So the Millennium Bug didn't bite, the Wheel didn't whirl and the Dome was dogged by delay BUT it all happened here in Billericay where the earth trembled under the feet of the thousands of people who joined in the celebrations at Sun Corner organised by Billericay Town Council and Churches Together. Joking aside it was a really good evening, the choice of music was appropriate, the choir was good, the video presentation was excellent and the fireworks were extremely good value for money, couple these with a responsive crowd and an electric atmosphere and you have a night never to be forgotten.
The Association wrote to the District Council, copy to the Police, to clarify the situation regarding cycling on the pavements following an incident in which an elderly person was injured by a cyclist. In response the Council explained that as Agents of Essex County Council for highways they would seek to provide facilities for cyclists, and other vulnerable road users, that are both safe and commodious which may in appropriate circumstances include shared or segregated paths for pedestrians and cyclists. If an existing footpath was to be converted for use by cyclists extensive public consultations would be carried out before any conversion took place.
At the moment there are no shared facilities in Billericay but a segregated footway and cycleway is under construction on the south side of St Andrews Drive as part of the new development. The route will be fully signed and the surface marked to indicate to pedestrians and cyclists its correct use.
In conclusion the Council considers the High Street footway to be unsuitable for cycling adding that any person who does so commits an offence under section 42 of the Highways Act 1835 and they would support the Police in any enforcement action they are able to take.
The Police confirm that cycling on the footway is an offence and recent changes to procedures allow them to prosecute by way of a fixed penalty. Police officers are empowered to take action on instances and will deal with individuals according to circumstances such as age, location of the offence and using common sense. They also advise that their strategy of having a highly visible presence on the High Street is intended to deter this type of behaviour.
ADVERTISING SIGNS - BILLERICAY HIGH STREET
There seems to have been a spate of unauthorised advertising signs on the High Street in recent months which have attracted the attention of Basildon District Council's Inspectors who caused them to be removed warning that it is an offence to erect these signs for which one can be prosecuted.
The situation will continue to be monitored by Basildon District Council Inspectors.
Although we have had many complimentary remarks about the Christmas Lights many businesses still refuse to make a donation to the cost of their installation. The cost of most goods and services these days continues to escalate and the cost of providing decorative lights at Christmas is no exception. When the Association first responded to the request of many of its members to brighten up the town the cost was about £2000/£3000 this year it will cost £9500 most of which is provided by businesses on the High Street. Additionally we organise a flag day, which usually raises about £800, and the Town Council and individual residents also make a donation. Nevertheless there is usually insufficient money to pay the bill and the Association has to provide additional money to make up the difference and this year is no exception.
We are grateful to those businesses [listed below] who made a donation and provided power for the lights and to those individuals who are not named but also made a donation and consequently helped make the High Street a brighter place for the Festive Season.
Planning Application Bas/0836/99 which seeks permission to change the use of the building at 6 High Street (Kitts) to a restaurant (A3) was once again discussed at the Billericay Area Committee meeting on Thursday 13 January. Once again members of the committee refused permission and it will now be discussed at the Environmental Committee of Basildon District Council at its next meeting when a decision will be made.
Note: At the Environmental Committee, permission was granted, subject to the condition that the car park at the back is only used for staff, not for customers.
Planning Application Bas/1924/99 which seeks permission to build 2 detached houses at the rear of 32 & 34 Hillside Road was also discussed and planning permission was granted.
Planning Application Bas/1107/99 which seeks permission to demolish two bungalows and build five houses with garages at the rear of 69/77 Perry Street was unanimously rejected by the Area Committee. This application has also been referred to the Environmental Committee for a decision.
Note: At the Environment Committee, a decision was deferred to allow further clarification of the height of the proposed dwellings compared to neighbouring houses, and to allow committee members to visit the site.
The planning procedure appears to me to be something of a black art, more subjective opinion than pragmatic logic. For instance Basildon District has to take about 8000+ houses based on the Government's "predict and provide" method which is considered in some circles to be faulty. An alternative method is to provide houses on demand, a method which is to be found in America, which leads to houses being built only when someone expresses a need. In this way developers cannot squeeze the maximum number of houses on to any spare land, development is tightly controlled. We are told where houses will be built and as a consequence there is a presumption in favour of development and thus it is very difficult to reject a planning application. There are various Planning Policy Guidance Notes, Approved Development Control Guidelines, the Essex Design Guide and it would be a very stupid developer who didn't make sure his application met all the stated conditions and consult the local planning authority before submitting his plans. When therefore the Town Council, the Area Committee and local residents are consulted there is little objective opposition that can be made only a subjective interpretation of the rules.
There is also another condition, residents' opposition is of itself insufficient cause to reject a planning application. Now consider all these points in the local environment where if an Area Committee rejects an application against the advice of the Council's officer it invariably is referred to the Environmental Committee of Basildon Council who will act as arbitrator and make a decision. Why this procedure? Well it used to be that the recommendation of the Area Committee would be considered at the meeting of the Policy Executive Committee which, if the recommendation was contrary to the advice given by the officer, would return it to the Area Committee asking its members to think again. They would consider it again at the next Area Committee some 3 months later and reject it again saying they could see no reason to change their minds, now we have a political football, back and forward until the Policy Executive makes a decision based on the advice of their officer. Cries of anguish from the members of the Area Committee, the Council is ignoring the wishes of the locally elected representatives whilst the Council replies that if the application goes to appeal in all probability the Inspector would find for the developer and the Council would have to meet the cost. Hence the need for an independent arbitrator - the Environment Committee.
Now there is an application, BAS/1107/99, to build 5 houses where 2 bungalows now stand, which complies with various guidelines and to which residents living in the vicinity of the development are opposed. The development comprises 1 detached 4 bedroom house two and a half storeys tall and 4 detached 5 bedroom houses also two and a half storeys tall, with garages and an access road, on a site of 0.62 acres. Buildings in the vicinity are bungalows and 2 storey houses. I would say a case of over-development - the officer says "in terms of density the development compares favourably with that prevailing in the surrounding area". Surely five - 2 storey houses with no access road on a site of 0.62 acres would have more free land space! Also could this not be considered as a development out of character with the surrounding area - bigger houses of a different design squeezed into the available space.
Another reason for refusing planning permission could be damage to visual amenity. Residents living in close proximity to the development will be overlooked by the larger, taller houses which can be a source of stress - subjective opinion - but how can that be proven until the houses are built? What about the access road? It goes nowhere and there is no "hammer head" or turning circle to allow vehicles to turn to make their exit front end first. Vehicles trying to exit from this road into Perry Street will experience the same difficulties as those to be found in other roads which lead on to Perry Street. Difficult. Surely there must be a solution to this silly state of affairs where the needs of the residents are considered - how about fewer houses having a design which is more in sympathy with the surrounding area.
COACH TRIPS - TO BOOK PLEASE RING BILLERICAY 626287 - PAYMENT METHOD - by cheque made payable to BDRA and sent to D Osborn, 22 Raven Lane, Billericay CM12 0JA. NO COACH BOOKINGS WILL BE TAKEN BY ANSWERPHONE. DEPARTURE POINTS FOR ALL TRIPS: - GG - Gooseberry Green, bus stop on roundabout. OA - Orchard Avenue, approaching Stock Road. LR - Laindon Road, bus stop near Sun Corner. SG - South Green, bus stop to Wickford, opposite The Plough.
The people who have replaced Brian and Pat Dick as trip organisers are David and Barbara Osborn of Raven Lane and the first trip they will be responsible for will be that to the Ideal Homes Exhibition in March. We are pleased that David and Barbara have joined us and hope that their involvement will prove to be satisfying and enjoyable. Perhaps we can all remember that they are new to the job and give them help and consideration until they have become accustomed to our ways.
Do not forget that a new booking system has been introduced such that no bookings will be taken for any trip until that trip has been advertised in this newsletter after that seats will be reserved on a first come first served basis. Additionally there will be no standby lists for any trip except that which will provide for a replacement in the event of late cancellations.
WEDNESDAY - Adults - £15.00, Senior Citizens and Children
- £10.00
SATURDAY - Adults - £15.00, Senior Citizens and Children
- £10.00
Depart GG 9.00am, OA 9.05am, LR 9.10am, SG 9.15am. Back in Billericay about 7.00pm.
The New Year can bring new adventures, work and hobbies to those who are willing to accept the challenge and the Association believes in presenting these openings to its members whenever and wherever they appear. Consequently, at the beginning of the Millennium, we are able to offer a Millennium type mammoth opportunity to try something new, something that will test every fibre of your body, set your nerves tingling with excitement every month, 10 times a year.
All that is required is that you deliver the newsletter to 22 houses in Coach Mews and Doublet Mews and collect the yearly subscriptions. Of course we accept that not everyone is capable of meeting this challenge but to those of you who consider themselves to have the necessary stamina, intellect and leadership qualities that this position demands please contact Jo Evans on Billericay 659823. You will not regret your decision.
STATE REGISTERED CHIROPODIST OPENS NEW PRIVATE PRACTICE IN BILLERICAY.
Mrs Judith Baseley MChs, SRCh, whose career has been full time in the NHS and who is currently treating NHS patients in Essex has now also opened a private practice at 13, Rosslyn Road (off Western Road) Billericay. For an appointment please ring 01277 657046.
MONDAY 31 JANUARY 2000 - 7.45pm. NORSEY WOOD SOCIETY MEETING. DAY CENTRE, CHANTRY WAY. Talk by Claire Cadman, Warden, Essex Wildlife Trust's Reserve at Hanningfield. The talk will be preceded by a short AGM. All are welcome.
For customers spending £5 or more - with stamped ticket - up to
2 hours - FREE
Without stamped ticket - up to1 hour 80p, up to 2 hours £1.40
All users - up to 3 hours £2.00, over 3 hours £6.00, lost
tickets £6.00
THE RESIDENT is published by Billericay District Residents'
Association Editor - Trevor Stansfield, 174 Perry Sreet, Billericay,
Essex CM12 0NX. Tel: 623519 E-mail:vice.chairman@bdra.org
Printed by New Realm Design, Fortune Works, Wash Road, Laindon,
Basildon, Essex
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