserving it.
28. Do you have any further comments to make about issues related to the Natural Environment?
The natural enviroment is a very important resource for Colchester, its people and its wildlife, and should be preserved as much as possible.
Please do not display my personal contact details on the internet.
Please let me know if you need more information from me.
From:
Your name.
Your postcode.
Your contact telephone number.
(Plus your full address if you want to send it)."
[End of Email (or Letter)]
If you have time, check that your response is included when the consultation results are published.
3.2 Using the Online Questionnaire
Find the text 'Complete the Issues and Options questionnaire.' in the 'Issues and Options Consultation (16 January - 27 February 2015)' web page linked above - you will need to 'Page Down' to find it because it is quite far down the web page and will probably not be shown on the first page of text you see after clicking-on the link.
Answer the questions as suggested above in the 'By Email' section, or as you see fit.
Just leave answers blank in the questionnaire where you don't have any comment - the council expect this.
I advise adding any ideas you think are relevant in your answers, even if you don't have time to fully check the council documents.
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
Blog: http://cheag.blogspot.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colchestereastactiongroup
The deadline for responses to Colchester Council is 5pm, 27 February 2015.
It will really make a difference if you help by spreading the word to friends and neighbours.
2. Background
This consultation is about important issues to be decided for the future of the Colchester area. I suggest people read the following page:
Colchester Council: New Local Plan 2017-2032
Click Here
There is a lot of detail in the public consultation - the important thing for us is to just send some comments to the Council, we don't need to get bogged-down in all the information and issues.
The public consultation is described here:
Issues and Options Consultation (16 January - 27 February 2015)
Click Here
Please email me if you have any comments on what I have written here, there is an email button available from the 'View my complete profile' link under 'About Me' on this internet page.
3. Suggested Responses
There are two main ways to send comments to the council.
3.1 By Email (or Post)
Send your email to
planning.policy@colchester.gov.uk
This email address is on the consultation page linked above.
(Or send by post to: Spatial Policy Team, Colchester Borough Council, FREEPOST RLSL-ZTSR-SGYA, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1ZE.)
Suggested text of email (or letter) follows - please check that you agree, and edit as appropriate. You can just add any other ideas or opinions you have, they don't have to be answers to the questions listed.
(For anyone interested, the last part of the answer to question 29 below is adapted from the text of Appeal Ref APP/J1535/A/13/2201035 from The Planning Inspectorate, Point 16, regarding a separate planning application elsewhere in Essex.)
[Start of Email (or Letter)]
" re Colchester Local Plan Issues and Options Consultation, 16 January - 27 February 2015
Here are my answers to selected questions from your online questionnaire.
Please personally send me confirmation of receipt of this email and display my comments, without my personal details, on your web site.
29.Which option do you think would form the most appropriate strategy for the growth of the Borough and why?
Options 2A and 2B, which do not involve new development to the East of Colchester, are most appropriate because the East is already well-developed, and has some well-used and important green open spaces nearby which are valued by the public, and are important for wildlife. These green open spaces, stretching to a distance of at least 1.5km away from existing development, should be untouched by new development. Too much new development directly on the Eastern border of existing developed areas of Colchester would create an unpleasant and unmanageable urban sprawl. Please also see my answer to question 32.
Furthermore, Colchester Council, by introducing a significant amount of residential or other development into the countryside to the East of Colchester, would materially harm the character and appearance of the rural area contrary to the objectives of national policy (National Planning Policy Framework, 2012, paragraph 17, 5th bullet point; paragraph 109; and paragraph 81 is also related, although paragraph 81 is specific to Green Belts). This may also contravene local planning policy.
Local and national policy should collectively recognise the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside, seek to enhance the rural landscape and visual amenity of any Green Belt or general green land, and prevent development conspicuous from within any Green Belt or general green land which would have an excessive impact on rural character.
32. Should we look to have high densities if possible, if so, where do you think higher densities would be appropriate and why?
If there is to be new development to the East of Colchester, there should be a buffer of green, completely undeveloped land of 1.5km around Salary Brook.
This protected 'Salary Brook Valley' would include the Salary Brook itself, plus currently-undeveloped land 1.5km either side of the brook, along its entire length between Ardleigh and where the brook meets the River Colne.
25. Do you have any further comments to make on design and heritage related issues?
Many modern housing developments are a mishmash of different styles, often side-by-side. This looks awful. More control should be placed on housing developers, so that estates have a uniform, attractive appearance.
Heritage of all kinds, including architecture, is a very important part of Colchester, and utmost importance should be placed on preserving it.
28. Do you have any further comments to make about issues related to the Natural Environment?
The natural enviroment is a very important resource for Colchester, its people and its wildlife, and should be preserved as much as possible.
Please do not display my personal contact details on the internet.
Please let me know if you need more information from me.
From:
Your name.
Your postcode.
Your contact telephone number.
(Plus your full address if you want to send it)."
[End of Email (or Letter)]
If you have time, check that your response is included when the consultation results are published.
3.2 Using the Online Questionnaire
Find the text 'Complete the Issues and Options questionnaire.' in the 'Issues and Options Consultation (16 January - 27 February 2015)' web page linked above - you will need to 'Page Down' to find it because it is quite far down the web page and will probably not be shown on the first page of text you see after clicking-on the link.
Answer the questions as suggested above in the 'By Email' section, or as you see fit.
Just leave answers blank in the questionnaire where you don't have any comment - the council expect this.
I advise adding any ideas you think are relevant in your answers, even if you don't have time to fully check the council documents.
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
Blog: http://cheag.blogspot.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colchestereastactiongroup
Friday, 16 January 2015
Colchester Local Plan Consultation, 16 January 2015 - 27 February 2015
CHEAG and CECA will be jointly preparing a suggested response. Please watch this space or email me so I can send you updates, there is an email button available from the 'View my complete profile' link under 'About Me' on this internet page.
Please see the following Colchester Council pages:
New Local Plan 2017-2032
Click Here
Issues and Options Consultation (16 January - 27 February 2015)
Click Here
(This second page is actually linked from the first, but I included a link here for convenience.)
Please add your comments below.
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
Blog: http://cheag.blogspot.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colchestereastactiongroup
Please see the following Colchester Council pages:
New Local Plan 2017-2032
Click Here
Issues and Options Consultation (16 January - 27 February 2015)
Click Here
(This second page is actually linked from the first, but I included a link here for convenience.)
Please add your comments below.
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
Blog: http://cheag.blogspot.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colchestereastactiongroup
Saturday, 27 December 2014
CHEAG supports CECA!
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG) endorses Colchester East Community Association (CECA)'s vision for protecting the Salary Brook Valley from damaging housing/commercial development.
A message from CECA:
"CECA has started its 'Save Salary Brook Valley' initiative and urgently needs your support. The CECA team will make presentations to the Tendring and Colchester Local Plan committees. The 'numbers game' is very important, hence CECA needs you to send a simple support email to:
ceca.countmein@gmail.com and simply give it a subject of 'Count me in'.
CECA will then keep you fully updated on progress. Many thanks in anticipation..."
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
Blog: http://cheag.blogspot.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colchestereastactiongroup
A message from CECA:
"CECA has started its 'Save Salary Brook Valley' initiative and urgently needs your support. The CECA team will make presentations to the Tendring and Colchester Local Plan committees. The 'numbers game' is very important, hence CECA needs you to send a simple support email to:
ceca.countmein@gmail.com and simply give it a subject of 'Count me in'.
CECA will then keep you fully updated on progress. Many thanks in anticipation..."
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
Blog: http://cheag.blogspot.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colchestereastactiongroup
Monday, 3 November 2014
Comments on Winter 2014 'Focus on Longridge' Newsletter from Lib Dems
My comments on the section 'Tendring District Council's Nominated Building Sites' in the newsletter.
I am still dissapointed with what our elected Lib Dems are doing on this matter:
a) The newsletter does not make clear what is actually happening at the moment - Tendring and Colchester Councils are liasing to determine whether building in the 'Colchester Fringe' area - their name for this area - should be put forward as part of their new local plans.
b) The term 'Salary Brook Valley' has not been defined properly, and does not cover all the areas where Tendring Council may want to develop, as discussed in my earlier blog post about the previous Lib Dem newsletter. The term does not appear in any of the council documents. The 'valley' does not form the boundary between Colchester and Tendring as stated in the newsletter, by any means - a large part of the valley is entirely within Colchester borough, the part to the South-East of Greenstead, and East of part of St. Anne's ward.
If we are just talking about 'the line of the boundary area', as stated in the newsletter, could that be a very small area?
c) I think it is wrong to state that by identifying areas for possible development, it makes them less likely to be the subject of speculative development! It is the absence of a local plan for Tendring in general that makes any area subject to possible speculative development. Once specific areas have been specified in the local plan, then other areas are less subject to speculative development.
d) The newsletter would have been an ideal place to directly mention the upcoming public consultations by Tendring and Colchester Councils, possibly late in 2014 / early 2015, but they are not mentioned in the newsletter.
e) The Lib Dems have come in to this matter very late - I didn't receive any information on this subject from them before the public consultation by Tendring Council in Januray/February 2014 - hence I sent postcards to inform people.
Frankly, I think one of the other political parties might have served us better!
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
Blog: http://cheag.blogspot.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colchestereastactiongroup
I am still dissapointed with what our elected Lib Dems are doing on this matter:
a) The newsletter does not make clear what is actually happening at the moment - Tendring and Colchester Councils are liasing to determine whether building in the 'Colchester Fringe' area - their name for this area - should be put forward as part of their new local plans.
b) The term 'Salary Brook Valley' has not been defined properly, and does not cover all the areas where Tendring Council may want to develop, as discussed in my earlier blog post about the previous Lib Dem newsletter. The term does not appear in any of the council documents. The 'valley' does not form the boundary between Colchester and Tendring as stated in the newsletter, by any means - a large part of the valley is entirely within Colchester borough, the part to the South-East of Greenstead, and East of part of St. Anne's ward.
If we are just talking about 'the line of the boundary area', as stated in the newsletter, could that be a very small area?
c) I think it is wrong to state that by identifying areas for possible development, it makes them less likely to be the subject of speculative development! It is the absence of a local plan for Tendring in general that makes any area subject to possible speculative development. Once specific areas have been specified in the local plan, then other areas are less subject to speculative development.
d) The newsletter would have been an ideal place to directly mention the upcoming public consultations by Tendring and Colchester Councils, possibly late in 2014 / early 2015, but they are not mentioned in the newsletter.
e) The Lib Dems have come in to this matter very late - I didn't receive any information on this subject from them before the public consultation by Tendring Council in Januray/February 2014 - hence I sent postcards to inform people.
Frankly, I think one of the other political parties might have served us better!
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
Blog: http://cheag.blogspot.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colchestereastactiongroup
Tuesday, 23 September 2014
30 Sep 2014 Tendring Council Local Plan Meeting - Rescheduled
The Tendring Council Local Plan Committee Meeting which was scheduled for 30 September 2014 has been rescheduled and will also be held in a new location on the new date.
Please check the Tendring Council website or email me for the new details - there is an email button available from the 'View my complete profile' link under 'About Me' on this internet page.
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
Blog: http://cheag.blogspot.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colchestereastactiongroup
Please check the Tendring Council website or email me for the new details - there is an email button available from the 'View my complete profile' link under 'About Me' on this internet page.
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
Blog: http://cheag.blogspot.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colchestereastactiongroup
Thursday, 14 August 2014
Comments on Latest 'Focus on Longridge' Newsletter from Lib Dems
A few comments from me on the piece titled 'The Salary Brook Valley' in the Summer 2014 'Focus on Longridge' leaflet from the Colchester St. Anne's Lib Dems:
Tendring Council and the 'Salary Brook Valley'...
Tendring Council are putting forward some possible development in the 'Salary Brook Valley' - to the West of Wall's Wood - but by far the majority of their proposals of possible development are near the top of the ridges or over the other side. This can be seen in the maps referenced in my 12 and 15 July 2014 posts, and also by comparing with the Ordnance Survey map available on Bing Maps (Click Here for Bing Maps of the area), where the contour lines of the valley can be seen. The reason for this is that the Tendring Council part of the 'Salary Brook Valley' is partly-covered by Churn Wood and Wall's Wood, which are ancient woodland and cannot be developed.
Most of the undeveloped part of the Salary Brook Valley which might be developed - near Greenstead and Longridge Park, and North of Bromley Road - comes under Colchester Council, according to the maps referenced above.
So asking Tendring Council not to develop in the valley is not asking them to change too much!
Dual objections...
Some strong objections may need to be made to keep any Tendring Council developments out of their part of the 'Salary Brook Valley', and further away from it. However, having seen the maps referred-to in my 15 July 2014 post, it seems Colchester Council may be an equally, possibly more, important focus of objections, if and when the time comes.
Re-assuring statement comment...
I think the statement in the newsletter 'The above suggestion seemed well received both in Colchester and Tendring' is a vague statement to make, at this stage, when there is potentially so much work still to do. It gives the general impression things are going well, and people can sit back and relax! Does it mean 'well-received' by Colchester and Tendring Councils, or the residents of those areas? Have the planning departments officially received it well?
Wording comment...
I think the wording of all objections needs to be thought about very carefully. For example, the newsletter talks about 'possible future house building in the Salary Brook Valley' and 'residents...who oppose building houses on the Salary Brook Valley'. Actually, the Colchester Council part of the 'Salary Brook Valley' is subject to the possible building of a technology park - maybe not houses! Reference: maps referred-to in my 15 July 2014 post. (Obviously a technology park could be good for Colchester, but an appropriate location needs to be found.)
Direct 'ready for action' needed...
The proposals by Tendring and Colchester Councils are still in their early stages, but I think the newsletter should have directly given a 'ready for action' call to residents of Greenstead and Longridge Park, describing what they may need to do, rather than just online contact details.
Given the number of new houses these councils need to build, it is likely that action will be needed!
There are two public consultations scheduled for next year regarding the new Tendring District Local Plan, but these are not mentioned.
Colchester Council will also have public consultations regarding the new review of the Colchester Local Plan.
I think it is vital that as many people as possible object during these public consultations, if necessary, so I think they should have been mentioned.
The Lib Dems seem to be saying 'look at what we have done', when actually 'what you may need to do' directly in the newsletter is needed as well.
Definition of 'Salary Brook Valley'...
The term 'Salary Brook Valley' or whatever term is used in objections needs to be precisely defined, maybe more in line with the title of this blog, at the top of this page. The definition should clearly exclude all unwanted development - for example, the possible development around Churn Wood is very close to Colchester, but is not technically in the 'Salary Brook Valley' according to Bing Maps.
Link Road...
The newsletter does not mention the possible link road between the A133 and the A120. This new road would ideally be much further away from current built-up areas than any new development of houses or buildings.
Comments welcome!
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
Blog: http://cheag.blogspot.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colchestereastactiongroup
This post updated: 15,16,17 August 2014.
Tendring Council and the 'Salary Brook Valley'...
Tendring Council are putting forward some possible development in the 'Salary Brook Valley' - to the West of Wall's Wood - but by far the majority of their proposals of possible development are near the top of the ridges or over the other side. This can be seen in the maps referenced in my 12 and 15 July 2014 posts, and also by comparing with the Ordnance Survey map available on Bing Maps (Click Here for Bing Maps of the area), where the contour lines of the valley can be seen. The reason for this is that the Tendring Council part of the 'Salary Brook Valley' is partly-covered by Churn Wood and Wall's Wood, which are ancient woodland and cannot be developed.
Most of the undeveloped part of the Salary Brook Valley which might be developed - near Greenstead and Longridge Park, and North of Bromley Road - comes under Colchester Council, according to the maps referenced above.
So asking Tendring Council not to develop in the valley is not asking them to change too much!
Dual objections...
Some strong objections may need to be made to keep any Tendring Council developments out of their part of the 'Salary Brook Valley', and further away from it. However, having seen the maps referred-to in my 15 July 2014 post, it seems Colchester Council may be an equally, possibly more, important focus of objections, if and when the time comes.
Re-assuring statement comment...
I think the statement in the newsletter 'The above suggestion seemed well received both in Colchester and Tendring' is a vague statement to make, at this stage, when there is potentially so much work still to do. It gives the general impression things are going well, and people can sit back and relax! Does it mean 'well-received' by Colchester and Tendring Councils, or the residents of those areas? Have the planning departments officially received it well?
Wording comment...
I think the wording of all objections needs to be thought about very carefully. For example, the newsletter talks about 'possible future house building in the Salary Brook Valley' and 'residents...who oppose building houses on the Salary Brook Valley'. Actually, the Colchester Council part of the 'Salary Brook Valley' is subject to the possible building of a technology park - maybe not houses! Reference: maps referred-to in my 15 July 2014 post. (Obviously a technology park could be good for Colchester, but an appropriate location needs to be found.)
Direct 'ready for action' needed...
The proposals by Tendring and Colchester Councils are still in their early stages, but I think the newsletter should have directly given a 'ready for action' call to residents of Greenstead and Longridge Park, describing what they may need to do, rather than just online contact details.
Given the number of new houses these councils need to build, it is likely that action will be needed!
There are two public consultations scheduled for next year regarding the new Tendring District Local Plan, but these are not mentioned.
Colchester Council will also have public consultations regarding the new review of the Colchester Local Plan.
I think it is vital that as many people as possible object during these public consultations, if necessary, so I think they should have been mentioned.
The Lib Dems seem to be saying 'look at what we have done', when actually 'what you may need to do' directly in the newsletter is needed as well.
Definition of 'Salary Brook Valley'...
The term 'Salary Brook Valley' or whatever term is used in objections needs to be precisely defined, maybe more in line with the title of this blog, at the top of this page. The definition should clearly exclude all unwanted development - for example, the possible development around Churn Wood is very close to Colchester, but is not technically in the 'Salary Brook Valley' according to Bing Maps.
Link Road...
The newsletter does not mention the possible link road between the A133 and the A120. This new road would ideally be much further away from current built-up areas than any new development of houses or buildings.
Comments welcome!
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
Blog: http://cheag.blogspot.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colchestereastactiongroup
This post updated: 15,16,17 August 2014.
Wednesday, 30 July 2014
Valued Landscape Views Photographed by Joe
Please follow this link to see photographs of valued views in the proposed 'Colchester Fringe' area, taken by Joe:
Click Here
Some of these views, at least, may not last if Tendring Council's proposals go ahead!
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
Blog: http://cheag.blogspot.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colchestereastactiongroup
Click Here
Some of these views, at least, may not last if Tendring Council's proposals go ahead!
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
Blog: http://cheag.blogspot.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colchestereastactiongroup
Saturday, 26 July 2014
Latest Newsletter and Minutes from Tending Council
I received the second Tendring District Council Local Plan Newsletter by email on 22 July 2014.
If you didn't receive the newsletter, I can forward it to you - please email me, there is an email button available from the 'View my complete profile' link under 'About Me' on this internet page.
Also, the minutes of the 15th July 2014 Tendring Local Plan Committee meeting are now online:
Tendring Local Plan Committee Minutes - Tuesday 15 July 2014
Click Here
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
Blog: http://cheag.blogspot.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colchestereastactiongroup
If you didn't receive the newsletter, I can forward it to you - please email me, there is an email button available from the 'View my complete profile' link under 'About Me' on this internet page.
Also, the minutes of the 15th July 2014 Tendring Local Plan Committee meeting are now online:
Tendring Local Plan Committee Minutes - Tuesday 15 July 2014
Click Here
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
Blog: http://cheag.blogspot.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colchestereastactiongroup
Tuesday, 22 July 2014
Colchester Ward Boundary Consultation
There is a consultation on changes to the ward boundaries in Colchester.
The consultation is open until 4th August 2014.
To participate, follow this link: Click Here
Then click on 'Have your say' near the top.
On the next page, you can draw on the ward diagram, but it is not neccesary - you can just type your comments below the diagram, then enter your personal details, then press 'Submit'.
This is the text of my submission:
"The area to the north of the A133 to the East of Colchester, which is currently part of the Wivenhoe Cross Ward, should become part of St. Anne's or St. Andrew's.
This area should be part of St. Anne's or St. Andrew's because there are new developments proposed for this area, which will have far more impact on St. Andrew's and St.Anne's residents than on Wivenhoe Cross Residents."
Feel free to use the same text, if you agree.
As usual, feel free to comment on this blog post, using the tool below.
( Here is a link to a Daily Gazette article regarding comments about the Hythe area, out of interest:
'Make the Hythe one ward to see business benefit', says group
Click Here )
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
Blog: http://cheag.blogspot.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colchestereastactiongroup
The consultation is open until 4th August 2014.
To participate, follow this link: Click Here
Then click on 'Have your say' near the top.
On the next page, you can draw on the ward diagram, but it is not neccesary - you can just type your comments below the diagram, then enter your personal details, then press 'Submit'.
This is the text of my submission:
"The area to the north of the A133 to the East of Colchester, which is currently part of the Wivenhoe Cross Ward, should become part of St. Anne's or St. Andrew's.
This area should be part of St. Anne's or St. Andrew's because there are new developments proposed for this area, which will have far more impact on St. Andrew's and St.Anne's residents than on Wivenhoe Cross Residents."
Feel free to use the same text, if you agree.
As usual, feel free to comment on this blog post, using the tool below.
( Here is a link to a Daily Gazette article regarding comments about the Hythe area, out of interest:
'Make the Hythe one ward to see business benefit', says group
Click Here )
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
Blog: http://cheag.blogspot.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colchestereastactiongroup
Tuesday, 15 July 2014
Tendring Council Local Plan Committee Meeting 15th July 2014
I attended this meeting, along with around 100 other members of the public.
The minutes and recording will be on the Tendring Council website in due course, I expect.
Councillor Cook, a Colchester Councillor for St Anne's, spoke from the public benches to make comments about the 'Colchester Fringe' proposals.
I don't think public speakers at the meeting have the same effect as objections sent during the public consultation, because as the Chairman pointed out, the public are really only attending the meeting, not fully participating. So I still think it's a shame that no St Anne's politicians objected during the public consultation earlier this year (see my earlier blog post).
Joe also spoke with comments about potential loss of valued views in the proposed 'Colchester Fringe' area, and also made a point about the NPPF. Joe had also previously emailed a submission to Tendring Council for the meeting, which they had received.
Some very interesting maps and text from Tendring Council regarding the Colchester Fringe proposals were shown, which are in addition to the ones I mentioned in my previous blog post, but in the same document.
These extra maps and text are here:
'Figure 14 – Land at Plains Farm, south of A120', and 'Figure 15 – Land east of Colchester between A133 and A120' and bullet points 5.9 to 5.16 in
'A2 Appendix E - Identifying Broad Locations for Potential Settlement Expansion - July 2014'
(This document is available from the agenda page for the meeting and should be available from the minutes.)
It was stressed that at this time, Tendring Council are only putting forward high-level possibilities. Some of the land mentioned has not yet been put forward for development by its owners.
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colchestereastactiongroup
The minutes and recording will be on the Tendring Council website in due course, I expect.
Councillor Cook, a Colchester Councillor for St Anne's, spoke from the public benches to make comments about the 'Colchester Fringe' proposals.
I don't think public speakers at the meeting have the same effect as objections sent during the public consultation, because as the Chairman pointed out, the public are really only attending the meeting, not fully participating. So I still think it's a shame that no St Anne's politicians objected during the public consultation earlier this year (see my earlier blog post).
Joe also spoke with comments about potential loss of valued views in the proposed 'Colchester Fringe' area, and also made a point about the NPPF. Joe had also previously emailed a submission to Tendring Council for the meeting, which they had received.
Some very interesting maps and text from Tendring Council regarding the Colchester Fringe proposals were shown, which are in addition to the ones I mentioned in my previous blog post, but in the same document.
These extra maps and text are here:
'Figure 14 – Land at Plains Farm, south of A120', and 'Figure 15 – Land east of Colchester between A133 and A120' and bullet points 5.9 to 5.16 in
'A2 Appendix E - Identifying Broad Locations for Potential Settlement Expansion - July 2014'
(This document is available from the agenda page for the meeting and should be available from the minutes.)
It was stressed that at this time, Tendring Council are only putting forward high-level possibilities. Some of the land mentioned has not yet been put forward for development by its owners.
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colchestereastactiongroup
Saturday, 12 July 2014
CHEAG is now on Facebook!
There is now a CHEAG Facebook page:
Facebook Page - Click Here
Please 'Like' on Facebook if you approve!
The main place to look for information and updates is still here on the blog.
The Facebook page has only been created so that people can easily 'Like' the page and any topics from the blog mentioned there, to show their support.
Everything will still be here on the blog - the Facebook page is an extra!
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colchestereastactiongroup
Facebook Page - Click Here
Please 'Like' on Facebook if you approve!
The main place to look for information and updates is still here on the blog.
The Facebook page has only been created so that people can easily 'Like' the page and any topics from the blog mentioned there, to show their support.
Everything will still be here on the blog - the Facebook page is an extra!
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colchestereastactiongroup
Tendring Council Local Plan Committee Meeting 15th July 2014 - Agenda
The agenda for this meeting is now online:
Tendring Local Plan Committee Agenda - Tuesday 15 July 2014 - 6.00 p.m.
Council Chamber, Council Offices, Thorpe Road, Weeley, CO16 9AJ
Click Here
(The above link will probably become invalid at a later date, when the agenda is replaced online by the minutes. The documents mentioned below should be found in the minutes in that case, if not - email me and I will see what I can do.)
I have had a look at some of the many documents linked-to from the above agenda.
Most relevant to the CHEAG campaign is section A.2 - 'Vision and Spatial Strategy for the new Local Plan'.
Objections received regarding the 'Colchester Fringe' proposals are mentioned here:
'Concerns about the possibility of development around the Colchester Fringe' in
'Key Messages From Previous Public Consultation' in
'A2 Report - Vision And Spatial Strategy For The New Local Plan, 15 July 2014'
You will get a good 'bang for your buck' regarding the new proposals by reading the following section:
Section 4.6 Onwards - 'Colchester Fringe' under
'Strategic Urban Settlements' in
'A2 Appendix E - Identifying Broad Locations for Potential Settlement Expansion - July 2014'
Also:
'A2 Appendix C - Vision and Spatial Strategy Key Diagram'
is quick to look at!
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colchestereastactiongroup
Tendring Local Plan Committee Agenda - Tuesday 15 July 2014 - 6.00 p.m.
Council Chamber, Council Offices, Thorpe Road, Weeley, CO16 9AJ
Click Here
(The above link will probably become invalid at a later date, when the agenda is replaced online by the minutes. The documents mentioned below should be found in the minutes in that case, if not - email me and I will see what I can do.)
I have had a look at some of the many documents linked-to from the above agenda.
Most relevant to the CHEAG campaign is section A.2 - 'Vision and Spatial Strategy for the new Local Plan'.
Objections received regarding the 'Colchester Fringe' proposals are mentioned here:
'Concerns about the possibility of development around the Colchester Fringe' in
'Key Messages From Previous Public Consultation' in
'A2 Report - Vision And Spatial Strategy For The New Local Plan, 15 July 2014'
You will get a good 'bang for your buck' regarding the new proposals by reading the following section:
Section 4.6 Onwards - 'Colchester Fringe' under
'Strategic Urban Settlements' in
'A2 Appendix E - Identifying Broad Locations for Potential Settlement Expansion - July 2014'
Also:
'A2 Appendix C - Vision and Spatial Strategy Key Diagram'
is quick to look at!
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colchestereastactiongroup
Monday, 30 June 2014
Colchester Council Local Plan Committee Meeting, 30 June 2014
I attended this meeting. The main issues that I feel are relevant to this campaign are:
1) Stanway Neighbourhood Plan
Stanway Parish Council is developing a Neighbourhood Plan and has agreed an area of Colchester to be covered by the plan.
Their plan is not directly relevant, but of interest, because Neighbourhood Plans are helpful for the area concerned within the planning process.
I am not sure, though, if a Neighbourhood Plan could be developed now for the proposed 'Colchester Fringe' area, because there is no neighbourhood there at the moment! That point might be checked, though.
I have added a new item to the CHEAG Project List regarding a possible Neighbourhood Plan, see the previous blog post.
2) Colchester Local Plan Focussed Review
The recent Colchester Local Plan Focussed Review, with the Planning Inspector's modifications, is to be recommended to be adopted by Colchester Council.
3) New Colchester Local Plan
There is to be a new full review of the Colchester Local Plan, with work on this already started.
This will include a 'call for sites', probably in July 2014. Proposed sites will then be subject to the normal council review process before being accepted for development.
It is proposed that the new plan will be adopted in 2016/2017.
4) Community Infrasturecture Levy
It appears that the 'Community Infrastructure Levy', paid by developers when developing new homes, will be of more benefit to areas with a local neighbourhood plan:
"The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has previously announced that town and parish councils that draw up neighbourhood plans will receive 25 per cent of the planning levy charged on new developments in their area. Neighbourhoods without a neighbourhood plan but where CIL is being charged will receive a 15 per cent share of the revenue from development in their area, but this will be capped at £100 per council tax dwelling."
(From Agenda Item 12 from the meeting: 'Community Infrastructure Levy', section 4.22.)
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
1) Stanway Neighbourhood Plan
Stanway Parish Council is developing a Neighbourhood Plan and has agreed an area of Colchester to be covered by the plan.
Their plan is not directly relevant, but of interest, because Neighbourhood Plans are helpful for the area concerned within the planning process.
I am not sure, though, if a Neighbourhood Plan could be developed now for the proposed 'Colchester Fringe' area, because there is no neighbourhood there at the moment! That point might be checked, though.
I have added a new item to the CHEAG Project List regarding a possible Neighbourhood Plan, see the previous blog post.
2) Colchester Local Plan Focussed Review
The recent Colchester Local Plan Focussed Review, with the Planning Inspector's modifications, is to be recommended to be adopted by Colchester Council.
3) New Colchester Local Plan
There is to be a new full review of the Colchester Local Plan, with work on this already started.
This will include a 'call for sites', probably in July 2014. Proposed sites will then be subject to the normal council review process before being accepted for development.
It is proposed that the new plan will be adopted in 2016/2017.
4) Community Infrasturecture Levy
It appears that the 'Community Infrastructure Levy', paid by developers when developing new homes, will be of more benefit to areas with a local neighbourhood plan:
"The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has previously announced that town and parish councils that draw up neighbourhood plans will receive 25 per cent of the planning levy charged on new developments in their area. Neighbourhoods without a neighbourhood plan but where CIL is being charged will receive a 15 per cent share of the revenue from development in their area, but this will be capped at £100 per council tax dwelling."
(From Agenda Item 12 from the meeting: 'Community Infrastructure Levy', section 4.22.)
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
Tuesday, 10 June 2014
CHEAG Project List - Help if You Can!
Last Update - 1st July 2014 - Added possible neighbourhood plan to list.
If anyone is interested in getting involved to assist with the objections to the 'Colchester Fringe' proposals, below is a list of things which might be looked at.
If you fancy taking any of these on, or of you have any other ideas of things to do, please email me - there is an email button available from the 'View my complete profile' link under 'About Me' on this internet page. I will then co-ordinate so that there is no duplication of effort.
Here is the list:
a) Essex Wilidlife Trust
Contact Essex Wildlife Trust - I have a name and number - to discuss addding an objection to the 'Colchester Fringe' proposals to their objections to other aspects of the January 2014 Tendring Council Local Plan Review.
b) Photographs
Take and send photographs of valued views, see my blog post of 6th March 2014.
c) Footpaths/Walking Trails
Investigate the existence of walking trails and public footpaths in the proposed 'Colchester Fringe' area. Might these be impaired by the proposed developments?
d) University of Essex
Contact the university: find an appropriate contact and discuss their views on the proposals.
e) Ancient Woodland
Investigate the age of the wooded areas, to determine whether any would count as ancient woodland.
f) Local Colchester Politicians
Liase with, and encourage these politicians to analyse the Tendring Council proposals, and to organise residents' objections to Tendring and Colchester Councils.
g) Archaeology
Maybe discuss with local history societies, although this might be done later by the councils at the planning stage.
h) Neighbourhood Plan
Investigate the possibility of a neighbourhood plan for St. Anne's, St. Andrew's, St. John's areas - and maybe for the new 'Colchester Fringe' area.
It is not clear, though, that this will help with objections to the proposed 'Colchester Fringe' developments - investigation needed!
I have had a few telephone conversations with Joe, and some of the above came from these. Joe might assist with co-ordinating effort on the above.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
If anyone is interested in getting involved to assist with the objections to the 'Colchester Fringe' proposals, below is a list of things which might be looked at.
If you fancy taking any of these on, or of you have any other ideas of things to do, please email me - there is an email button available from the 'View my complete profile' link under 'About Me' on this internet page. I will then co-ordinate so that there is no duplication of effort.
Here is the list:
a) Essex Wilidlife Trust
Contact Essex Wildlife Trust - I have a name and number - to discuss addding an objection to the 'Colchester Fringe' proposals to their objections to other aspects of the January 2014 Tendring Council Local Plan Review.
b) Photographs
Take and send photographs of valued views, see my blog post of 6th March 2014.
c) Footpaths/Walking Trails
Investigate the existence of walking trails and public footpaths in the proposed 'Colchester Fringe' area. Might these be impaired by the proposed developments?
d) University of Essex
Contact the university: find an appropriate contact and discuss their views on the proposals.
e) Ancient Woodland
Investigate the age of the wooded areas, to determine whether any would count as ancient woodland.
f) Local Colchester Politicians
Liase with, and encourage these politicians to analyse the Tendring Council proposals, and to organise residents' objections to Tendring and Colchester Councils.
g) Archaeology
Maybe discuss with local history societies, although this might be done later by the councils at the planning stage.
h) Neighbourhood Plan
Investigate the possibility of a neighbourhood plan for St. Anne's, St. Andrew's, St. John's areas - and maybe for the new 'Colchester Fringe' area.
It is not clear, though, that this will help with objections to the proposed 'Colchester Fringe' developments - investigation needed!
I have had a few telephone conversations with Joe, and some of the above came from these. Joe might assist with co-ordinating effort on the above.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
Thursday, 29 May 2014
Tendring District Council - Local Plan Newsletter and Public Consultation on the Statement of Community Involvement
I received the first Tendring District Council Local Plan Newsletter by email today, 29th May 2014.
If you didn't receive the newsletter, I can forward it to you - please email me, there is an email button available from the 'View my complete profile' link under 'About Me' on this internet page.
In summary:
Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Tending District Council Local Plan Committe is at 6.00pm on Tuesday 15th July 2014 at the Council Offices in Weeley.
Members of the public can attend these meetings.
Document References
There are several references in the newsletter to the A1 - A5 documents which are linked-to from the minutes of the 13th May 2014 meeting, see my earlier blog post.
Results of January 2014 Consultation
In the newsletter under 'Results of our last public consultation', 'The top 10 issues raised':
4 - Development on the Colchester Fringe
Residents in Colchester are worried that possible development crossing the Tendring/Colchester border might add to existing concerns about traffic and the environment.
Timetable for the new Local Plan
To quote from the newsletter:
"To make sure the Council follows the right procedures when preparing the Local Plan and to also ensure that other people can understand the different stages of the process, it has to produce a ‘Local Development Scheme’ (LDS).
On 13th May, the Local Plan Committee approved a new LDS containing the timetable for public consultation, examination by a Planning Inspector and final adoption for the new Local Plan. The main stages for producing the Local Plan are as follows:
Initial public consultation: Early 2015
Final public consultation: Autumn 2015
Examination by the Inspector: Spring 2016
Adoption of the Local Plan: Summer 2016"
Statement of Community Involvement
This document "explains how residents and others will be notified, consulted and involved in preparing the Local Plan and considering major planning applications".
There is a proposed new Statement of Community Involvement which can be commented on until 5pm on Monday 7th July 2014.
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
If you didn't receive the newsletter, I can forward it to you - please email me, there is an email button available from the 'View my complete profile' link under 'About Me' on this internet page.
In summary:
Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Tending District Council Local Plan Committe is at 6.00pm on Tuesday 15th July 2014 at the Council Offices in Weeley.
Members of the public can attend these meetings.
Document References
There are several references in the newsletter to the A1 - A5 documents which are linked-to from the minutes of the 13th May 2014 meeting, see my earlier blog post.
Results of January 2014 Consultation
In the newsletter under 'Results of our last public consultation', 'The top 10 issues raised':
4 - Development on the Colchester Fringe
Residents in Colchester are worried that possible development crossing the Tendring/Colchester border might add to existing concerns about traffic and the environment.
Timetable for the new Local Plan
To quote from the newsletter:
"To make sure the Council follows the right procedures when preparing the Local Plan and to also ensure that other people can understand the different stages of the process, it has to produce a ‘Local Development Scheme’ (LDS).
On 13th May, the Local Plan Committee approved a new LDS containing the timetable for public consultation, examination by a Planning Inspector and final adoption for the new Local Plan. The main stages for producing the Local Plan are as follows:
Initial public consultation: Early 2015
Final public consultation: Autumn 2015
Examination by the Inspector: Spring 2016
Adoption of the Local Plan: Summer 2016"
Statement of Community Involvement
This document "explains how residents and others will be notified, consulted and involved in preparing the Local Plan and considering major planning applications".
There is a proposed new Statement of Community Involvement which can be commented on until 5pm on Monday 7th July 2014.
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
Tuesday, 13 May 2014
Tendring Council Local Plan Committee Meeting, 13th May 2014
I attended this meeting, along with around 50 other members of the public.
The meeting agenda is here:
Tendring Council - Local Plan Commitee
View Local Plan Committee Agenda, 13 May 2014
Click here
(This has now been updated to be minutes of the meeting.)
Objections to the 'Colchester Fringe' proposals were mentioned as having been received, and they are also mentioned in the paperwork related to the meeting, see here.
Gary Guiver, Planning Policy Manager, was the main speaker at the meeting, going through the documents from the agenda, although there was quite a bit of discussion, and questions from members of the committee and the public.
Mr Guiver said the public consultation had been very useful as an intelligence-gathering excercise, although it was not going to be possible to please everyone.
Colchester Council is reviewing its local plan at the same time as Tendring's review, and both councils are open to development in the 'Colchester Fringe' area, so the proposals are being taken seriously by both councils.
All the recommendations from the meeting agenda were approved at the meeting, including the following regarding housing and employment numbers:
"That the Local Plan Committee considers the evidence outlined in this report and agrees that the new version of the Local Plan should include proposals and policies that aim to deliver at least 12,120 new homes and 5,000 new jobs in Tendring over the 17 year period 2014 to 2031."
(From 'A.3 Housing and Employment Growth in the new Local Plan' from the meeting agenda.)
Regarding public consultations, there could be a separate one for the 'Colchester Fringe' proposals, if they go ahead, because there could be a separate local plan for them.
There is a 'project plan' at the end of the following document from the meeting agenda:
A4 Appendix A - A.4 Local Development Scheme 2014-2017
Section 8 - Project Chart, on Page 22.
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
The meeting agenda is here:
Tendring Council - Local Plan Commitee
View Local Plan Committee Agenda, 13 May 2014
Click here
(This has now been updated to be minutes of the meeting.)
Objections to the 'Colchester Fringe' proposals were mentioned as having been received, and they are also mentioned in the paperwork related to the meeting, see here.
Gary Guiver, Planning Policy Manager, was the main speaker at the meeting, going through the documents from the agenda, although there was quite a bit of discussion, and questions from members of the committee and the public.
Mr Guiver said the public consultation had been very useful as an intelligence-gathering excercise, although it was not going to be possible to please everyone.
Colchester Council is reviewing its local plan at the same time as Tendring's review, and both councils are open to development in the 'Colchester Fringe' area, so the proposals are being taken seriously by both councils.
All the recommendations from the meeting agenda were approved at the meeting, including the following regarding housing and employment numbers:
"That the Local Plan Committee considers the evidence outlined in this report and agrees that the new version of the Local Plan should include proposals and policies that aim to deliver at least 12,120 new homes and 5,000 new jobs in Tendring over the 17 year period 2014 to 2031."
(From 'A.3 Housing and Employment Growth in the new Local Plan' from the meeting agenda.)
Regarding public consultations, there could be a separate one for the 'Colchester Fringe' proposals, if they go ahead, because there could be a separate local plan for them.
There is a 'project plan' at the end of the following document from the meeting agenda:
A4 Appendix A - A.4 Local Development Scheme 2014-2017
Section 8 - Project Chart, on Page 22.
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
Wednesday, 7 May 2014
My Comment on St Anne's Politicians
This post updated: 14 May 2014
My view on what the local St Anne's (Colchester) politicians are doing is that I haven't seen them do anything regarding the 'Colchester Fringe' proposals, apart from deliver leaflets containing nothing of substance (in my opinion), and pose for photos!
They are saying that they are fighting for the residents regarding the Colchester Fringe proposals, but I've seen nothing siginificant being done!
The 'A-2' document from the Tendring Local Plan Committe Meeting Agenda of 13 May 2014 does not list any objection received in January 2014 from St Anne's politicians! (There is one from St. John's - from Cllr. Ray Gamble.)
I think the St Anne's politicians should be following the councils' proposals and organising residents' responses.
Our MP has made an objection to Tendring Council, but so have some of the residents. The other concerns about land purchases he raised in the House of Commons, I think are a red herring.
This situation seems to me to be counter-productive because people will be less likely to send objections to Tendring Council themselves, if they have been given the impression that their local politicians are handling the issue.
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
My view on what the local St Anne's (Colchester) politicians are doing is that I haven't seen them do anything regarding the 'Colchester Fringe' proposals, apart from deliver leaflets containing nothing of substance (in my opinion), and pose for photos!
They are saying that they are fighting for the residents regarding the Colchester Fringe proposals, but I've seen nothing siginificant being done!
The 'A-2' document from the Tendring Local Plan Committe Meeting Agenda of 13 May 2014 does not list any objection received in January 2014 from St Anne's politicians! (There is one from St. John's - from Cllr. Ray Gamble.)
I think the St Anne's politicians should be following the councils' proposals and organising residents' responses.
Our MP has made an objection to Tendring Council, but so have some of the residents. The other concerns about land purchases he raised in the House of Commons, I think are a red herring.
This situation seems to me to be counter-productive because people will be less likely to send objections to Tendring Council themselves, if they have been given the impression that their local politicians are handling the issue.
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
Saturday, 26 April 2014
New Tendring Local Plan Review
Summary
I received an email from Tendring Council on 25th April 2014, see here for the full text. It will probably have been sent to everyone who commented to them earlier in the year.
According to the email, Tendring Council are going to have to conduct another review of their local plan, mainly to make sure enough new housing is included.
Tendring Council Document
There is a detailed Tendring Council document about this new local plan review here:
Council - 25 March 2014 - Progressing the Local Plan and Establishing a Local Plan Committee
In the January 2014 Local Plan Focussed Review, the 'Colchester Fringe' was identified as 'broad area for possible longer-term growth post 2024' . The 25 March 2014 document states:
Page 9:
"[Essex] County Council also questions [Tendring] Council’s ability to deliver the objectives for economic growth and job creation in its Economic Development Strategy without a more positive strategy for housing development. In particular, it questions whether identifying very vague ‘broad locations’ for longer-term growth around Clacton, Harwich and the Colchester Fringe will provide a sufficient level of certainty for developers and external funding agencies (such as the Local Enterprise Partnership) to bring investment to the area. The County Council has suggested therefore that the Local Plan should identify specific sites for development for the full length of the 15 year plan period, not just the first 10 years."
Public Involvement
The public can attend meetings of the new Tendring Council Local Plan Committee scheduled for 13 May, 15 July, 30 September, 2 December 2014, all at 6pm. Write-ups will be on the Tendring Council website.
I haven't had a chance to read all of the above document in detail yet, but the next date of interest is the 13 May 2014 meeting mentioned above.
Regarding public consultations, the document says:
On page 2:
"It is anticipated that if work begins on a new version of the Local Plan in April 2014, it can be published for initial consultation in late 2014, published for final consultation in mid-2015 following the local elections, submitted to the Secretary of State before the end of 2015 and adopted by April 2016."
Bottom Page 7, top of Page 8:
"It is envisaged that there will be two further rounds of public consultation. The first consultation will be on the ‘preferred options draft’ i.e. a version of the new Local Plan indicating the Council’s preferred approach and explaining which alternative options were considered and discounted. It this stage it will be important to ensure effective engagement with communities, particularly in those areas affected by new developments. It is proposed that the Local Plan Committee would work with Officers to shape and agree the approach to community involvement to ensure this is ffective as possible.
The second consultation will be on the ‘proposed submission draft’ i.e. the final version of the plan that the Council intends to submit to the Secretary of State to be examined by a Planning Inspector, having taken into account any comments received in response to the preferred options draft. At this stage, interested parties will be invited to make any final comments on the soundness of the plan which will then be forwarded to the Inspector.
These public consultation exercises will be carried out in line with the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 and the Council’s latest ‘Statement of Community Involvement’ (SCI)."
On page 15:
"October/November 2014 – Consider and agree the new Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) and the programme of public consultation on the Local Plan preferred options document."
Tendring Council Email Newsletter
Tendring Council will probably be sending out an email newsletter. If you want to subscribe, I suggest you contact them at the email address at the bottom of the following page:
The Tendring District Local Plan
(That page hadn't been updated to reflect the contents of the email I received from Tendring Council, as at the time of writing.)
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
I received an email from Tendring Council on 25th April 2014, see here for the full text. It will probably have been sent to everyone who commented to them earlier in the year.
According to the email, Tendring Council are going to have to conduct another review of their local plan, mainly to make sure enough new housing is included.
Tendring Council Document
There is a detailed Tendring Council document about this new local plan review here:
Council - 25 March 2014 - Progressing the Local Plan and Establishing a Local Plan Committee
In the January 2014 Local Plan Focussed Review, the 'Colchester Fringe' was identified as 'broad area for possible longer-term growth post 2024' . The 25 March 2014 document states:
Page 9:
"[Essex] County Council also questions [Tendring] Council’s ability to deliver the objectives for economic growth and job creation in its Economic Development Strategy without a more positive strategy for housing development. In particular, it questions whether identifying very vague ‘broad locations’ for longer-term growth around Clacton, Harwich and the Colchester Fringe will provide a sufficient level of certainty for developers and external funding agencies (such as the Local Enterprise Partnership) to bring investment to the area. The County Council has suggested therefore that the Local Plan should identify specific sites for development for the full length of the 15 year plan period, not just the first 10 years."
Public Involvement
The public can attend meetings of the new Tendring Council Local Plan Committee scheduled for 13 May, 15 July, 30 September, 2 December 2014, all at 6pm. Write-ups will be on the Tendring Council website.
I haven't had a chance to read all of the above document in detail yet, but the next date of interest is the 13 May 2014 meeting mentioned above.
Regarding public consultations, the document says:
On page 2:
"It is anticipated that if work begins on a new version of the Local Plan in April 2014, it can be published for initial consultation in late 2014, published for final consultation in mid-2015 following the local elections, submitted to the Secretary of State before the end of 2015 and adopted by April 2016."
Bottom Page 7, top of Page 8:
"It is envisaged that there will be two further rounds of public consultation. The first consultation will be on the ‘preferred options draft’ i.e. a version of the new Local Plan indicating the Council’s preferred approach and explaining which alternative options were considered and discounted. It this stage it will be important to ensure effective engagement with communities, particularly in those areas affected by new developments. It is proposed that the Local Plan Committee would work with Officers to shape and agree the approach to community involvement to ensure this is ffective as possible.
The second consultation will be on the ‘proposed submission draft’ i.e. the final version of the plan that the Council intends to submit to the Secretary of State to be examined by a Planning Inspector, having taken into account any comments received in response to the preferred options draft. At this stage, interested parties will be invited to make any final comments on the soundness of the plan which will then be forwarded to the Inspector.
These public consultation exercises will be carried out in line with the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 and the Council’s latest ‘Statement of Community Involvement’ (SCI)."
On page 15:
"October/November 2014 – Consider and agree the new Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) and the programme of public consultation on the Local Plan preferred options document."
Tendring Council Email Newsletter
Tendring Council will probably be sending out an email newsletter. If you want to subscribe, I suggest you contact them at the email address at the bottom of the following page:
The Tendring District Local Plan
(That page hadn't been updated to reflect the contents of the email I received from Tendring Council, as at the time of writing.)
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
Thursday, 24 April 2014
University-Councils Link-Up
Last updated of this post: 26th April 2014
Here is some news about Essex University and the Councils linking-up:
Daily Gazette: Essex University to lead north Essex out of recession
That article mentions the link road.
It says the full story is in Friday's paper edition (25th April 2014). There wasn't too much more of substance in the paper edition.
There was also an article in the EADT:
EADT: Essex - New deal signed between university and councils
There will obviously also be official literature put out by the organisations concerned. Let me know if you find anything.
My feeling is that a link road from the university to the A120 and a new railway station is overkill just for the University's Knowledge Gateway. However, I am not really in a position to say. If anyone has time to analyse all the facts and figures, let me know! However, a new road and station would probably serve a new housing estate, as well, if a housing estate is built.
The news of the link-up is relevant because the 'Colchester Fringe' has been promoted as a growth area based upon mixed residential and university-led employment developments. This is discussed in the 'Site Promoters - Smaller Rural Settlements' document linked-to in my first blog post. We should keep an eye on how important the university-led employment aspect is going forward.
I believe in campaigning to keep the sloping land area mentioned in this blog as a rural green area.
Separately, someone made a comment that local politicians and MPs can't actually do much to prevent housing developments, but they have to make as much noise as possible, so that they appear to be doing something. I think the most effective thing to do is to object to inappropriate aspects of developments directly to the councils' planning departments, when the time comes.
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
Here is some news about Essex University and the Councils linking-up:
Daily Gazette: Essex University to lead north Essex out of recession
That article mentions the link road.
It says the full story is in Friday's paper edition (25th April 2014). There wasn't too much more of substance in the paper edition.
There was also an article in the EADT:
EADT: Essex - New deal signed between university and councils
There will obviously also be official literature put out by the organisations concerned. Let me know if you find anything.
My feeling is that a link road from the university to the A120 and a new railway station is overkill just for the University's Knowledge Gateway. However, I am not really in a position to say. If anyone has time to analyse all the facts and figures, let me know! However, a new road and station would probably serve a new housing estate, as well, if a housing estate is built.
The news of the link-up is relevant because the 'Colchester Fringe' has been promoted as a growth area based upon mixed residential and university-led employment developments. This is discussed in the 'Site Promoters - Smaller Rural Settlements' document linked-to in my first blog post. We should keep an eye on how important the university-led employment aspect is going forward.
I believe in campaigning to keep the sloping land area mentioned in this blog as a rural green area.
Separately, someone made a comment that local politicians and MPs can't actually do much to prevent housing developments, but they have to make as much noise as possible, so that they appear to be doing something. I think the most effective thing to do is to object to inappropriate aspects of developments directly to the councils' planning departments, when the time comes.
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
Thursday, 17 April 2014
Crediting
As mentioned elsewhere, I am happy for you to use any material from
the CHEAG blog for any purpose you see fit, and I don't require that a
credit is given to the blog.
However, if you do use material from the CHEAG blog, I would prefer that you do credit the blog if you can, because it will help create extra publicity for the blog, and get a better return on the investement in creating the blog. If possible, please include a link to the blog.
The main aim is to object to inappropriate development.
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
However, if you do use material from the CHEAG blog, I would prefer that you do credit the blog if you can, because it will help create extra publicity for the blog, and get a better return on the investement in creating the blog. If possible, please include a link to the blog.
The main aim is to object to inappropriate development.
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
Thursday, 6 March 2014
Request for Photographs of Views and Other Objection Ideas
Request
Since the main thrust of the CHEAG objection to Tendring Council's proposals concerns 'valued landscape views' (see below), I think it would help for any future stage of the campaign to gather as many photographs of these views, from as many people as possible.
I think even just one photograph per person would make a real difference to the campaign.
Any other ideas about future objections to the Colchester Fringe proposals are also welcome, please send to me by email or add comments to this blog post.
We will have to wait to see when is the next opportunity to object to the proposals, but photos I could gather on this blog or on another photo site in anticipation.
Please email any photographs to me, there is an email button available from the 'View my complete profile' link under 'About Me' on this interent page.
Template Email for Photos
Please include the following information, editing the areas in square brackets to add/remove information as you see fit.
To: Colchester East Action Group,
Attached are photographs of views across the proposed 'Colchester Fringe' development area defined in Tendring District Council's proposals. These photographs are of landscape views I value as a resident of [your home area].
Photographs were taken from the following locations:
[Photograph filename a] - from [location photo taken from, with lat-long if possible (see 'Notes' below), and direction photographer was facing]
[Photograph filename b] - ... etc.
I hereby give you permission to publish these photographs on the internet, and to send them to Tendring or Colchester Councils.You can also store the personal details I have provided to you on your computer(s), provided you take reasonable steps to keep them secure, and you can send them to Tendring or Colchester Councils with my photographs.
From:
[Your Name] [I am happy for my (name)/(first name only) to appear on the internet]
[Your address] [(Please include my street name only if the photos are included on the internet)/(Please include 'address supplied' only if the photos are included on the internet)/(Please do not publish any address information on the internet)]
[Your telephone number]
[I am happy for you to supply my name/address/telephone number/email address to Tendring or Colchester Council if you send them these photos.]
Regards
[Your Name]
[Date]
Notes
To obtain decimal latitude and longitude for where a photograph was taken:
1) Go to Bing Maps for the area concerned, for example here: Greenstead and Longridge Park
2) Right-click the location the photo was taken from. The latitude and longitude co-ordinates are shown.
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group
Since the main thrust of the CHEAG objection to Tendring Council's proposals concerns 'valued landscape views' (see below), I think it would help for any future stage of the campaign to gather as many photographs of these views, from as many people as possible.
I think even just one photograph per person would make a real difference to the campaign.
Any other ideas about future objections to the Colchester Fringe proposals are also welcome, please send to me by email or add comments to this blog post.
We will have to wait to see when is the next opportunity to object to the proposals, but photos I could gather on this blog or on another photo site in anticipation.
Please email any photographs to me, there is an email button available from the 'View my complete profile' link under 'About Me' on this interent page.
Template Email for Photos
Please include the following information, editing the areas in square brackets to add/remove information as you see fit.
To: Colchester East Action Group,
Attached are photographs of views across the proposed 'Colchester Fringe' development area defined in Tendring District Council's proposals. These photographs are of landscape views I value as a resident of [your home area].
Photographs were taken from the following locations:
[Photograph filename a] - from [location photo taken from, with lat-long if possible (see 'Notes' below), and direction photographer was facing]
[Photograph filename b] - ... etc.
I hereby give you permission to publish these photographs on the internet, and to send them to Tendring or Colchester Councils.You can also store the personal details I have provided to you on your computer(s), provided you take reasonable steps to keep them secure, and you can send them to Tendring or Colchester Councils with my photographs.
From:
[Your Name] [I am happy for my (name)/(first name only) to appear on the internet]
[Your address] [(Please include my street name only if the photos are included on the internet)/(Please include 'address supplied' only if the photos are included on the internet)/(Please do not publish any address information on the internet)]
[Your telephone number]
[I am happy for you to supply my name/address/telephone number/email address to Tendring or Colchester Council if you send them these photos.]
Regards
[Your Name]
[Date]
Notes
To obtain decimal latitude and longitude for where a photograph was taken:
1) Go to Bing Maps for the area concerned, for example here: Greenstead and Longridge Park
2) Right-click the location the photo was taken from. The latitude and longitude co-ordinates are shown.
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group
Tuesday, 4 March 2014
Post-17th February 2014 Consultation Deadline Summary
The public consultation by Tendring Council ended on 17th February 2014.
Thanks to everyone who emailed me, and well-done to everyone who contacted Tendring Council. Especially well-done to Joe with his petition of getting on for 120 signatures!
See here for a Daily Gazette article about Joe's petition:
More than 100 sign petition against Tendring housing plans
The print version of that article invites letters to the paper, so please write or suggest more articles.
(I realise that several people suggested a petition in comments and emails to me. As time went on, it seemed like it might be a good idea, provided Tendring Council were obliged to accept it. I didn't have time to check that.)
Please check back here soon for a full post-17th February summary.
There are plans for a Facebook page and Twitter account - these would be used to give updates and as part of any future campaigning, alongside this blog page.
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group
Thanks to everyone who emailed me, and well-done to everyone who contacted Tendring Council. Especially well-done to Joe with his petition of getting on for 120 signatures!
See here for a Daily Gazette article about Joe's petition:
More than 100 sign petition against Tendring housing plans
The print version of that article invites letters to the paper, so please write or suggest more articles.
(I realise that several people suggested a petition in comments and emails to me. As time went on, it seemed like it might be a good idea, provided Tendring Council were obliged to accept it. I didn't have time to check that.)
Please check back here soon for a full post-17th February summary.
There are plans for a Facebook page and Twitter account - these would be used to give updates and as part of any future campaigning, alongside this blog page.
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group
Colchester Council’s February 2014 Response to Tendring Council's Consultation
Last Update: 4 March 2014
Colchester Council’s February 2014 Consultation Response to Tendring District’s Local Plan, Pre-Submission (Focussed Changes) Document
Colchester Council have considered the Tendring Council proposals, links to relevant documents below.
(If these documents do not display well in your browser, try downloading them and viewing them outside the browser.)
Colchester Council - 3rd February 2014 - Author Karen Syrett - Tendring District Council Draft Local Plan
Colchester Council - 4th February 2014 - Tendring District Local Plan Pre-Submission Document (Focussed Changes) - Decision
Colchester Council’s February 2014 Consultation Response to Tendring District’s Local Plan, Pre-Submission (Focussed Changes) Document
Colchester Council have considered the Tendring Council proposals, links to relevant documents below.
(If these documents do not display well in your browser, try downloading them and viewing them outside the browser.)
Colchester Council - 3rd February 2014 - Author Karen Syrett - Tendring District Council Draft Local Plan
Colchester Council - 4th February 2014 - Tendring District Local Plan Pre-Submission Document (Focussed Changes) - Decision
Thursday, 16 January 2014
Summary of Proposals and Response to 6th January 2014 to 17th February 2014 Public Consultation
Last update: 9th February 2014 - this may be the last significant update before the 17th February, 5pm deadline.
Minor updates: 13th February 2014, 6th March 2014.
Summary
The proposal is for up to 4,000 homes and a link road on the fields to the east of Greenstead and Longridge Park. The home building is proposed to start in 2024, but the link road would come first. Work could be brought forward under certain circumstances. More details can be found in the Tendring Council documents I have linked-to below.
These proposals for the 'Colchester Fringe' are part of the Tendring Council Local Plan Review, the public consultation for which ends on 17th February 2014 at 5pm, so comments must be submitted by then.
Anyone can object to, or support, the proposals, not just Tendring-area residents.
I am a member of the public who has views on these proposals.
Please tell as many people about this is as possible, I have not sent information to everyone in affected areas, by any means. Tendring Council are only creating limited publicity.
If you want to email me, please click to add a comment at the bottom of the page, and my email address will be shown (at the end, after the comment box).
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group
Objection Summary
Comments to Tendring Council at this stage can only be within a set of well-defined areas and should either object to, or support the proposals. See the link to 'Major Changes to the Written Statement' below - that document has a detailed discussion.
I will wait for comments added below on this blog. Once I read peoples' comments I may update this page.
My current thinking is to write to Tendring Council as below. If you agree with me, please do the same. You could wait until fairly near the 17th February 2014, 5pm deadline, because I may have updated this page with other peoples' ideas - please check back!
Paragraph 109 of the National Planning Policy Framework mentioned below talks about 'protecting and enhancing valued landscapes', so to prove the landscape is valued, the more people who write to the council as below, the better! Colchester is not inside any Green Belt, but the National Planning Policy Framework wording still provides protection, in my view.
For anyone interested, the first part of the objection below is adapted from the text of Appeal Ref APP/J1535/A/13/2201035 from The Planning Inspectorate, Point 16, regarding a separate planning application elsewhere in Essex.
Objection Letter or Email
If you agree with the following, send it by letter or email, as described in the 'Major Changes to the Written Statement' link below. You may want to ask the council for acknowledgement of your comment, and for it to be displayed on the Internet.
If you send me an email (as described above), I will email you a template email/letter to use.
If you include the section in the objection refering to photos, you will need to attach or print the photos of the views below. (Permission is hereby granted to use these photos for this purpose!)
"Objection to Tendring Council Local Plan Focused Changes, January 2014:
Objection to 'Colchester Fringe' Development Area - Not Consistent with National Policy
Tendring Council, by introducing a significant amount of residential or other development into the countryside in the 'Colchester Fringe' area, would materially harm the character and appearance of the rural area contrary to the objectives of national policy (National Planning Policy Framework, 2012, paragraph 17, 5th bullet point; paragraph 109; and paragraph 81 is also related, although paragraph 81 is specific to Green Belts). This may also contravene local planning policy.
Local and national policy should collectively recognise the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside, seek to enhance the rural landscape and visual amenity of any Green Belt or general green land, and prevent development conspicuous from within any Green Belt or general green land which would have an excessive impact on rural character.
For these reasons, as a minimum area, the sloping land east up from Salary Brook, running roughly from the A133 to Home Wood to Churn Wood (in other words from Salary Brook up the slope to nearly Slough Lane/Chapel Lane/Wivenhoe Road), should be kept completely green, as a nature reserve/amenity area. This would maintain the well-used countryside amenity area and views, and tie-in with the current smaller nature reserve designations around Salary Brook.
Attached are eight photos showing valued landscape views of this sloping area from within Greenstead and Longridge. These views are needed to prevent an overly-urban environment, and should be protected as described in the National Planning Policy Framework.
We also ask Tendring Council to consider:
Overall traffic in Colchester, even after the link road is built. There is currently a great deal of congestion.
The possibility of serious flooding from Salary Brook, if too many houses are built around the brook area.
Noise from traffic on the link road, which should be kept to a minimum. Perhaps the new road should be in a tunnel or cutting.
Public transport, possibly Hythe station, including parking, should be enhanced.
Adequate schools will need funding.
Greenstead and Longridge are already huge housing estates, the above green area should be kept as a buffer to prevent creating an enormous urban sprawl."
Tendring Council Documents
The following documents from Tendring Council include details about the plans for the fields to the east of Longridge Park and Greenstead, the 'Colchester Fringe'. I have listed them in a suggested reading order.
If you start by reading just the pages I have listed below, it will probably save you time.
1) Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA), September 2013
http://www.tendringdc.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/planning/planning%20policy/2013%20Tendring%20SHLAA.pdf
See:
Principle 3, Section 3.26, on Page 11
Broad Area 3: Colchester Fringe, on Page 61
Assumptions on housing delivery in years 11-15 (2024-2025), UE4.14, Land east of Colchester between A133 and A120, on Page 86
Colchester Fringe Map, on Page 92.
2) Tendring District Local Plan Pre-Submission Focussed Changes - Major Changes to the Written Statement, January 2014
http://www.tendringdc.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/planning/planning%20policy/Major%20Changes.pdf
See section MAJ 2.2 on Page 13 regarding the plans.
Pages 2, 3 have a detailed description of how to comment (objecting or supporting).
3) Site Promoters - Smaller Rural Settlements
http://www.tendringdc.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/planning/planning%20policy/Site%20promoters%20-%20Smaller%20rural%20settlements.pdf
(This document may be best downloaded rather then viewed directly in a browser.)
See section on 'Haven Growth Area' starting on page 23, including the map on Page 30.
The 'HGA' is also shown on a larger-scale map on page 69.
4) The Tendring District Local Plan
http://www.tendringdc.gov.uk/planning/local-plans-and-policies/view-our-local-plan
(This page has a link to 'Proposed Changes to Tendring Local Plan' mentioned below.)
Obviously, this page may change or become unavailable in future, as Tendring Council make updates.
5) Proposed Changes to Tendring Local Plan
http://www.tendringdc.gov.uk/planning/local-plans-and-policies/view-our-local-plan/pre-submission-focussed-changes-local-plan
The documents linked on this page I found difficult to read, because they are in the form of changes shown to the original planning documents.
Obviously, this page may change or become unavailable in future, as Tendring Council make updates.
National Planning Documents
1) National Planning Policy Framework
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-planning-policy-framework--2
See sections listed in 'Objection' above.
Photos of Views of Sloping Green Area Described in the Objection Above
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View 1 - From between Dunnock Way and Sandpiper Close (Lat-Long 51.890730, 0.950128)
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View 2 - From Junction of Hamlet Drive and Avon Way (Lat-Long 51.889859, 0.946346)
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View 3 - From Junction Hewes Close and Avon Way (Lat-Long 51.889330, 0.946061)
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View 4 - From Junction Magnolia Drive and Avon Way (Lat-Long 51.887810, 0.943846)
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View 5 - From beside Avon Way House on Avon Way (Lat-Long 51.886979, 0.942322)
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View 6 - From Junction Buffett Way and Avon Way (Lat-Long 51.886257, 0.940772)
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View 7 - From near Junction of Hawthorn Avenue and Avon Way (Lat-Long 51.885883, 0.938846)
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View 8 - From near Junction Scarfe Way and Avon Way (Lat-Long 51.885133, 0.937645)
Minor updates: 13th February 2014, 6th March 2014.
Summary
The proposal is for up to 4,000 homes and a link road on the fields to the east of Greenstead and Longridge Park. The home building is proposed to start in 2024, but the link road would come first. Work could be brought forward under certain circumstances. More details can be found in the Tendring Council documents I have linked-to below.
These proposals for the 'Colchester Fringe' are part of the Tendring Council Local Plan Review, the public consultation for which ends on 17th February 2014 at 5pm, so comments must be submitted by then.
Anyone can object to, or support, the proposals, not just Tendring-area residents.
I am a member of the public who has views on these proposals.
Please tell as many people about this is as possible, I have not sent information to everyone in affected areas, by any means. Tendring Council are only creating limited publicity.
If you want to email me, please click to add a comment at the bottom of the page, and my email address will be shown (at the end, after the comment box).
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group
Objection Summary
Comments to Tendring Council at this stage can only be within a set of well-defined areas and should either object to, or support the proposals. See the link to 'Major Changes to the Written Statement' below - that document has a detailed discussion.
I will wait for comments added below on this blog. Once I read peoples' comments I may update this page.
My current thinking is to write to Tendring Council as below. If you agree with me, please do the same. You could wait until fairly near the 17th February 2014, 5pm deadline, because I may have updated this page with other peoples' ideas - please check back!
Paragraph 109 of the National Planning Policy Framework mentioned below talks about 'protecting and enhancing valued landscapes', so to prove the landscape is valued, the more people who write to the council as below, the better! Colchester is not inside any Green Belt, but the National Planning Policy Framework wording still provides protection, in my view.
For anyone interested, the first part of the objection below is adapted from the text of Appeal Ref APP/J1535/A/13/2201035 from The Planning Inspectorate, Point 16, regarding a separate planning application elsewhere in Essex.
Objection Letter or Email
If you agree with the following, send it by letter or email, as described in the 'Major Changes to the Written Statement' link below. You may want to ask the council for acknowledgement of your comment, and for it to be displayed on the Internet.
If you send me an email (as described above), I will email you a template email/letter to use.
If you include the section in the objection refering to photos, you will need to attach or print the photos of the views below. (Permission is hereby granted to use these photos for this purpose!)
"Objection to Tendring Council Local Plan Focused Changes, January 2014:
Objection to 'Colchester Fringe' Development Area - Not Consistent with National Policy
Tendring Council, by introducing a significant amount of residential or other development into the countryside in the 'Colchester Fringe' area, would materially harm the character and appearance of the rural area contrary to the objectives of national policy (National Planning Policy Framework, 2012, paragraph 17, 5th bullet point; paragraph 109; and paragraph 81 is also related, although paragraph 81 is specific to Green Belts). This may also contravene local planning policy.
Local and national policy should collectively recognise the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside, seek to enhance the rural landscape and visual amenity of any Green Belt or general green land, and prevent development conspicuous from within any Green Belt or general green land which would have an excessive impact on rural character.
For these reasons, as a minimum area, the sloping land east up from Salary Brook, running roughly from the A133 to Home Wood to Churn Wood (in other words from Salary Brook up the slope to nearly Slough Lane/Chapel Lane/Wivenhoe Road), should be kept completely green, as a nature reserve/amenity area. This would maintain the well-used countryside amenity area and views, and tie-in with the current smaller nature reserve designations around Salary Brook.
Attached are eight photos showing valued landscape views of this sloping area from within Greenstead and Longridge. These views are needed to prevent an overly-urban environment, and should be protected as described in the National Planning Policy Framework.
We also ask Tendring Council to consider:
Overall traffic in Colchester, even after the link road is built. There is currently a great deal of congestion.
The possibility of serious flooding from Salary Brook, if too many houses are built around the brook area.
Noise from traffic on the link road, which should be kept to a minimum. Perhaps the new road should be in a tunnel or cutting.
Public transport, possibly Hythe station, including parking, should be enhanced.
Adequate schools will need funding.
Greenstead and Longridge are already huge housing estates, the above green area should be kept as a buffer to prevent creating an enormous urban sprawl."
Tendring Council Documents
The following documents from Tendring Council include details about the plans for the fields to the east of Longridge Park and Greenstead, the 'Colchester Fringe'. I have listed them in a suggested reading order.
If you start by reading just the pages I have listed below, it will probably save you time.
1) Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA), September 2013
http://www.tendringdc.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/planning/planning%20policy/2013%20Tendring%20SHLAA.pdf
See:
Principle 3, Section 3.26, on Page 11
Broad Area 3: Colchester Fringe, on Page 61
Assumptions on housing delivery in years 11-15 (2024-2025), UE4.14, Land east of Colchester between A133 and A120, on Page 86
Colchester Fringe Map, on Page 92.
2) Tendring District Local Plan Pre-Submission Focussed Changes - Major Changes to the Written Statement, January 2014
http://www.tendringdc.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/planning/planning%20policy/Major%20Changes.pdf
See section MAJ 2.2 on Page 13 regarding the plans.
Pages 2, 3 have a detailed description of how to comment (objecting or supporting).
3) Site Promoters - Smaller Rural Settlements
http://www.tendringdc.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/planning/planning%20policy/Site%20promoters%20-%20Smaller%20rural%20settlements.pdf
(This document may be best downloaded rather then viewed directly in a browser.)
See section on 'Haven Growth Area' starting on page 23, including the map on Page 30.
The 'HGA' is also shown on a larger-scale map on page 69.
4) The Tendring District Local Plan
http://www.tendringdc.gov.uk/planning/local-plans-and-policies/view-our-local-plan
(This page has a link to 'Proposed Changes to Tendring Local Plan' mentioned below.)
Obviously, this page may change or become unavailable in future, as Tendring Council make updates.
5) Proposed Changes to Tendring Local Plan
http://www.tendringdc.gov.uk/planning/local-plans-and-policies/view-our-local-plan/pre-submission-focussed-changes-local-plan
The documents linked on this page I found difficult to read, because they are in the form of changes shown to the original planning documents.
Obviously, this page may change or become unavailable in future, as Tendring Council make updates.
National Planning Documents
1) National Planning Policy Framework
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-planning-policy-framework--2
See sections listed in 'Objection' above.
Photos of Views of Sloping Green Area Described in the Objection Above
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