CR-Apr2008

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.