Parish Council and Supporters Update 7 September 2020
Covid-19
We trust everyone remains well and coping with the current challenges.
During the continuing limitations as to contact, office closures and meetings it remains important that we keep everyone up to date with developments. Whilst there are certain constraints on authorities progressing the matters with which we are concerned most can be (and are) being dealt with virtually albeit with more constrained opportunities for public participation. We are maintaining a careful watch and are grateful to our County and District Council representatives for help in keeping us informed. We hope that as limitations reduce the situation will improve but it is not clear as to when that might be.
Please do let us know if there is anything you become aware of which would be helpful. Our general e-mail address continues to suffer an access fault so please feel free to contact me direct: iain.muspratt@hemingfordsactiongroup.co.uk
Astro Turf Site – Planning Application Reference FMW/072/19
We await the CCC’s decision but as I outlined in my last update the number of responses has been unprecedentedly high with none in favour.
In response to the comprehensive concerns Circuit Solutions raised, the CCC Case Officer visited Circuit Solutions with a member of the Environmental Health team from HDC on August 6th. As a result of that meeting CCC were asked to provide additional information relating to the effect of noise and vibration which they have done.
The next stage will be for the matter to be considered by CCC planning Committee at one of their forthcoming meetings which for the remainder of this year are 1st October; 5th November and 17th December in 2020. The Case Officer has indicated that 1st October is possible. As soon as we have any details regarding a date we will let you know. We also will ask the Chair of the Planning Committee to meet us at the site.
Regardless of anything else we and all our advisors remain clear that Section 73 does not permit a change of this nature and the application should be refused on that ground alone.
HEMINGFORD GOLF CLUB CAR PARK
The Club House still appears to be occupied from time to time. This is in clear contravention of planning. There are now no skips in the Golf Club Car Park.
The fence between the old Golf Club Car Park and the access road has been moved in to create a wider carriageway on the access road. We are advised that this would have no effect in mitigating the transport concerns our consultants have raised.
HEMINGFORD ABBOTS GOLF RANGE, SHOP & CONFERENCE CENTRE
We understand that American Golf have taken a lease and intend to reopen the Golf Range later this month after installing up to date and state of the art technology.
This facility has been missed by many in the Hemingfords and surrounding area and it’s reopening will be very welcome. We believe it is in everyone’s interest to support American Golf in this venture.
In preparation there have been a number of changes to the configuration of the Car Park to the driving range and Conference Centre which have the effect of more clearly delineating parking by cars rather than larger vehicles. Electrical and other contractors have been working in the Conference Centre and also in the building used by the former children’s nursery. New signage is being installed.
New Draft Waste and Minerals Local Plan
The Public examination will take place virtually.
Details are:
15th September 2020: Date of first hearing. For subsequent hearing dates, please refer to the Provisional Programme on the examination website.
The Examination Process and detail can be followed at www.peterborough.gov.uk/mwlp-examination
We will attend the examination with our lawyers and have submitted a summary of the points we wish to raise to Dr Casa-Hatton of which the most important are;
We wish to see the ‘Astro Turf Site’ omitted from the list of current sites on the basis that it does not have an environmental permit or exemption and should not be included as existing Waste Management Areas on the Policies Map which forms part of the draft plan
We do not believe that the plan should contemplate ‘local’ sites being permitted as an adjunct to local housing developments.
Sub-committee to assist with the process of preparing a detailed proposal for the Hemingford Golf Club to be granted the status of a Community Asset et seq.
This matter remains outstanding and will be reassessed once American Golf have opened the new facility.
E-mailing lists
We are rationalising these to minimise duplications. If you know of anyone who would like to be added please e-mail Audra Green at audra.green@hemingfordsactiongroup.co.uk
Can you help please?
Ian Trowell has kindly agreed to become treasurer and was formally appointed at our Board Meeting yesterday.
We wish to further strengthen our Board and would be pleased to hear from anyone who has experience in local planning and land development matters. If you are interested please e-mail: iain.muspratt@hemingfordsactiongroup.co.uk
Stay Safe and Keep Well everyone.
Iain Muspratt – The Hemingfords Action Group
7thSeptember 2020
