On 28 Jan 2016 at 3:43pm TDA wrote:
Advice needed please.
The company putting up the riverside development want to put up a house in on our street.
It's Morris Road, which is a cul de sac. There has been a gap without a house near the end of the road for decades – probably since the road was built, if you look at old pictures. It was the entrance to Chandlers, and before that, I'm not sure. It's used all day by drivers doing three point turns, and if it disappears, we think there's going to be an accident, possibly involving children getting run over.
If you drive up and the space is gone, filled with a house, you'll have to reverse back, do a backwards dogleg halfway down, then outside the children's nursery do a blind 90 degree turn into Farncombe Road. None of this seems like a good idea, but LDC have listened to our objections and still recommend approval.
They have said the application will be considered at the LDC planning committee on the 3rd of February.
Can anyone offer any advice on things to say at a meeting like this? What are members of planning committees swayed by, if anything?
On 28 Jan 2016 at 5:22pm Tractor wrote:
What does the Town Council planning team say? If you can find your local Councillor they might be able to help you make a representation as they will understand the context better than someone on the District.
On 28 Jan 2016 at 8:23pm The Old Mayor wrote:
"Do a backwards dog leg " do you mean a three point turn ?
They will probably paint some double yellows so cars can facilitate the manoeuvre.
On 28 Jan 2016 at 8:23pm Highwayman wrote:
It might be worth contacting East Sussex County Council, who are the Highway Authority for Morris Road. Let them know about your road safety concerns, ask them to support your objection and to make a representation to Lewes District Council in time for the Planning Committee meeting.
If you do manage to get ESCC on board, write to the members of the Planning Committee and ask them to take into account the Highway Authority's concerns.
On 28 Jan 2016 at 8:38pm Belladonna wrote:
Merlin Miller lives on South St - he'd probably be able to help and it's in his 'manor'
On 28 Jan 2016 at 11:58pm Fairmeadow wrote:
The application is being considered next Wednesday, recommended by officers for approval I believe. Agenda and papers are on the Planning Applications Committee page on www.lewes.gov.uk. There are only three 3 min slots available to speak against the application and they go to the first three people who phone up and book them.
Your point about the turning facility is obviously sensible, but officers' view is that it is private land and the owners could block that any time, whether or not approval is granted, so it isn't a relevant consideration.
Planning committee members are of course listed on the council website, as are their email addresses. They don't necessarily vote the way officers tell them. The Town Council have 5 min to speak on an application if they choose to, as do ward councillors for Lewes Bridge, so it could be helpful to involve them. Two Lewes councillors on the planning committee, Cllrs Murray & Caitlin. The other councillors on the committee are from the coastal towns and the villages, so you will need a good case to interest them.
Don't waste your time on Highways. If they have comments to make they will have made them already. They will of course be based on sensible and careful consideration.
On 29 Jan 2016 at 7:21am Resident wrote:
TDA.
Welcome to the world of local authorities and planning, where you will find common sense and residents wellbeing are in direct conflict with the planning officers and their developer friends. I think you may find that they will cover your natural concerns by a no "turning sign" or similar at beginning of road. We know it won't make a blind bit of difference but it will show that the planners have addressed the problem.
Suggest you contact Merlin Milner, who is very helpful and I believe has fellow residents interests as his motivation. Good luck.
On 29 Jan 2016 at 10:33am Highwayman wrote:
@Fairweather The report that is going to the Planning Committee makes it clear that the Highway Authority hasn't been fully consulted. Certainly there has been no response from them on road safety issues.
On 29 Jan 2016 at 11:11am TDA wrote:
@The Old Mayor There is a bend halfway down the road to navigate. The road has parking both sides.
Thanks all, will try to send some emails this weekend.