Billericay Design Statement Association
Following
the publication of the Billericay Design Statement (BDS) and its
endorsement by
Basildon Borough Council last year, the BDSA’s initial objective has
been
attained. The secondary objective is to endeavour to make the Statement
a
living document, which will continue to reflect the wish of Billericay
residents to protect and enhance the character of the town, while still
be
relevant and appropriate to the changing requirements of planning
legislation.The BDSA Steering Group has been discussing how this can be achieved, since there now seems little justification for perpetuating the Association with its formal constitution which demands regular meetings, audited accounts, AGMs and the election of Officers, etc. This structure seems over-elaborate for the small amount of revision work likely to be necessary in the immediate future; the Steering Group feels, therefore, that upkeep of the Design Statement would be better handled by another body with complementary aims. Discussions to implement a transfer of ‘ownership’ are in progress, which constitutionally requires formal dissolution of the Association.
At a Special General Meeting of the Association on 16 May, it was proposed that the BDSA be disbanded subject to due consideration of:
- Satisfactory completion of any work in progress
- Agreement with another community organisation with complementary aims who would accept responsibility for maintaining and revising the Design Statement in line with changes in planning legislation and the views of residents
- Effective upkeep of the BDS web site
- Adequate provision for archiving of Association documentation and records
- Disposal of Association assets
A limited number of copies of the BDS are available free of charge from the Billericay Town Council offices in Crown Yard; reference copies can be examined in the Library. Meanwhile, the Association is preparing a short form version which will be delivered to every household in the area.
Copy Dates for "Resident"
If readers wish to advertise an event or have an article printed in the newsletter the following gives dates by which copy should be received by the editor – Trevor Stansfield, 174 Perry Street CM12 0NX or e-mail Tremar@aol.com:
February issue copy by 15 January, March issue by 15 February, April issue by 15 March, May issue copy by 15 April, June issue by 15 May, July/August issue by 15 June, September issue by 15 August, October issue by 15 September, November issue by 15 October. December/January issue by 15 November, February issue by 15 January.
If an event is to be held before the 10th of the month then, to ensure circulation, the advertisement should be included in the previous month’s issue e.g. an event taking place on 3 May should be advertised in the April issue. Similarly if an event is scheduled for 3 September then the advertisement should appear in the July issue.