COUNCIL RESPONDS TO DEVELOPMENT PLANS
Land north of Newton Road, Lindfield
120 dwellings, including affordable housing, with associated access, structural landscaping and open space
Parish Councillors have considered the planning application 08/02903/FUL, a revision of the planning application 07/03174 which was rejected by Mid Sussex District Council in June 2008.
Gleesons, the developer, consulted the officers from Mid Sussex District Council after the rejection and from those discussions a significant number of changes have been submitted in this current application. However, with the changes being suggested the Council is still not content with the design and disposition of the plan. We are conscious, however, that some elements cannot be changed without negatively impacting on other designs within the plan. If the present number of proposed dwellings is to be maintained (120) then to reduce the number of floors from three to two on some building would squeeze the space between each dwelling, thereby creating more design problems.
Our response of 11th December 2007 concerning the previous application is still relevant, and the Council remains to be satisfied on a number of points.
The Parish Council is very concerned over the existing access and traffic situation in the northeast area of Lindfield and the development should not be allowed to proceed until WSCC (Highways Department) have resolved these issues. Furthermore, there is particular concern when the building works commence with regard to access for such a large volume of heavy lorries along very narrow roads. This state of affairs would prevail for many months and be a continual nightmare for residents in the access roads.
The Council feels that the infrastructure element has not been fully addressed by the Inspector. With regard to pupil capacity in schools, we find it difficult to understand that a school in Bolnore (not to be built until 2010) would have any impact on the over-subscribed situation we are experiencing in the two schools in Lindfield unless there is a presumption that children would be bussed to the other side of town. Additionally, it is not envisaged that there would be any spare capacity for doctors in the village and residents would need to travel to Northlands Wood where there may be some spare capacity.
Whatever recommendation is accepted it would increase the traffic problems in the village and area and would substantially increase “the carbon footprint” at a time when every effort is being made (by everyone including Government) to reduce our emissions.
It is stated that the provision of the 120 dwellings would require an increase in water pumping capacity at the Lewes Road Pumping Station. The Council feels that it should be a requirement that the work needs to be completed by Southern Water before work commences on the housing development.
We are given to understand that WSCC accepted the Gleesons independent report on Transport and Traffic without even attempting to carry out their own independent survey. This Council feels that this element is crucial to the acceptability of this project and WSCC should be persuaded to reconsider their position.
The Parish Council recommends that MSDC rejects this application until they are satisfied that a thorough, independent traffic report is submitted.
COUNCILLOR RETIRES
After nearly eight years, Dennis Hicks has decided to relinquish his status as a Councillor in order to spend more time with his wife, Angela. Dennis is well known within the community as one of the "leading lights" involved in the creation of the Millennium Village Centre in Scaynes Hill, but when he joined the Council in 2001 it was not to rest on his laurels but to set about demonstrating his undoubted skills with projects within the Parish. The activity centre behind the Village Hall was one of his projects but whatever Dennis performed he did it with enthusiasm and dedication. His energy and commitment will be missed by this Council and we wish him well for the future.
COUNCILLOR VACANCY
With Dennis Hicks retiring, it does leave a vacancy for a Parish Councillor. If there is anyone who is interested in serving the community and taking on that role with a very active Council please contact any of the Councillors listed or the Parish Clerk for more information.
SEAT ON LINDFIELD BRIDGE
The parish is privileged in encompassing a substantial variety of beautiful scenery and as a Council initiative they are attempting to improve the environmental aspects in various areas. The approaches to Lindfield village have been highlighted as an area in need of enhancement and, as a start, the frequency of the grass cutting has been increased and a seat has been installed on the bridge. Now, instead of standing and admiring the superb view from the bridge, you can now sit and enjoy the vista!
SPEED RESTRICTIONS
IN CHURCH ROAD & NASH LANE
Proposed Traffic Regulation Order, Central Mid Sussex.
West Sussex County Council are proposing to extend the 30mph speed limit into Nash Lane and introduce a 40mph buffer limit in advance of the proposed 30mph speed limit. Primary reasons for the proposals are for avoiding danger to persons or other traffic using the road and preventing the likelihood of danger arising, whilst preserving or improving the amenities of the area through which the road passes.
NEW BUS SHELTER FOR SCAYNES HILL
Work will start very soon on the much needed new bus shelter. The Council apologies for any inconvenience during this period.
THE VERDUN OAK IN HAM LANE
This tree was grown from an acorn brought back from the battlefield of Belgium in 1916. A villager has reported that the plaque from the tree has disappeared. The Council has this in hand and it is hoped that a replacement will be completed in the not too distant future.
ANCHOR POND
Back in April, a number of villagers and Councillor Jerry Jeremiah met up with West Sussex ranger Mike Funnell to work on the much neglected Anchor Pond. However, it seems that this neglect was just what the pond needed as every brand of native newt was living happily in our pond! We had a great time recognising all the species but were advised that a clear up was not what was needed at this time. Winter is the time and so we shall be returning in the next month or so. Keep an eye out in the village voice for a date.
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
The aim of Neighbourhood Watch is to make our neighbourhoods more secure, and our communities feel safer by working closely with Sussex Police.
Objectives are to prevent crime, to assist the police in detecting crime, to reduce the fear of crime, to improve police/community liaisons, and to increase community safety. Individual schemes are run by members through a volunteer local resident Co-ordinator, and schemes can vary in size from just a few neighbours to a whole village. Any resident may join an existing scheme or may start a scheme if one does not exist in their immediate vicinity.
To start a new scheme a resident should first contact their Neighbourhood Specialist Team at their local Police Station, or Police Community Support Officer via www.sussex.police.uk and click on Local Policing and enter your post code, or phone 0845 60 70 999.
SENIOR CITIZENS RAIL CARD
Just to remind residents, a discount on the £24 normal charge can be obtained by applying to Mid Sussex District Council at their Oaklands Office in Haywards Heath. Senior Railcard Vouchers are sold at a reduced charge of £20.40.
For further information on this or other matters relating to Concessionary Travel please contact 01444 477304 or Concessionarytravel@midsussex.gov.uk
SCAYNES HILL PLAYGROUND
Additional play equipment will be installed at the playground behind the Millennium Village Centre in December 2008.
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