(Click for H
O M E P A G E)
THE CHAIRMAN'S
REPORTS
(taken from the respective
Riddlesdown Recorders)
APRIL 2008
Welcome to the April 2008 edition
of the Riddlesdown Recorder.
Mitchley Woods
Conscious that new residents are constantly moving into the area it might
be reasonable to have a brief recap on Mitchley Woods. In 2006, a
speculative property company purchased 40 acres of local woodland and
grazing land in Riddlesdown, which included Mitchley Wood. Mitchley Wood,
mentioned in the Domesday Book and classified as ancient woodland, sits
directly behind the field that faces Mitchley Hill.
In an effort to protect our local Green Belt, the Association launched an
appeal fund to buy Mitchley Wood. If successful, it was, and still is, our
intention to gift the woods to the City of London for them to preserve as
part of Riddlesdown Common for the community.
In 2007, the Association made an offer for the land of £35,000; this was
based on independent advice as to the value of the woodland but the offer
was rejected. Subsequently the company owning the land was subject to a
review of its practices by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). This
resulted in a change in the way the company marketed small plots of Green
Belt land to the public. Following the FSA review, the woods were sold to
two separate individuals for a price in excess of our offer.
The Association contacted both the new landowners and informed them of our
wish to buy the woodland. To date, one owner has contacted the Association
indicating that the woodland is for sale but is already subject to an
offer.
The price indicated to us, given the land’s green belt and protected
ancient woodland status, is in our opinion unrealistic and well above its
true valuation. Despite this development, it is still the Association’s
intention to do all it can to buy the woodland for the community and, to
that end, we are in discussions with other interested community groups.
I would ask residents who regularly walk in the woods to maintain a
watchful eye for any unusual activity. Remember that all the trees within
the woods are protected by a tree preservation order (TPO). This
effectively means there can be no removal or cutting of trees or large
shrubs without permission from Croydon Council.
The Association has been fighting to save our local Green Belt since 1974;
we are in for the long haul and with your help we can and must win.
Riddlesdown nature trail
In my last report I mentioned there was an issue with a small section of
the route. As a result of discussions between Croydon Council and the
Association, a new section of the route has been agreed across land owned
by Croydon Council.
Croydon has also agreed to clear and mark the new path and, when complete,
the amended walk book will be issued. Sorry for the delay but, as you will
understand, land ownership and rights of access through Mitchley Woods are
a little complicated at this time.
Tesco development
You will probably be aware by now that Tesco has put its plans to double
the size of its Purley store on hold. The reason given was that re-routing
the tangle of roads around the shop as part of the expansion scheme would
be too expensive.
They also reported that, despite the huge interest of local residents in
the future of the town, no consensus emerged on the best way to meet the
challenges facing Purley and how to redesign the road layout.
However, the results from our survey of local residents show there is
consensus that Tesco should not be allowed double the size of its Purley
store.
The survey conducted by residents’ associations from Riddlesdown, Purley
and Kenley (COPRA) received 1446 replies of which 90% were against the
enlargement of the store, with 6.5% in favour and 3.5% undecided.
The full result of the survey can be seen on page 13. Feedback from the
survey suggests that local residents also want a greater say in the future
plans for the regeneration of Purley. To this end the newly formed
coalition of local residents’ associations (COPRA) has already met, and
will continue to do so, with our local councillors to ensure this happens.
If you have a view on the regeneration of Purley, please let us know
either by email or via our website.
Lower Barn Road
In October last year Wimpey submitted a planning application to build 12
two-bedroom flats on the small area of woodland adjacent to the parade of
shops.
The Association made a formal objection and Councillor Lynne Hale and I
both made presentations at the Planning Committee meeting which
subsequently rejected the application. The application raised a wide range
of issues for the community and, despite this initial rejection, I suspect
it will not be the end of the matter. Please see the Planning Report below
for full details.
While on the subject of planning, I would like to thank Phil Thomas, the
Association’s hard working planning officer.
Phil has a wide range of knowledge and experience in the field of planning
and we are extremely fortunate to have him working on our behalf.
Post Offices
Many of you will be aware by now that the Post Office has recently
announced it wants to close six Croydon branches as part of its national
closure programme. The good news, as far as we are concerned, is that
Riddlesdown is not one of them. However we must not be complacent; the
Post Office and, indeed, all our local shops, are essential to the local
community and a lifeline to many, especially the elderly.
To ensure the survival of all our local shops including the Post Office we
need to use them.
Fun Day
At the risk of repeating myself yet again, the Fun Day just gets bigger
and better every year.
Around 800 people enjoyed a picnic on the Downs and relaxed to the sounds
of a top jazz band. Donkey rides, Punch and Judy, swing boats, tractor
rides and so much more. If you are not convinced, log on to our website
and take a look at the fun day pictures.
If you missed out last year, this year’s date is Sunday 22 June, starting
at 12 noon. I have checked the calendar and there are no clashes with
Wimbledon, the British Grand Prix or indeed any other major sporting
event, so no excuses. If the sun shines it is a really great day out and
remember the day is for everyone young and old and it is completely free.
So, see you there.
Committee
In my last report I appealed for people to join the committee.
Unfortunately we had no new volunteers but actually lost two of our
existing committee who moved away from the area.
The Association has a small but dedicated committee of around 12
volunteers. We meet around six times a year and as you can see from the
Recorder we deal with a very broad range of issues. Committee meetings are
open to all members, but we especially welcome those who wish to be
involved.
It is not hard work; if you are interested or would like more information,
please give me a ring.
Brian Longman
OCTOBER 2007
Mitchley Woods
Welcome to the October edition of the Riddlesdown Recorder.
I am sure it will come as no surprise that the one issue that continues to
dominate Association business is the sale of Mitchley Woods. In the last
edition of the Recorder I mentioned that our initial offer of £25,000 to
buy the ancient woodland was rejected. The Association subsequently
increased its offer in stages to £35,000. This offer was based on
independent advice as to the value of the woodland but was also rejected.
It is at this point that the situation starts to become a little
complicated and somewhat confused. A recent article in the press reported
that ‘the controversial St Albans firm, Property Spy, which sells Green
Belt land as a speculative investment, has been forced into a shake-up by
official regulators. After a probe by the Financial Services Authority (FSA),
the company has decided to stop marketing plots of rural land to the
public’.
However the article suggests that a new enterprise has been set up to
continue the practice. As a result of this information we contacted the
land agent for the woods and the surrounding land – Vantage Land and
Property Spy – only to be told that the woods had been sold. When we made
enquiries in connection with the identity of the new owner we were
informed it was a private individual who wanted it to walk his dog!! We
also enquired as to the price and were informed it was in excess of
£100,000, three times our valuation.
It is interesting to note that the fields above Mitchley Woods backing on
to the school, previously for sale with Vantage Land, are now back on the
market with another company called ‘In Site Land’.
One can only speculate but it would not be a surprise if the woods were
also back on the market very soon. We are still very hopeful that we can
buy the woodland and will continue to monitor the situation very closely.
Unfortunately recent announcements by various official bodies have
somewhat muddied the water on Green Belt land. It is not surprising that
Green Belt land speculators are perhaps a little hesitant to put land back
on the market until the Government has made its long term views on the
Green Belt clear. I would like to here personally thank all those
residents who have contributed to the fighting fund and reiterate that it
is the Association’s intention to do all it can to buy the woodland for
the community.
Tesco
Last year Tesco announced they were to demolish their Purley store and
build a much larger store on the site. At the Purley & Kenley
Neighbourhood Partnership in December 2006, Tesco outlined their plans and
said the store would increase in size from its present 80,000 sq. ft. to
around 140,000 sq.ft. Their architect outlined the scheme in broad terms.
The current site would be all car parking (ground floor) with a petrol
station at the Coulsdon end. The entrance to the Tesco car park would be
via a road also at the Coulsdon end of the site. The shop sales area would
be on the first floor with escalator access. There would be pedestrian
exits from the car park out on to the ‘Town Square’ area.
Up to 250 flats would be built on floors above the store, but how these
would be configured had not been finalised. There would be limited parking
for the flats – up to half of which could be ‘affordable’ for residents.
A group of eleven local Residents’ Associations met in July to consider
the proposals and possible effect on Purley and the surrounding area.
Perhaps the most controversial aspect is the introduction of a new road
scheme for Purley Cross.
The majority of the Associations present at the meeting believed the
proposed road scheme and the growth of the Tesco store would be
detrimental to Purley. However it is your opinions that are important and
to that end the local Residents Associations have prepared an information
leaflet and short questionnaire. Whether you are for or against the
scheme, we need to know your views. Subject to agreement and printing, we
hope to distribute the information leaflet and a questionnaire with this
edition of the Recorder. Please take a few minutes to complete and return
the questionnaire.
Riddlesdown nature trail
Two years ago I mentioned a new joint venture between the School and the
Association to design and open a new community nature trail on
Riddlesdown. It was hoped that the walk, with its emphasis on the
environment, conservation and the management of the countryside, would
encourage the schoolchildren to develop a greater sense of ownership and
interest in our local Green Belt land.
The Association would like to thank local residents Karen and Martin
Whitehead for their generous sponsorship of the project. The pupils of
Riddlesdown have produced an extremely professional 20-page booklet
complete with maps, information and work sheets. It was our intention to
deliver a ‘walk booklet’ to each household in the Association with this
edition of the Recorder. However an issue affecting a small section of the
route has recently been brought to our attention. We are extremely hopeful
of resolving the situation before Recorder delivery deadline but, if we
cannot, the official opening will be delayed and the walk booklet will be
delivered at a later date.
Notice board.
The association is pleased to announce the sponsorship of a new community
notice board on the Church Green. We apologise that the construction took
so long; I would have never believed that a simple notice board could be
so complicated.
Continuing on a similar theme, one of our residents, Stewart Harris, a
stone mason and master carver, has offered to carve a stone plaque to
commemorate the Association’s 70th anniversary. A possible location could
be the corner of Buttermere and Mitchley Avenue, on the green opposite the
Church. Do you have any suggestions for the design or wording?
Fun Day
At the risk of repeating myself yet again, it just gets bigger and better
every year. Around 800 people enjoyed a picnic on the Downs and relaxed to
the sounds of a top jazz band.
There were donkey rides, Punch and Judy, swing boats, tractor rides and so
much more. If you are not convinced see the pictures later in the magazine
or log on to our website and take a look at them. If you missed out on
going this year, ensure you check next April’s Recorder for details and
please remember the day is for everyone young and old and it is completely
free, so see you there.
Committee
The Association has a small but dedicated committee of around 12
volunteers. We meet around six times a year and, as you can see from the
Recorder, we deal with a very broad range of issues. Committee meetings
are open to all members but we especially welcome those who wish to be
involved.
Christopher Lawton, a long-standing and dedicated member of the committee,
has recently moved away from the area. Christopher’s departure means we
now have two vacant positions: a road steward for one half of Westfield
Avenue and a footpath officer. The latter is a relatively new post for
maintaining a general oversight of the many footpaths in the local area,
especially those crossing Green Belt Land.
Remember the Association can only represent the community if we have a
voice and the Committee is that voice. If you are interested or wish to
know more, please give me a ring.
Brian Longman
APRIL 2007
Police Panels
The Sanderstead Safer Neighbourhood team introduced to the area in 2006 is
now up to its full complement of six officers: one sergeant, two
constables and three police community support officers (PCSOs).
The aim of the team is simple: to make a difference by listening and
talking to the local community, understanding their concerns and finding
solutions. The team is based locally and spends most of its time out on
foot patrol dealing with the issues that are of most concern to the local
community. For this to happen, the message is clear: your Safer
Neighbourhood Team wants to hear from you.
Contact details for the SNT are 020 8721 2470 or Sanderstead.SNT@met.police.uk. These contact details must not be used if you require an
emergency response when you should dial 999.
To ensure the teams are responsive to local needs each area now has its
own local Safer Neighbourhood Community Panel. The Panel aims to be
broadly representative of the community it serves, in terms of its mix of
residents, businesses, ethnic minorities, gender and age. Both Riddlesdown
and Sanderstead Residents’ Associations are represented on the local panel
which meets at least four times each year. Our presence on the panel is in
order to represent the views of the residents on local community policing
issues. This includes identifying the concerns of the local community,
agreeing priorities and reviewing outcomes. Current priorities include:
safety on public transport, particularly on the buses; road safety
(including speeding and parking in unsuitable places, for example on bends
and junctions); increased reassurance patrols in the vicinity of the
school and local bus stops. For the association to represent your views we
need to hear from you, so please use our website or our PO Box No. (see
page 3).
Fun Day
I say it every year but I make no apologies for saying it again – the Fun
Day just gets better and better and this year promises to be the best yet.
This year is the Association’s 70th anniversary so we are looking to make
it just that little bit more special. Last year was once again warm and
sunny and around 800 people enjoyed a picnic on the Downs and relaxed to
the sounds of a top jazz band. The donkey rides, egg and spoon, and sack
races, Punch and Judy, swing boats and tractor rides were all a big hit
with both adults and children.
We have also listened to your comments and this year’s event will have a
mobile toilet unit on site, courtesy of the Corporation of London.
If you missed out last year make sure you put the date in your diary now.
It is Sunday 17 June starting at 12.30 pm. We have avoided Wimbledon and
all other major sporting events, so no excuses. Please remember the day is
for everyone, young and old alike, and it is completely free, so bring
your picnic, drink and sun cream and we will see you there.
Croydon Cable Tunnel
A year ago I reported on the construction of a new National Grid deep
level cable tunnel 10 miles long and three meters in diameter running from
New Addington to Beddington. With major construction sites at Kent Gate
Way and Coombe Road, many residents were concerned about the volume of
lorries accessing the site, the route they would take and the possible
effect it might have on traffic congestion.
With work then due to commence in 2006 and to last for four years, it was
decided to initiate a small working group linked to the Sanderstead,
Selsdon and Croham Neighbourhood Partnership to monitor the situation. I
can now report that the group has met with National Grid on several
occasions and has been pleasantly surprised at the level of cooperation.
For example, lorries delivering materials or carrying away spoil will use
the same designated route and, to further reduce congestion, lorry access
to the site will be prohibited during the morning rush hour.
To reduce the problem of lorries waiting outside the site for access and
blocking the road, a one-way holding system has been built within the
site. In addition all lorries that enter the site will have a wheel wash
on the way out to avoid any mud hazard on the highway. With further
agreements to reduce the level of noise from the 24/7 tunnelling machines
and improvements to site security, the group was satisfied that National
Grid was doing everything possible to reduce the negative impact on the
area. We will keep you posted as the project develops; a map of the route
can be found on our website
Mitchley Wood
In the last edition of the Recorder I reported that our initial offer of
£25,000 to buy the ancient woodland was rejected and, before we could
increase our bid, the complete 40-acre site, including the surrounding
fields, was removed from the market.
After a few weeks, the fields next to the school and the one facing
Mitchley Hill marked out with plots returned to the market, but the
seventeen acres of Mitchley Wood did not. This situation remained
unchanged until late February when we were informed that the Woods were
now back on the market. I also mentioned in my last report that Wimpey was
also considering selling land in the area, including the section of
Mitchley Woods that included Dunmail Drive. To date, this land has not yet
been put on the market but we are in discussions with Wimpey’s agent,
Savills, to ensure they fully understand our interests and the needs of
our local partners in the community.
By the time you read this there may well have been further developments.
All I can say now is that the Association will do all it can to buy the
woodland. To this end, we will be in urgent discussion with all our
partners in the community action group – City of London, Croydon Parks,
Whitgift Foundation, Riddlesdown School, local leaseholders and
councillors – to resolve the situation. Finally on this subject I
mentioned in my last report that we had applied for a lottery grant in
partnership with the school. Unfortunately, despite being short-listed for
the £50,000 project to be filmed for a TV programme, we only made it on to
the reserve list. We are hoping to submit another bid in March. This
set-back only emphasises the importance of our Woodland Fighting Fund and,
in reply to the many calls from residents who want to know if the appeal
is still open, the answer is ‘yes’ and we need every penny. Details on how
to donate can be found on page 24.
Committee
The association has a small but dedicated committee of around 12
volunteers. We meet around six times a year and as you can see from the
Recorder we deal with a very broad range of issues.
Committee meetings are open to all members but we especially welcome those
who wish to be involved. Remember the Association can only represent the
community if we have a voice and the committee is that voice. If you are
interested or wish to know more, please give me a ring, We are also still
looking for a couple of budding reporters to assist Nick in researching
articles for the Recorder..
Finally on the volunteer front, is there anyone who can help us set up on
the morning of the Fun Day?
Thanks for listening
Brian Longman
OCTOBER 2006
Welcome to the October 2006 edition of the Riddlesdown Recorder.
Mitchley Wood
In the last edition, I reported the recent purchase of 40 acres of local
woodland and grazing land by a speculative property company called First
Strata. By now, most of you will have seen the field adjacent to Mitchley
Hill which has since been sub-divided into 32 small plots and offered for
sale. Mitchley Wood, mentioned in the Domesday Book and classified as
ancient woodland, lies directly behind this field and, like the rest of
the 40-acre site previously owned by Mitchley Wood Estate Trust, is
classified as Green belt.
Following the sale, the Association felt it could not just sit back and
hopefully rely on government planning legislation to protect the green
belt of Riddlesdown. As a result the Association formed an action group
comprising the City of London, Croydon Parks, Whitgift Foundation,
Riddlesdown School, local leaseholders and councillors, and launched an
appeal fund to buy Mitchley Wood. Should we be successful in our bid, it
is the Association’s intention to gift the wood to the City of London, for
them to preserve as part of Riddlesdown Common for the community to enjoy
forever. Your support and generosity has been tremendous and to-date the
association has around £30,000 in the appeal fund. Donations have come in
from as far afield as Germany, Oxford and the West Country, with many
former residents no longer living in the area contributing to the fund to
protect what they once enjoyed.
Prior to making any bid, we sought advice on the value of the woodland
and, as a result, our initial bid was for £25,000. The offer made via the
owner's agent, Vantage Land, was eventually rejected as too low. Following
a special committee meeting, it was decided to increase our offer to
£30,000. However, before this offer could be made, the complete
40-acre, site including the plots in the field, were removed from the
market. Enquiring as to the reason, we were informed that this was not
unusual and that the land would almost certainly return to the market in
the next few weeks. Before writing this report on
1 September, I checked with the land agent and the land has still not
returned to the market.
We could speculate endlessly as to why the land has been taken off the
market, but I wonder if it might be connected to another possible land
development in the area.
We are reliably informed that Wimpey, who a couple of years ago, took
control of Laings’ considerable land bank in the area, are considering
selling. Their land bank comprises the farm fields opposite the shops in
Mitchley Avenue and the field between Mitchley Hill and Rectory Park. It
also includes Dunmail Drive and land including a further section of
Mitchley Wood immediately adjacent to the Drive. Other areas include land
close to the school and to Honister Heights. The Association, via the
action group, continues to maintain close links with both the school and
the City of London with regard to the possible sale of this land.
We have also recently engaged in direct discussion with both Wimpey and
their land agents, Savills, to ensure they fully understand the interests
and needs of all the partners in the local community. Whilst we have been
reasonably encouraged by initial responses to our enquiries, the situation
due to leasing arrangements remains complex and is unlikely to be resolved
in the short term. Faced with the possibility of a second land sale in the
area, which might also include the key access point of Dunmail Drive, the
importance of our fighting fund cannot be overestimated. In reply to the
many telephone calls from residents who wanted to know if the appeal fund
was still open, the answer is yes and we need every penny. Directions for
contributions are included elsewhere in this edition. I would add, on the
funding front, that we have also applied for a lottery grant in
partnership with the school. We expect a decision in late September,
unfortunately too late for this edition; we are keeping our finger
crossed.
Planning issues
While I do not intend to report on the planning issues already covered by
our extremely knowledgeable planning officer, I would like to say a few
words on what appears to be an increasing problem in the area.
In the last two months alone, I have received four calls from residents in
need of advice on boundary disputes due to changing land levels. You will
appreciate that it can be difficult for the Association to act on behalf
of one resident against another in a dispute. However, problems associated
with changes to land levels seems to be on the increase, especially in
Riddlesdown and Sanderstead, possibly in part due to the hilly nature of
the area. We have raised the issue with Croydon's head of planning control
and would ask residents to consider the following. If you are thinking of
raising the level of your garden significantly above the level of your
neighbour’s garden, please ring the planning department first to check if
you require planning permission.
A change of level includes parking areas, patios, raised decking or just
the garden lawn. The area of contention appears to be in the words ‘a
significant increase’ but the following might be useful as a general
guide. Planning permission will be required if the height of the increase
is two metres or over, although a lesser change over a larger area could
also still require permission. So the advice is clear: consult your
neighbour first and then talk to the planning officer.
Another problem that also appears to be on the increase is the size of
permitted garden developments. In particular outhouses such as
greenhouses, summerhouses and sheds. We are advised that if the height of
the building exceeds four metres in the case of a building with a ridged
roof, or three metres in any other cases, planning permission will be
required.
Sorry to go on about this, but a little time spent talking to neighbours
before starting work will hopefully reduce stress levels and unnecessary
expenses.
Recorder
I am sure you will all agree that we are extremely fortunate to have the
services of Nick Bygrave as our current editor. Nick is not stepping down
but we are looking for a couple of budding reporters to assist Nick in
finding and researching articles for the recorder. The magazine needs to
be interesting, useful and relevant and, on occasions, make you smile. So
if you think you can find and put together an article, why not give us a
ring. This is not a big commitment and it could be your first step to a
new career in Fleet Street.
Thanks for listening.
Brian Longman, Chair
APRIL
2006
RRA Chair, Brian
Longman writes:
Many of you will be
aware by now, that the horse field adjacent to Mitchley Hill has been sold.
The new owners, a company called First Strata, have now divided the field
into 32 small plots and put them up for sale. The company also purchased 16
acres of Mitchley Wood directly behind the field, and three more fields that
run up to and around the school’s playing fields.
Pressure on the Green Belt
The land, described as
woodland and grazing land, totals approximately 40 acres and was previously
owned by Mitchley Wood Estate Trust. Despite the sale, the land firmly
remains green belt and, as such, is protected from certain types of
development. However, we must not be complacent; with growing demand for
homes in the south east, the government is under increasing pressure to
release green belt land for development. Since our formation in 1937, the
Association has, on many occasions, needed to defend the open and pleasant
aspect of Riddlesdown.
At a public enquiry in
1974, the Association successfully opposed an appeal to the Secretary of
State to build hundreds of new houses on the green belt land of Riddlesdown.
The lesson is clear and simple: the green belt cannot be taken for granted
and, if we value it, we must be prepared to fight for it. So what has been
done so far by us and others?
Action
so far
A Council enforcement
officer has visited the site and issued an Article 4 on the front field. An
Article 4 takes away the entitlement to undertake development that would
ordinarily not require planning permission. This is particularly useful in
safeguarding the visual amenity of a green belt site.
In addition, a tree
preservation order (TPO) has been issued on the whole of Mitchley woods.
This effectively means there can be no removal of trees and shrubs without
permission from Croydon.
I should mention at
this point that Mitchley Wood is classified as ancient woodland; this means
that the woodland has existed continuously for more than 400 years.
We have also formed an
action group of all the interested parties - Corporation of London, Croydon
Parks, Whitgift Foundation, Riddlesdown School, local leaseholders,
councillors, Croydon Council Planning, Sanderstead Residents’ Association
and ourselves. In addition, Richard Ottaway, our local MP, has also raised
the issue of speculative property companies and the buying of green belt
land with the government. The practice of buying green belt land and selling
it on, often to clients abroad, is now widespread. The real problem is that,
while we can legally defend the green belt, it can be very difficult with
multiple landowners, many unknown or abroad, to ensure the site does not
become derelict with fences down and all the inherent problems that this
might bring.
Can we do anything?
We
now have a choice. We can sit back and hope the enforcement of an Article 4
and a TPO, combined with the land’s current green belt status will hold the
line! Or we can be more proactive and, with other like-minded partners,
attempt to buy back some of the land to ensure its green belt status. Of
course, buying land, even green belt, does not come cheap and, even with
partners, we would need to raise funds. If every household in Riddlesdown
gave, for example, £50, we might be in a position to make a difference. With
this issue of the Recorder, you will find a leaflet on how you can make a
donation. Back in 1974, a leaflet produced by the association said: “Your
action can preserve the green belt”. At the time, the action was successful
but, 30 years on, the threat is still large and real; perhaps now the time
is right for a different type of approach. I hope you agree. Before I leave
the subject, a small request: do we have a solicitor or someone with a legal
background who might be available to offer the Association advice? If so,
perhaps you could give me a ring
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
Road
Lighting
Many
of you, I am sure, will have noticed that a number of street lights in
Mitchley Avenue, Rectory Park and Limpsfield Road are now very white and
very bright. Several residents have already complained at the level of light
now shining though their bedroom windows. Motorists have also raised the
issue of glare from the new lights, especially when driving up the hill in
the rain. The Council, as you might have read in Croydon Reports, is to
change all the street lights in Croydon from orange sodium to white.
However, the project was not due to start until later in the year - so why
all the new white lights in Riddlesdown? We are informed that a number of
the old concrete lamp posts in the area were in need of urgent repair and
the decision was taken to try out a new white light fitting. The council now
accepts that there is a problem with both the design and wattage of the new
lights and have already installed a number of diffusers to reduce the spread
of light into people’s homes. The bad news is that, due to the poor
condition of the old fixings on the concrete posts, we are stuck with the
new lights and the glare problem until the posts are replaced in a couple of
years. The good news, however, is that the Council does recognise the glare
problem and is attempting to solve it. When I informed them that I would be
mentioning the white lights in the Recorder, they said they would welcome
the comments of residents. They also pointed out that they have installed
three new low wattage lights to reduce glare on the mini-roundabout at the
top of Mitchley Hill. Comments to our web site or PO Box will be passed on.
Telephone Masts
We have received two new
applications, one in Mitchley Avenue and one close to the top of Downs Court
Road. We have objected to both on the grounds that they are all too close to
residential housing and the companies not having given sufficient
consideration to mast sharing. We await the outcome. We are also still in
negotiations with 02
with regard to their application for a mast on Riddlesdown station platform.
We rejected their first application to erect a mast just yards from the
houses on the path to the ticket office. We have agreed in principle to
support the application if the mast is erected close to the tunnel entrance
and in the natural valley where local homes would be shielded from it.
Unfortunately Network Rail has yet to agree to this proposal and
negotiations continue.
New
shop
Some of you might
be aware that Peter who runs the newsagent in Mitchley Avenue has recently
received planning permission for an extension and a new shop below. Peter
wants the shop to be a success, but he also wants it to relate to the needs
of the community. He is therefore asking for your suggestions; all ideas to
our web site or direct to Peter.
Riddlesdown Trail
In my last report, I mentioned the new joint venture between the school and
the Association to open a new walk through the woodland and downland of
Riddlesdown. It is hoped that the new walk project, with its emphasis on the
environment and conservation, would, through educational and social
opportunities, encourage the schoolchildren to develop a sense of ownership
and interest in our local green belt. Unfortunately, with the walk planned
to pass through Mitchley Wood, we now have a problem. However we are still
determined to proceed but the anticipated Easter opening will now have to be
delayed. Should you wish to be involved or have a particular expertise in
this area please give me a ring.
Fun Day
I said it last year
and I make no apologies for repeating myself
–
the Fun Day just
gets better and better. The day once again was warm and sunny and around 800
people enjoyed a picnic on the downs and relaxed to the sounds of a top jazz
band. The donkey rides, Punch and Judy, swing boats, tractor rides and a
nature trail were all big hits with both adults and children. If you missed
out last year, make sure you put the date for this year in your diary now;
it is Sunday, 11 June, starting at 12.30pm. We have avoided Wimbledon and
England playing in the World Cup, so no excuses. Please remember the day is
for everyone, young and old alike, and it is completely free, so bring your
picnic, drink and sun cream and we will see you there.
Neighbourhood Partnership
Finally a word about the
Neighbourhood Partnership meetings.
Riddlesdown sits
geographically across two partnership groups:
Purley and Kenley
on the one hand and Sanderstead and Selsdon on the other. Residents can
attend either. As Chair of the Sanderstead and Selsdon partnership, I can
recommend the meetings as informative and a place to have your say on the
issues that affect Croydon. The next Sanderstead and Selsdon meeting will
take place on Wednesday, 31 May at 7.30pm, venue to be confirmed; see
Croydon Reports or our web site. If you have never been before and would
like a preview you can see one. Croydon is one of the first boroughs in the
UK to pilot web casting at public meetings. The last meeting, held in
January, is now available on the council web site, so why not take a look
and, if you are impressed, perhaps we will see you at the next meeting.
Remember this is a chance for you to have your say, be it parking, crime or
just the town’s general direction
–
but expect green belt to
be on the agenda.
Committee
matters
The
Association has a small but dedicated Committee of around twelve volunteers.
We meet around six times a year and, as you can see from the Recorder, we
deal with a very broad range of issues. Committee meetings are open to all
members but we especially welcome those who wish to be involved. On that
note, it is with some regret that I have to announce that Karen Whitehead,
our Secretary, is stepping down. Over the last three years, Karen has
brought a new dimension to the committee but we are hopeful of retaining her
expertise elsewhere in the organisation. However this means that we are now
seeking a new Secretary who will be responsible for producing simple notes
of our meetings. As with any Committee member, their level of involvement
can be as wide as they wish. Remember
–
the Association can only represent the community if we have a voice, and the
Committee is that voice. If you are interested or wish to know more, please
give me a ring.
Thanks for
listening.
OCTOBER 2005
Welcome to the October
edition of the Riddlesdown Recorder.
Telephone Mast
You will be aware
that in my last report, I discussed the issue of the 3G mast now erected in
Lower Barn Road without planning permission. As I indicated at the time, it
was the Association’s intention to register a formal complaint against
Croydon’s Planning Department. The basis for the complaint was that Croydon
had failed in its obligation to conform with planning regulations and had
also failed in its duty to safeguard the interests of Croydon residents.
On count one, the
council admitted their error of being one day late in notifying
O2
of their decision to refuse planning permission. Croydon’s Planning
Department have now revised their planning procedures to ensure this will
not happen again.
On count two, the
issues are less clear. Croydon argues that they listened to the concerns of
residents and refused planning permission and, as such, were acting in the
best interests of local residents.
This argument becomes
less persuasive when the decision taken by Croydon to refuse planning
permission was not communicated to
O2
within the
time limit. However, while Croydon readily admits to an error in its
procedure, O2
continues to believe that they acted in a correct and a responsible manner.
The Association is still of the view that
O2
acted in a manner contrary to its own Code of Practice and, as such, we have
now registered a formal complaint against
O2
with Ofcom.
The situation is now
further complicated by yet another application from
O2
to erect a
mast on Riddlesdown station close to the ticket office. The reason for this
one, so we are informed, is to provide network coverage in the tunnel,
exactly the same reason given for the newly erected mast in Lower Barn only
a few yards away!! We will keep you posted on developments.
Still on the mobile
telephone front, the Association has been dealing with two new applications
for masts in Mitchley Avenue.
Our reply to the
operators was clear: while we fully support improvements to mobile telephone
coverage, we want operators to act in a responsible manner and, where
possible, share masts, making full use of the three now in the area.
Southern Trains
The Association has for
some time been concerned that the commuters of Riddlesdown are not receiving
a good service. Residents report problems to us on a regular basis, and high
on the list is the lack of staff at the station, restricting the ability to
buy tickets and seek information. As a result of your complaints we now hold
regular meetings with Southern Rail. The first of these meetings can only be
described as lively, but the message was clear
–
we demand and expect a better service.
The Association was
especially concerned that there appears to be a gradual run down of services
at Riddlesdown as opposed to its local neighbour at Sanderstead. It appears
that Southern use the ticket numbers as a general indication of demand for
services. We are told that Riddlesdown numbers are falling and, with the
ticket office often closed, this is not surprising. It was estimated at the
meeting that at least 30-40%
of people who use Riddlesdown station do not buy tickets due to the poor
ticket-selling service.
It was interesting to
note the comments of the Southern Rail representative when asked why a train
that used to stop at Riddlesdown no longer did. The train, now only six cars
long, did not have the space or time to stop at Riddlesdown and still keep
to the timetable.
The good news from the
meeting was that Riddlesdown has been promised CCTV by February 2006; we
live in hope. We have agreed to hold these meetings with Southern rail on a
regular basis and will keep you posted. Before I leave the subject of
trains, a resident, who lives above the railway tunnel in Riddlesdown, is
concerned that the noise caused by the trains has increased since the
introduction of the new rolling stock. We have contacted Southern Rail and
await the results of their investigations. If any one else is experiencing
similar problems, please email details to me.
Riddlesdown Trail
All too often in the past,
the Association has needed to report on problems and disputes with the
school. It is therefore with some pleasure that I am now able to report on a
new joint venture between the school and Association.
In the past the
Association has received many complaints concerning the way some pupils
treat the green belt of Riddlesdown, with litter and vandalism high on the
list. The new project involves the school, pupils and local residents in
the design and construction of a new community walk on Riddlesdown. The new
walk, through woodland, open grassland and chalk downland, will provide,
with the websites of the school, RRA and the Corporation of London, both
educational and social opportunities for adults and children of all ages.
The project has been made possible by a generous sponsorship initiated via
one of our committee members. It is hoped that the walk, with its emphasis
on environment, conservation and the management of the countryside, will
encourage the schoolchildren to develop a sense of ownership and interest in
our local greenbelt land. The British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV)
has been engaged to provide initial expertise in the design and construction
phase; if you wish to be involved or have a particular expertise, please
give me a ring. It is hoped that the walk will be opened by Easter 2006.
Fun Day
What can I say, apart from
‘it just gets better and better’. The day was warm and sunny and around 600
people enjoyed a picnic on the downs and relaxed to the sounds of a top jazz
band. Donkey rides, Punch and Judy, swing boats, tractor rides and a nature
trail were all a big hit with the children. If you missed out this year,
ensure you see the next Recorder for 2006 details. Please remember that the
day is for everyone, young and old, and it is completely free, so see you
there.
Speed/Safety Cameras
Two new safety camera
sites have been approved, one in Farley Road near Littleheath Road and one
in Mitchley Avenue near Copthorne Rise. Both cameras were due to be
installed this year. However, at the very last minute, the Department for
Transport has delayed the project. The reason given is that they are still
awaiting the completion of a report from University College London which is
taking longer than expected. This is a national problem and does not just
affect the Mitchley Avenue camera. We will keep you updated via the website
Purley
Recycling Centre.
You will all be aware by
now that the new recycling facility at Purley has finally opened. See page 7
for details. We have already received several comments from residents but
would like to hear your views. If you have any on the new facility, good or
bad, please let us know via the website or write to us at P.O.Box 2415,
South Croydon CR8 1BY.
Brian
Longman, Chair RRA
APRIL 2005
Welcome
to this, the 180th edition of the Riddlesdown Recorder.
Two issues continue to
dominate Association business: the new school car park and the erection of a
3G-telephone mast without planning permission in Lower Barn Road.
In my last report I
explained the issues and background, so I will not bore you again with the
details, but judging by the number calls I have received a brief update
seems in order.
School car
park
We understand that the new
car park is now open but we find it difficult to understand why so many cars
still park in the road when the so desperately needed car park remains half
empty. The association is still firmly of the opinion that access to the car
park should not be over a public footpath on green belt land. We have
attempted to resolve the matter in meetings with both the school and the
governing body but, to date, without success. We are now in contact with the
council’s legal department in an effort to determine the level of ownership
and shared responsibility between the school, the landowner (Wimpey) and the
council in maintaining the future integrity of the footpath, and especially
the issues of pedestrian safety and site security. We will keep you informed
via our website.
Telephone mast
On the mast front, it is
now clear that, despite Croydon rejecting planning permission, 02
were legally entitled to erect the mast as Croydon had not correctly
notified 02
of its
decision. The Association challenged 02’s
action on the grounds that it had acted in a manner contrary to its own Code
of Practice.
The following is from 02’s
Corporate Responsibility Report 2004 on mast siting: “Some people have
expressed their concerns about where we locate our communication masts for
our networks. We take these concerns seriously. We aim to develop our
infrastructure responsibly and make efforts to inform people in advance of
our plans. We aim to listen, consult and respond.”
The response from 02’s
Chief Executive to our letter was simple: Croydon failed to respond to their
application within the 56-day rule and therefore they were free to proceed
with the development. He added: "to move to an alternative location is an
expensive exercise and is not a viable option” So much for “we aim to
listen, consult and respond”.
We are advised that a
legal challenge against 02
is unlikely to succeed; therefore the only sensible option open to the
Association is to proceed with a formal complaint against Croydon and,
depending on the outcome, register a complaint with OFCOM. We will keep you
posted on the website. The Association is currently responding to two other
expressions of interest by mobile operators for masts. Our view is clear: we
will continue to object to mast applications close to people’s homes and
will campaign where practicable for mast sharing.
Purley
recycling site
Recycling, or the lack of
it, was the hot topic at the recent Neighbourhood Partnership meeting, with
residents able to question a team of cabinet members headed by Councillor
Gerry Ryan. The meeting was highly critical of the current arrangements for
waste disposal at the local Purley site. Only open for three days a week,
reduced space for cars and what many considered at the meeting an unsafe
traffic management system. As predicted, Riddlesdown, with its close
proximity to the Purley site has already seen a dramatic increase in fly
tipping with carpets, beds and electrical goods all being dumped in local
roads. One positive note from the meeting was the news that the council is
considering the introduction of a green waste collection, a service that the
Association has been actively pressing for since the removal of the rolling
rubbish service. The Association will continue to actively campaign, along
with our neighbouring Associations, to both extend the opening times at
Purley and to introduce a weekly collection for the green recycling boxes.
On the green waste idea, we have suggested that, should Croydon wish to
pilot the idea, Riddlesdown, with its history of commitment to the rolling
rubbish service, would be the ideal choice. The full minutes of the
Partnership meeting can be accessed via our website.
Croydon
Cable Tunnel
While not strictly in our
patch the construction of a new National Grid, 10-mile cable tunnel from New
Addington to Beddington will be of interest to many of our residents. Work
on the new deep level tunnel, which will be three meters in diameter, is due
to commence in 2006 and finish in 2010.
The main advantage of a
tunnel this size is that maintenance and future installation of cables can
be completed without the need for road excavations. However, with any scheme
of this size, traffic congestion could be a real issue. With major
construction sites at Kent Gate Way (junction of Gravel Hill and Selsdon
Road) and Coombe Road (Lloyd Park) the number of lorries and the route they
take need to be considered if further congestion or new rat runs are to be
avoided. We have proposed, and National Grid have agreed, that a meeting
should take place to discuss these and other issues that might affect the
residents in this part of the borough. A map of the route can be accessed
via our website.
Accident
black spot
Several residents have
raised the issue of the increasing number of accidents at the corner of
Riddlesdown Avenue and Coombe Wood Hill. We have notified Croydon of our
concerns and await their response.
We will of course discuss any proposals received from Croydon with
residents.
Funday
Following last year’s
combined Fun and Countryside Day with the Corporation of London, we return
this year to our more traditional-style fun day back in the top field.
The date is Sunday 17
July, so make a note in your diary now! Donkey rides, Punch and Judy, jazz
band, fun races and much, much more. So pack a picnic, chill the wine,
remember the sun cream and join us up on the Downs for a great free day out.
Volunteers
The association needs the help
of a few willing volunteers – for example, to help set up on the morning of
the Funday or the Children’s Party. The Association, in partnership with the
school and the Corporation of London, is also trying to set up a new
community nature trail/walk on Riddlesdown. (not sure about the name yet).
So if you think you can help with any of these projects please give me a
ring or email.
Spare a
thought for your neighbours
Rarely
does a month go by without the association being asked to intervene in a
dispute between neighbours and, at the top of the list, is the tree
– the
tree that cuts out the
light or restricts the view. While it is not the place of the Association to
mediate between neighbours, we would offer the following words of advice.
Remember that you are responsible for looking after any tree or hedge on
your property and for making sure it is not a nuisance to anyone else.
If you have a problem,
talk to your neighbour face-to-face rather than push a note through their
door, explain your problem and listen to what they have to say. Don't
charge in with a list of demands; they might not realise how you feel about
the tree or hedge or they might be unable, perhaps because they're too frail
or ill, to deal with the problem. Alternatively they might have reasons for
growing a tall tree or hedge; for example, they could be trying to block out
something that you don't see. Only by trying to understand each other's
point of view will you reach a lasting solution.
Good luck and thanks
for listening.
Brian
Longman, Chair RRA
OCTOBER 2004
It is with
disappointment that yet again I find myself reporting on the two
issues that have so much dominated my last two reports: telephone masts
and access to the new school car park.
Telephone
masts
For
those unaware of the history, a quick resumé.
Two years ago O2
applied for
permission to site two new masts in the area, one in Lower Barn Road and one
in Mitchley Hill.
The association objected to both on the grounds they were too close to
resident’s’ homes.
We
suggested mast-sharing with the large mast near the school. O2
refused. Finally, after months of discussions, a compromise was reached
between O2
and Croydon. The two applications would be withdrawn in favour of a single
mast sited half way up Dunmail Drive.
Then in December 2003, O2
submitted yet another application, this time for a mast in Lower Barn Road;
so much for the compromise. O2
argued that this application was not part of the compromise deal as the mast
was for the 3G network, the other two applications being for the 2G
network. However, common sense finally prevailed and the application was
rejected by Croydon. Great, or so we thought, but unfortunately there was
a sting in the tail. Croydon, despite reaching a decision in January,
failed to let O2
know until February. Not a problem you might think, but, in July, workmen
descended on Lower Barn and erected a 15-metre mast on the pavement by the
railway bridge. O2
justified their action by saying that Croydon had failed to inform them of
the decision to reject the application in time. The Council, by law, have 56
days to communicate their decision; Croydon took 57 days, so O2
built by default.
Despite a strong challenge by Croydon, O2
insisted that right was on their side.
The Association has been in discussions with both Croydon and O2
but the situation to date remains unresolved. Croydon are considering legal
action against O2,
and the association is considering action against Croydon. However, despite
the inadequacies of Croydon's planning procedures, O2
also needs to consider its conduct in this affair. Employing the 56 day
rule to the disadvantage of the local residents does not befit a company of
its size and reputation. This is a company that used to employ the slogan “it’s
good to talk”;
today talking appears not to be in their vocabulary.
Our
Local MP, Richard Ottaway, has now taken up the case and we have not given
up. For developments, please check the web site.
For your information, this mast is for the 3G network only and does not
support the 2G network used by the vast majority of mobile users in the
area The prime purpose of the mast is to open up the railway line to Oxted,
allowing passengers connection to the internet with the ability to send and
receive data and video footage.
School
car park
Well
I had hoped for a good news story, but again the outlook is bleak.
Residents and our local Councillors all agree, the school should not turn a
public footpath on green belt land into an access road for the school’s new
staff car park.
Discussions have been lengthy and involved and we have expressed to the
school all our concerns regarding safety and security and the possibility of
opening up the green belt to future development. (Wimpey’s own the land).
Following a conversation with the school’s Chair of Governors, the
association was given to understand that there was some support for the idea
of accessing the car park via the school’s own land. However, this support
appears to count for nothing.
I
am now informed that despite the level of opposition, the school are intent
on carrying on regardless.
So
much for good community relations; surely it is time that the school
realised that it is actually part of this community and its responsibilities
as a good neighbour do not end at the school gate.
We
will keep you informed of developments.
Mitchley
Woods
Riddlesdown sits at the edge of the green belt. We are very fortunate to
have the Downs professionally managed by the Corporation of London, but much
of the surrounding local woodland requires attention if the wildlife and
fauna is to continue to flourish.
Discussions have recently taken place between ourselves and Croydon’s
Downland Warden as to the possibility of setting up a community group to
help to manage the environment in Mitchley Woods. Wimpey’s, the landowner,
has indicated its broad support for the idea and perhaps the school could
also be encouraged to participate on an education level. It is early days
yet but we need to know if there is support for the idea; in other words, do
we have willing volunteers. If you are interested or have a view, let us
know via our web site or the PO Box.
Riddlesdown
The
Corporation of London is currently embarking on a consultation exercise to
develop a five-year plan for the management of the Downs. I will be
representing the association in this process and would welcome your comments
and ideas. All suggestions to our web site or PO Box, please.
Neighbourhood
Partnerships
Finally a word about the Neighbourhood Partnership meetings.
Riddlesdown sits geographically across two partnership groups
–
Purley and Kenley on the
one hand and Sanderstead and Selsdon on the other; residents can attend
either. As Chair of the Sanderstead and Selsdon partnership, I can
recommend the meetings as informative and a place to have your say on the
issues that affect Croydon. The next meeting following this publication will
be on January 26 at 7.30 pm at the new Selsdon Community Centre. The meeting
will include an open question and answer session with councillors from
Croydon's Cabinet
This is a chance for you to have you say, be it parking, crime or just the
town’s general direction. So make a date in your diary; dates are also
published in the local press.
Brian Longman
APRIL 2004
School car park
In my last
report, I mentioned that the application by the school to build and access
a new staff car park via Dunmail Drive and along the
public footpath had been rejected by Croydon. The school, unhappy with
Croydon's decision, appealed directly to the Secretary of State.
Unfortunately, after several months of delay, the Inspectorate has
ruled in favour of the school. It is interesting to note some of the
Inspector’s comments. The Inspector felt that, in his words, “there was a
severe shortage of parking places at the school”; currently the school has
parking on site for approximately 75 cars. The Inspector also considered
the issue of safety and the potential pedestrian/vehicular conflict on the
busy public footpath. It was his view that while the additional vehicles
driving along the busy footpath was a disadvantage, he did not consider
this outweighed the merits of the scheme
– presumably
to relieve the severe shortage of parking. Unhappy with the appeal
decision and the potential implications for both the public right of way
and the green belt, we challenged the Inspectorate to clarify their
decision in respect of both the safety and security of the public right of
way. A letter of clarification received from the Inspectorate, while
confirming the school had achieved planning permission for the car park,
also pointed out that the school might require further permissions from
Croydon if they wanted to upgrade the footpath to a Byway open to all
traffic.
These permissions require the school to address the issues of footpath
safety and security to the satisfaction of Croydon Council. To further
the situation we have subsequently held a meeting with the school, the
council and our local councillor. At the time of this report the
situation is still unresolved although all parties involved have a better
understanding of the situation. The Association’s view is clear: we want
the school to access the new car park across its own land and not over the
public footpath.
However the rights and legalities of the situation are far from clear,
especially as the school has obtained the permission of Laings (now Wimpy)
to drive over their land.
With
this in mind, the association has indicated to Croydon and the school our
minimum requirements, should we be unsuccessful in our attempt to change the
route. These are:
· the
footpath is fully secure at all times to prevent travellers, joy riders and
fly tippers.
· the
integrity of the footpath is maintained and marked, ideally with wooden
posts sunk into the ground every two meters to form a safe walkway for
pedestrians and school children.
· the
school maintains this section of Dunmail Drive, including cutting the
undergrowth and the clearing of litter to ensure the footpath does not
become overgrown and unpleasant to walk.
· the
school agrees that they will not in future use this section of Dunmail Drive
to introduce a new one-way system around the school, which, incidentally, if
introduced, would turn Dunmail Drive and the footpath at certain times of
the day into a busy road.
We are
currently awaiting a response from Croydon and will keep you informed on the
website.
Telephone masts
The new telephone mast in Dunmail Drive is up but not yet on line. The
mast, while not in an ideal location, has now been painted green and
hopefully in time will be hidden by the surrounding trees. We hope the new
mast, when on line, will address the concerns of some residents in regard to
the lack of 02
network in the area.
However, even before the green paint had dried, 02
were back with a yet another application
–
this time for a 3G mast.
For those of you unclear about what 3G is, the term is used to describe
the next generation of mobile telephone systems which allow for the transfer
of data as well as voice. The advanced technology of 3G offers internet
access as well, and the ability to view video footage. This particular
application was for a 15-metre mast located on the pavement
–
street furniture they call
it –
right next to the Railway Bridge in Lower Barn Road. The intended use for
this site was to provide coverage along the railway lines, and therefore a
15-metre mast was required to rise above the topography of the immediate
vicinity and above the mature trees that line the railway. In my years of
experience as a commuter, you are lucky to get a seat on the rush hour
trains, let alone have enough room to connect up your laptop to the internet
via your mobile phone. The Association therefore felt that the limited
benefit to the internet-connected commuters travelling up from Oxted was by
far outweighed by the concerns expressed by our local residents.
It should also be noted that the reason for the new mast in Dunmail Drive
was to improve the 02
network coverage in the area including Lower Barn Road. The Association
objected to the application with the full support of our local councillor
and the scheme has subsequently been rejected by Croydon. However, do not
hold your breath; under powers available to the telecommunication operators,
they are able to carry out certain developments without making a planning
application to the local authority. We will continue to monitor the
situation and keep you advised on the website.
Fun Day
We said it would good, but, with over 600 local people
enjoying a sunny day on the Downs, it was brilliant. The question is: can we
make it better? And the answer is yes!
This year we are teaming up with the Corporation of London for a combined
Fun and Countryside Day. Not only will we have our usual donkey rides, Punch
and Judy, jazz band and all the rest, we will also have, thanks to the
Corporation of London, a full range of country craft stalls, shire horses,
hay-making, horse and cart rides and much more.
It promises to be big, bold and brilliant.
The important date for your diary is Sunday, 20 June, so pack a picnic,
chill the wine, remember the sun cream and join us up on the Downs for a
great free day out. See Notice Boards and website for details.
Rolling Rubbish
It has been announced that this very popular service for
residents will come to an end. The Council have indicated that they are
proposing to axe the service offered to residents’ associations around the
borough in an effort to save money. We are also led to believe that the
Council is considering closing the civic amenity site at Purley Oaks for two
days a week for the same reason. It is a pity that these services, so useful
to many local residents, face cuts. We have lobbied the Council, and will
continue to do so, together with our neighbouring residents’ associations,
to restore these well used local services. We will keep you informed on the
web site.
Waitrose
I am informed that the new Waitrose store now under development will be open
before the end of the year. While on the subject of shops, a quick word
about our local ones. It will have not gone unnoticed that the tailor’s in
Lower Barn Road has closed. I understand that the premises will now be used
as offices. Local shops are an important part of the community, especially
for the elderly and the frail and those without transport. We are indeed
fortunate in Riddlesdown to still have a local Post Office, a Pharmacy, a
ladies and gents hairdresser and two excellent newsagents/convenience
stores. Remember, shops only survive if we use them.
OCTOBER 2003
Things never change. A month ago, Nick, our editor, gently
reminded me it was report time again and I now find myself in front of the
PC with only one day to deadline. Something tells me I could never make a
career out of this.
So what’s been happening in Riddlesdown since the last issue of the
Recorder?
New School Staff Car Park
In my last report I mentioned the fact that the application by the school
to build this with access via Dunmail Drive
and along the public footpath had been rejected.
Well,
just when you thought it was safe to go out and walk the footpath again,
it’s back
–
the
school have submitted an appeal. Once again the school has chosen to
completely disregard the views of the vast majority of the local residents
and Croydon's planning committee, and appeal direct to the Secretary of
State. The decision will now be made by the Planning Inspectorate in
Bristol.
I will
just remind you why the original application was initially rejected:
(a) it
would be detrimental to the open charter of the Metropolitan green belt
(b) it
would result in a significant increase in vehicular traffic along Dunmail
Drive which would result in a vehicle/pedestrian conflict that would
adversely affect personal safety.
The
Association considered the application to convert the well-used public
footpath, running along Dunmail Drive, into a road as both dangerous and an
abuse of the green belt and the public footpath. Recently a member of the
staff at the school challenged me as to why the Association was so against
the new car park. My reply was to simply restate the Association’s
position. In principle, we are not opposed to a new staff car park,
especially if it removes parked cars from the surrounding roads. However,
we do oppose the current plan which chooses to access the new car park via a
public footpath within the green belt. As an ex-governor at the school, I
know it is possible to build and access a new car park without changing a
well-used
public footpath on green belt land into a road for vehicles.
Some
residents might well ask the question, why is a couple of hundred yards of
footpath so important? Well, apart from the very obvious issues of public
safety and a complete disregard for the public footpath, there is the very
big issue of the green belt.
For
the past forty years the Association has stood firm in support of the green
belt that surrounds and enhances our local area.
I
mentioned last year that the Association was given to understand that Laings
might be considering the possibility of promoting part of their land for
development through the Unitary Development Plan review for Croydon.
Interestingly the land in question would be directly adjacent to this
footpath/road development. The only certain thing in this world is that the
green belt can no longer be taken for granted; a footpath moved, a section
of green belt changed and the fine balance of the immediate area can
change.
In
July the Association also learnt of an advert offering
Strategic
Land for Sale by way of an option. The land offered was 40 acres of
Mitchley Woods and spoke of some development potential in the
medium to long term.
The
Association has written to the Appeals Planning Inspectorate regarding the
car park, with further evidence in support of our original objections. We
will let you know the outcome.
The Mysterious Mitchley Avenue Posts
Moving
on, the issue of the post has come up, not of the morning delivery type but
the posts that mysteriously appeared one morning on the grass verges in
Mitchley Avenue. Contrary to reports, the Association had no
part in their arrival.
Apparently faced with one or two angry residents, a workman said it was all
the Association’s idea (not true). However, several residents did ring me
to say what a good idea it was, but others also rang to complain that the
posts had been positioned too close to their drives making access extremely
difficult. After frantic discussions with the Council, we did manage to
temporarily halt the progress of the posts, but not before at least one car
had been damaged.
The
council finally agreed to a compromise; they would move the problem posts
further away from people’s drives to improve access. I am told the council
has plans to complete the whole of the road right up to Sanderstead pond.
So keep an eye out and make sure you have sufficient room to drive in and
out. We are told the reason for the action was the rising costs of
maintaining the verges as a result of damage caused by vehicles. This is an
issue judging by the number telephone calls on the subject, and is a concern
shared by many of the local residents.
Mobile Telephone Masts
A quick
word on the saga of the multiple applications for Mobile Telephone Masts and
I will try not to bore you. You will remember the two applications, one at
the tennis club and one in Mitchley Hill. Mitchley Hill had been granted
and the tennis club application had gone to appeal. You will also remember
that we had been talking to 02 (formerly BT Cellnet) about a new and third
option. This was a single mast located in the woods 100 metres up Dunmail
Drive to replace the other two applications. After long and drawn out
discussions, 02 has finally agreed with the planning authorities to go with
this option and not proceed with the other two. Not a perfect solution, but
it would be away from people’s houses and hopefully, due to its design and
colouring, will be semi-hidden in the woods. I think this is
–
and I hope you agree
–
a
victory for common sense.
Controlled Parking Zone
After a
massive turn out at a public meeting and an overwhelming vote against the
scheme, the council has finally withdrawn the plan. However the Association
recognises that a number of residents are concerned over road safety as a
result of the cars parked close to the junction of Lower Barn and
Brancaster. We will be consulting with the local residents in this area to
insure we fully understand their views on this issue.
Family Fun Day
Well,
what can I say? I said it would be good but I was wrong, it was absolutely
brilliant. Over 600 people turned up and enjoyed a beautiful, sunny day on
the downs. What could be better, good company, a small jazz band, a picnic,
a bottle of wine, donkey rides and Punch and Judy for the kids and so much
more. Don’t miss out next year; it already promises to be even bigger and
better. Details will be in the next issue of the Recorder and on the
Association’s Notice Boards.
Well
that’s about all for now folks, thanks for listening and don’t forget if you
have not visited our
Website yet it
is definitely worth a look
APRIL 2003
Taken from the April 2003 Recorder)
Mobile telephone masts
I had hoped to begin this report on a positive note by informing you that
the long running saga of the multiple planning applications for
mobile
telephone masts had reached a sensible conclusion. Unfortunately, although
the association has been involved in several constructive meetings with
the network operators, the situation is far from resolved. You will no
doubt remember from my last report that 02 (BT) had applied for permission
for two new masts: one in the grounds of the tennis
club in
Lower Barn Road and one on the grass verge at the junction
of Mitchley Hill and Mitchley Avenue.
Both applications were initially rejected due to their
close proximity to residential property. On appeal O2 have subsequently
been granted permission for the Mitchley Avenue one and we are currently
awaiting a decision on the other.
You will also remember from my last report that I mentioned the
possibility of a third and separate application and a possible alternative
to the previous two. This third, despite the recent disappointing appeal
decision, is still the one most favoured by 02. The proposal is for a
20–metre mast (pole type) located about 100 metres from the bottom of Dunmail
Drive
on the edge of the woods. In order to judge the impact of this on the
surrounding area, we got 02 to erect a temporary mast. Whilst the mast was
up, Association officers, councillors, planning officials and the network
operator toured the area to consider the visual impact and to gauge local
opinion.
The overwhelming view of residents consulted was that, while they
thought it was not a perfect solution and was still clearly visible
despite its location within the woods, it was the better option.
The other two sites are both located very close to residents’
homes.
But things are never
straightforward and it soon became apparent that little, if any,
consideration had been given to the future launch of the new police
communication system also to be operated by 02. The police project,
although with the same operator, was
being planned completely separately and could have resulted in yet another
mast to serve the very same area.
Following some sensible
discussions it was agreed that, should this third option proceed, sharing
would be considered and, if possible, the mast would be used for both the
police system and the public network. We thought at this stage we were
really starting to make progress but then, on 9th February, another
planning application dropped though the letterbox.
This, although from the same operator 02,
was from a completely different firm of consultants who were
applying for permission to erect yet another mast. The application was for
one
at the top of Dunmail Drive
very close to the existing Orange mast already large on the Riddlesdown
horizon. Yes, the very same Orange mast that the Association has for the
last year been trying to encourage other operators to share.
However this was far from being an attempt to share facilities; the
application was for a new 20 metre mast close to the existing mast and
completely unconnected with the two other applications from the same
operator. One is tempted to wonder if this was an attempt by O2 to enter
the Guinness book of records for the most applications in the smallest
area.
Currently they have three – for one at the top of Dunmail Drive
(this latest), for one half way down (the third option still to be
resolved), and for one at the bottom of Dunmail (now granted on appeal);
all these applications are for masts within a few hundred yards of each
other.
It needs to be said that the association is far from being a NIMBY
organisation and is more than willing, as already shown,
to sit down with the operators to resolve their network problems.
After all, most of us are users of the mobile telephone services. But we
do need to ensure that the operators are paying more than just lip service
to the concept of mast sharing in a real effort to reduce the visual
impact of this type of development.
We will keep you posted.
School
car park
I am pleased to report that the school’s application to access a new
staff car park
via Dunmail Drive
and
the public footpath has been rejected.
The application was refused because:
(a) It would be detrimental to the open charter of the Metropolitan green
belt
(b) would significantly
increase traffic along Dunmail Drive which would result in a
vehicle/pedestrian conflict that would adversely affect people’s safety.
The association considered
the application to convert the well–used public footpath running along
Dunmail Drive into a road as both dangerous and an abuse of the green belt
and the public footpath.
It might be useful at
this point if I was to restate the association’s position on the car
park to avoid any future misunderstanding. The association in principle is
not opposed to a new staff car park, especially if it removes parked cars
from the surrounding roads. However
we do oppose the current plan which accesses the new car park via a
well–used public footpath within the green belt. This view has been made
clear to both the school and planning department.
We have also indicated that we would be prepared to reconsider our
position, if access was not via Dunmail Drive and the footpath but via the
school’s main entrance as is the case with its two other car parks. I
would like to thank all the residents who came along to the town
hall to support the association’s presentation to the planning
committee.
Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ)
Many of you will have recently read in the local press that Croydon is
preparing a consultation exercise with local residents on the possible
introduction of a CPZ in the roads close to
Riddlesdown
Station. The current situation is as follows.
On 13th January, a report was submitted to the Traffic Management
Cabinet Committee. This recommended a public consultation with residents
in: Lower Barn Road, Barn Crescent, Rydal Close, Dalton Close, Coombe Wood
Hill, Hill Close, Riddlesdown Avenie (Nos 46 & 47 to junction Coombe
Wood Hill) and Brancaster Lane (No
