Chelmsford North Action Group (NAG)

2007-11-09T10:09:00.000-08:00

PRESS RELEASE - 6th November 2007

ENGLISH HERITAGE URGE COUNCIL TO WITHDRAW LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLANS

The Government’s authority and statutory advisor on the historic environment, English Heritage has expressed its deep concern over Chelmsford Borough Council’s development plans for North East Chelmsford.

The current plans are for Beaulieu Park to be expanded to over ten times its original size, encircling the Grade 1 listed former Tudor Palace - New Hall. In a letter to the Council dated 30th October, English Heritage has expressed its opposition to the North Chelmsford Area Action Plan (NCAAP) because: “It contains almost no reference to the importance of New Hall and its setting, the development it describes would indeed severely damage the setting of New Hall. Furthermore, it is inconsistent with the Core Strategy. English Heritage urges your Council to withdraw it.”

The letter also describes a meeting held between English Heritage and Chelmsford Borough Council prior to the recent Public Examination into the Core Strategy of the Local Development Framework. English Heritage indicates that it had received certain assurances from the Council at that meeting and on that basis agreed a Statement of Common Ground: it was presented to the Inspector presiding over the Examination. However, English Heritage states that, “The NCAAP, however, reflects none of the issues we dis cussed when we met.”

It is very significant that English Heritage is urging the Council to withdraw the NCAAP. The Council have produced a Core Strategy that is too site specific and does not allow enough space for all the housing required without destroying the setting of New Hall. We are hoping that the Inspector will realise this major problem and alter the Core Strategy by expanding the area of search in the North East of Chelmsford in order to include the old Boreham Airfield site.

NAG believes that now, more than ever, the Boreham Airfield site should be put forward for a full public consultation as a single development. It would easily absorb all of Chelmsford’s required suburban growth.

Withholding the option of Boreham Airfield prevents the North Chelmsford Area Action Plan being a consultation; it is currently a dictation, offering just one option for the NE Neighbourhood and 80-90% of the houses.

We are not against development going to North East Chelmsford, but like English Heritage, we want to see this taken forward in a sensitive and sustainable fashion. We also strongly oppose the Council’s suggestion at the Examination in Public that there is room for thousands of new houses in Broomfield if they are unable to be crammed in around New Hall.

For further information, please contact:
Peter Loose, 01245 362295 peterwloose@compuserve.com www.chelmsfordnag.co.uk

2007-10-13T07:16:00.000-07:00

Thousands of New Houses West of Broomfield!

News Update October 8^th 2007 – revised October 13^th 2007

In this update:

Thousands of Houses possible in West Broomfield

Chelmer Valley Highway probable

North Chelmsford Area Action Plan Consultation – Ends October 30^th 2007

North Chelmsford Area Action Plan Response

Yes, “thousands of new houses west of Broomfield” is precisely what was stated by Derek Stebbing, the Senior Chelmsford Borough Council (CBC) team member at the Examination in Public (EIP) October 2^nd 2007.

The Inspector was pressing to know what would happen if for some reason the Greater Beaulieu Park development did not go ahead at the rate or in the numbers proposed in the Core Strategy LDF document. Would the Council consider putting some houses at Boreham Airfield for example?

Derek Stebbing was emphatic that could not and would not be done. He then stated that in his opinion there is room for thousands of homes west of Broomfield and that would of course confirm the need for the Cross Valley Road. He then went on to state that Boreham Airfield could not be used because it has been earmarked for return to recreation when the gravel extraction is completed.

As your chairman I was sitting at the Examination and said how alarmed I was that CBC are going to spoil more Greenfield land west of Chelmsford, ruin the Chelmer Valley and not use already spoiled land at Boreham Airfield.

The CBC argue that when gravel extraction was permitted at Boreham, a condition was attached requiring the site to be restored at end-of-life for recreational purposes. However, in an exactly parallel case at the Gravel extraction on Essex Regiment Way the same CBC have set aside that requirement to return the area to recreational use in favour of granting permission for a half-a-million square feet of Car Auction site employing around 500 people.

The cat is now out of the bag. NAG have said all along that the Cross Valley Road is nothing to do with the needs of Broomfield Hospital. It’s all about creating a huge infrastructure so there can be more houses in Broomfield and west of Broomfield. We checked and double checked – the figure used by CBC was ‘thousands of new houses’.

What can we do now?

Make a great fuss in the Essex Chronicle by writing letters and complaining about this long-term notion that there may be thousands of new homes west of Broomfield.

The North Chelmsford Area Action Plan has been published for consultation. It is available here: http://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=14326 Please do study it carefully. NAG have not yet decided if we will hold any further public meetings. What do you think?

Respond to the North Chelmsford Area Action Plan. Note especially the cheeky questions at number 16 & 17 relating to the County Council decision about the new by-pass. The on-line form is

http://web3.chelmsfordbc.gov.uk/AF3/an/default.aspx/RenderForm/?F.Name=G8paRWYUWDf

- however, it does not provide space to answer question 16 & 17. So you will have to send in a paper response.

The closing date for responses is: Tuesday 30^th October 2007 by 4.45 pm.
We are able to offer comments and suggested responses to the North Chelmsford Area Action Plan if you request them by email. But then you probably know the answers anyway!

Broadcast far and wide to your friends just how awful is this prospect of a vast new expanse of houses in Greater Beaulieu Park and ‘thousands more’ west of Broomfield.

Please recruit new members for NAG. While we have no party-political ambitions whatsoever, it is clear that the public meeting in Broomfield Sept 6^th did highlight the awful plight of Broomfield and The Walthams and Chatham Green if the Chelmer Valley Crossing goes ahead. It is arguable that the Chelmer Valley LDF issues may have had an impact on the Ward By-Election. Email The Chairman initially if a friend wishes to be part of NAG - peterwloose@Compuserve.com

We enjoy working together – thank you all!

Peter Loose

Chairman Chelmsford North Action Group on behalf of our core Exec Team.

North Chelmsford Area Action Plan Consultation. Action Information

2007-09-07T09:36:00.000-07:00

Important terms used:- Greenfield & Greenbelt. They are entirely different in Planning Terms. We must not be deceived or confused. Greenbelt means land that has legal protection against development – usually around large cities to contain their area of expansion.

Greenfield has no legal status whatever. Greenfield land is a term used to describe a piece of undeveloped land, either currently used for agriculture or just left to nature. In contrast, Brownfield land is an area that has previously been developed, such as a paved lot or the site of a demolished building. It may have legal conditions restricting its use.

We may think that ‘greenfield’ is the same as greenbelt and that green fields are legally protected against development. They are not. Greenfield has no special legal protection unless it is also legally protected as Greenbelt.

Local Development Framework LDF – this is a series of documents which will determine Council plans for the Borough until 2021. They are crucial.

Core Strategy
The first stage of the LDF that outlines general themes and locations for development. We believe that this document is flawed by ruling out Boreham Airfield as a development site.

NCAAP
North Chelmsford Area Action Plan - Builds on the themes (and flaws) in the Core Strategy by giving site specific locations for development in North Chelmsford

Public Enquiry – known as “Core Strategy Examination in Public”. Starts in Chelmsford Borough Council offices on Sept 11th 2007. It is public. Appears on Chelmsford Council Web site as Core Strategy Examination :-

http://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=13328

For general information about the LDF see
http://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=9937

North Chelmsford Area Action Plan – Public Consultation

It is important that you visit this and respond before October 23rd .

http://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=14326

NCAAP Consultation: If you agree with NAG, please make it clear in your responses that you think it is not satisfactory to have NO options what-so-ever for nearly 90% of the development placement. This is because there is no difference between the 3 options in relation to the major NE Neighbourhood. We believe that the area north of Boreham should be included in order to make this a consultation rather than a dictation.

Please do still state your views about the options in Broomfield because if the Core Strategy is not altered at the Examination in Public, the NCAAP will be used to decide the final development sites."

The North Area Action Plan and associated questions (starts page 12) are tricky to answer.

Question 1: In addition to the matters listed, what other issues and constraints should be taken into account in the preparation of the Area Action Plan? NAG says: the public should be consulted on North Boreham / Boreham Airfield.

Question 8: Which of the suggested development options - 1, 2 or 3 - best accord with the principles set out in the Core Strategy and why? NAG says: the options only affect about 12% of all the houses. There are no options given for North Springfield – some 5000 houses.

Question 16: Do you support Essex County Council’s proposed line for the Chelmsford North-east Bypass? NAG says: yes, we do strongly support the general line of the County route confirmed at an ECC Cabinet meeting March 6th 2007

Question 17: Should we protect the line of a possible Cross Valley link option, to address possible future needs? NAG says: No. The case for a cross valley road is made on a dubious evidential base. Broomfield hospital is being downsized from 3500 staff to around 2,800 staff. Source – reliable hospital spokesman January 2007.

For news and updates visit NAG web site www.chelmsfordnag.co.uk

Chelmsford NAG Public Meeting Broomfield Community Centre

2007-09-07T09:07:00.000-07:00

September 6th 2007

Standing room only with many people outside listening and watching through opened windows and doors – we estimate that about 250 people packed the Community Centre last night, Sept 6th to hear extended presentations and discussions relating to Chelmsford’s Development plans up to the year 2021.

Extensive delivery of flyers in the last few days invited residents in Broomfield, Gt and Lt Waltham & Chatham Green to hear updates on the Local Development Framework for Chelmsford. Out meeting, called at very short notice due to delayed publication of the Borough’s North Chelmsford Area Action Plan, considered:

• The upcoming Examination in Public relating to the Core Strategy. Starting in the Council Chamber on September 11th at 10:00AM, this is an absolutely crucial process that will enquire into the ‘soundness’ of the Borough’s plans. NAG is attending.

• The detailed plans that are site specific relating to the proposed location of about 6,000 new houses in North Springfield. This is the North Chelmsford Area Action Plan.

• The by-election also to be on Sept 11th caused by the untimely death of a sitting member for this Ward.

Mr. Roger Cole, a completely independent chairman, introduced speakers Peter Loose, Chairman of NAG and Mike Marriage, NAG Committee member who took the packed house through a 30 minute detailed presentation of the Core Strategy and the North Chelmsford Area Action Plan concluding with the logical case for all new houses to be located north of Boreham on the WWII Airfield. A written survey gave about 97% support for NAG’s case. (see end for details)

Responses from Candidates in the local Ward By-election as well as continuous questioning from the audience ensured a massively informative, good natured meeting lasting for about an hour and a half.

NAG’s essential case is that the initial public consultation leading to the LDF Core Strategy is biased to such an extent that it is fundamentally flawed. NAG shows evidentially that Boreham Airfield is an excellent site for development but that has never been submitted to the public for consultation. We showed that by excluding the area of Boreham Airfield, (or Great Holts or "north of Boreham") Chelmsford Borough was acting against the advice of their professional consultants, Entec. In their 2004 report, Entec ranked Boreham Airfield very highly on a range of sustainability criteria. In fact it received higher ratings that any other site in the borough, including the current proposals in North Springfield and Broomfield!

NAG further showed that even accepting the LDF Core Strategy, there are no options offered in the current public consultation for the location of some 5,000 new houses adjacent to Beaulieu Park. It is a Hobson’s Choice consultation.

NAG shows that there is no need for the proposed highway across the Chelmer Valley to serve the needs of a now downsizing Broomfield Hospital.

Responding, Cllr Neil Gulliver, Planning and Development, explained that he was in sympathy with NAG in respect of the Chelmer Valley Highway and that he is not personally in favour of it. (Note - the NCAAP does call attention to the need for a Cross Valley road.)

A simple written survey was prepared for the meeting asking four questions with yes / no answers. The results are unambiguously decisive:-

1. Do you feel you have been adequately consulted and informed by Chelmsford Borough Council’s consultation process? (yes 6: No 120)
2. Do you feel you have been consulted on all viable options for houses in north Chelmsford? (yes 8: No 118)
3. Are you in favour of a bridged-highway across the Chelmer Valley? (yes 7: No 118)
4. Do you support Chelmsford NAG’s campaign to locate the many thousands of “North Chelmsford” new houses north of Boreham ? (yes 121: no 4)

Chelmsford NAG takes no party political position and does not discuss the politics of members at any time. However we felt every candidate should be given an opportunity to respond to NAG’s case at our public meeting. Two candidates, Dr Reza Houssain for The Green Party and Malcolm Taylor for the Lib Dems attended and gave clearly focussed responses to NAG’s position. There was wide divergence of opinion from the Candidates. Written statements were requested from all non-attenders. Jim Webb, Labour & Charlie Cole, UKIP each provided a statement that was read out in full to the meeting. The Conservative Candidate, Mike Steel tendered his apologies but did not provide a statement. Candidates took part in the public discussion.

Armed with such strong local community support for the democratic process to be seen to be fair, NAG will press ahead and defend its submissions to the Examination in Public starting September 11th. Our submissions call for a wider public consultation to include north Boreham or Boreham Airfield.

NAG is at pains to point out that we have no interest in any developer. Though we now find common cause with much of the Prudential Development plans for north of Boreham, NAG only arrived at this position following extensive examinations of as much public domain material as we could access from several developer proposals in the time we as volunteer non-professionals had available.

Further info fromChairman NAG (Peter Loose)
Chelmers, Lt Waltham. CM3 3LX
Email peterwloose@compuserve.com
Tel: 012453 62 295

BROOMFIELD PUBLIC MEETING SEPT 6th 2007 8PM

2007-08-29T07:43:00.001-07:00

September 6th 8PM Public Meeting Broomfield Community Centre

Chelmsford NAG have called a public meeting for September 6th at 8PM. The meeting will be held in the Broomfield Community Hall. It's located just behind the Angel Pub in Broomfield Road opposite School Lane.

The meeting will commence at 8PM and is designed for NAG to present its case opposing the Cross Valley road that will destroy the essence of the gorgeous Chelmer Valley - forever.

There is a major enquiry about the huge developments planned for Chelmsford due to start in the Town on Sept 11th. The Enquiry will be to investigate the Chelmsford Borough Council's proposals expresed in what is known as The Local Development Framework - 'the LDF'.

Essentially the form of the LDF will determine the number and location of the thousands of new homes proposed for Chelmsford up until 2021.

Due to the sad death of a former Chelmsford Borough Councillor, Alan Willshire in the early Summer, Broomfield and The Walthams are due to have a By-Election on September 11th to elect a new member to the Borough Council.

NAG have decided to invite all candidates to our meeting on Sept 6th and each will be given a short measured time to speak about the LDF issues only.

Questions will also be taken from the audience but restricted to LDF related topics.

Chelmsford NAG has no party political affiliation and this is not to be a party-political meeting.

More Information - please contact Chairman - peterwloose@compuserve.com

Boreham Airfield Borough Consultation August 2007

2007-08-03T03:55:00.000-07:00

Chelmsford North Action Group

Your last opportunity to let Chelmsford Borough Council know you want to preserve the Chelmer Valley.

You must please respond by August 7th

Note - by clicking on the picture you can enlarge it for easy viewing!

Chelmsford North Action Group is an ad-hoc group of Community members. We have no commercial interest in any Developer.

We have been sharing with you for more than one year our fears for new developments in Chelmsford that will ruin the Chelmer Valley. That fear is intensified.

Because we all stood together, the choice for the new North East bypass is the closest to what we all felt was best.

But the Chelmer Valley is still under threat. How? Because of the plan to put 800 new homes in Broomfield and 5,000 new homes in the Beaulieu Park area. This means a Chelmer Valley link road. This Link is featured as an "alternative site" in the consultation – see below. Residents are encouraged to vote against it. It is Option 49 and would be the end of Broomfield!

The best option is to put all the new homes planned for greenfield sites on Boreham Airfield (Gt. Holts). It is hardly Greenfield land. It’s previously heavily used land. The simulated aerial view shown here is a reliable indication of what the development will look like.

Any other location for the 6,000 new homes eats up more vast amounts of greenfield land and will lead to a Chelmer Valley crossing. How will that enhance the absolutely beautiful Chelmer Valley?

Chelmsford NAG wants to see the Chelmer Valley preserved as it is for generations to come.

In the current Local Development Framework planning, Chelmsford residents have never had the option to express their preference for Boreham Airfield as the site for any homes. Chelmsford NAG consider that it is far and away the best site for all 6,000 homes.

IF Boreham Airfield is chosen, there will be no need for large numbers of new homes in Broomfield or Beaulieu Park.

But now you can let the Borough Council know – we must hurry! The Consultation closes on August 7th. That is the last date to have any weight in what you say.

There are two ways you can have your say:

1. Complete the attached Chelmsford Borough Council Form. In paragraph 3 you should insert Alt 34 if you support Boreham Airfield for all the new homes. You must ensure the form arrives at the Chelmsford Borough Council no later than August 7th.

2. Or you can go on-line and complete the form. Start here ; www.chelmsford.gov.uk/ldf. Then you can click on:-

a. Core Strategy Alternative Development Sites Consultation

b. Alternative Development Sites Online Response Form

c. The letters (a) and (b) are not on the web site. Read (a) where all 70 alternate sites are shown. NAG supports ALT 34 – Boreham Airfield.

d. On-line response Form is at (b)

Some of the reasons we feel Boreham Airfield is the best choice for 6,000 new homes:

The key points which we believe make Boreham Airfield the best location for major development include:

 It has been independently assessed previously by the Council’s own consultants and they found that it scored well in terms of sustainability;

 It provides a long-term solution and therefore reduces development pressure on alternative sites in other sensitive locations within Chelmsford Borough;

 It provides a critical mass of development in one location which can best facilitate major new infrastructure such as the proposed NE bypass and a new NE Chelmsford railway station.

 It can facilitate effective public transport to link through to the town centre and other key destinations but at the same time avoid coalescence with existing communities at Broomfield, Boreham and Springfield.

 It avoids the need to build on countryside which English Heritage considers to be ‘special’ (at Broomfield and around Grade I Listed New Hall) and uses disturbed and previously developed land on and around Boreham Airfield.

Contact:
If we can help in any way please either telephone 362 295 or email peterwloose@compuserve.com.

Join the Community Action Group - Chelmsford NAG

2007-07-12T11:31:00.000-07:00

The latest news from Chelmsford Borough Council means there could be Six Thousand New Homes in North Chelmsford by 2021.

That number is huge and is nearly equal to 10% of ALL homes in Chelmsford in 2006.

If you are concerned about this and would like more information please contact Chelmsford North Action Group - "Chelmsford NAG"

Do that by emailing peter@chelmers.eclipse.co.uk and asking for more information.

We are an entirely ad-hoc group of local residents.

Visit our web site wwww.chelmsfordnag.co.uk

Thank you

Peter Loose
Chairman, Chelmsford NAG

Six thousand New Homes in Chelmsford - Alternate Sites

2007-07-12T11:20:00.000-07:00

NEWS RELEASE
10.7.07

PRUDENTIAL TO PRESS CASE FOR GREAT HOLTS

Prudential Property Investment Managers (PRUPIM) have underlined their continued commitment to the proposed new neighbourhood north east of Chelmsford, known as Great Holts and have said that none of the other 70 sites put forward for housing throughout the borough will need to be developed if the proposal is taken forward.

The proposals, which are located on or near the former Boreham Airfield aim to meet identified housing needs to 2021 and provide for a sustainable new community of up to 6,000 new homes along with community facilities such as new schools and employment areas.

Chelmsford Borough Council has recently begun a consultation on all of the sites put forward by prospective developers to meet Chelmsford’s future housing growth. Great Holts features in this ‘Alternative Development Sites’ consultation. Shortly, the Council will also go out to consultation on its North Chelmsford Area Action Plan, which seeks to locate up to 800 new homes in the Broomfield area and around 4,500 to 5,000 north of Springfield.

Kevin Ashman at PRUPIM said, “We have always agreed with the Council that the optimum location for new development outside of sites within the built up area of Chelmsford is to the north east of the town. It is here that there are significant proposals for new infrastructure such as the north east bypass and a railway station. The key issue for us is how new development can be best accommodated and the draft North Chelmsford Area Action Plan presents just one option to the north east for peoples’ consideration – the Greater Beaulieu Park proposal which will surround the Grade I Listed New Hall.”

More over/…
Kevin Ashman added, “We believe that our Great Holts proposal remains the best place for major new development and over the past eighteen months we have been pleased to receive substantial support for it from local residents and local organisations. We are asking everybody to show that support again by indicating during the consultation period that they wish to see Great Holts as the preferred location.”

Great Holts has previously been independently assessed by consultants acting for the Council and they found that it was a highly sustainable location in comparison with other sites.

The Great Holts proposal is:

Infrastructure-led – providing a critical mass of development in one location which can maximise financial resources to facilitate and spatially integrate key infrastructure such as the proposed NE bypass, public transport and a new NE Chelmsford railway station.

Capacity-led – it is the only site outside of Chelmsford with sufficient capacity to deliver the necessary growth in a sustainable way and respond to the future growth requirements defined by the Government

Employment-led – is able to provide the quantum and quality of commercial office space, meeting the known needs of key job-creating sectors.

Delivery-led – a single location which can be planned and delivered without the complexities of managing the contributions of multi-sites/multi-developers.

Connected yet protecting the settings of existing communities – can provide effective public transport to link through to the town centre and other key destinations but at the same time avoid coalescence with existing communities at Broomfield, Boreham and Springfield.

Great Holts also:

Retains and protects open attractive countryside and the built heritage – avoids adverse impact on countryside which English Heritage considers to be ‘special’ (at Broomfield and around New Hall) and uses disturbed and previously developed land on and around Boreham Airfield.

Last page over…

Kevin Ashman said, “We are preparing to put forward our arguments to an independent planning inspector later this year as to why we believe Great Holts should be chosen. We would like to work with Chelmsford Borough Council to achieve a new community which will be a truly sustainable place to live and work.”

ENDS

Notes:

Chelmsford Borough Council began its Alternative Sites Consultation on 26th June and it will end on 7th August. The main way to have a say is through the online form on the Council’s website at http://web3.chelmsfordbc.gov.uk/af3/an/default.aspx/RenderForm/?F.Name=XsrYD5CqA24 For those without use of a computer, consultation forms may be obtained On request by telephoning (01245) 606330, faxing (01245) 606526, or writing to Planning Policy Manager, Planning and Building Control Services, Chelmsford Borough Council, Civic Centre, CM1 1JE. The Great Holts proposal is listed as site ALT34.

For more information, please contact Martin Hughes on 020 8366 2151 (DDI) or 07831 869878 (mobile).

2007-07-11T03:43:00.000-07:00

Two major things are happening from the CBC re LDF.

Firstly A new Core Strategy consultation is running but ends August 7th 2007.

Core Strategy Alternative Development Sites Consultation

As part of the public consultation on the Submission Core Strategy and Development Control Policies DPD (Core Strategy for short) last November/December, 71 alternative development sites and boundary changes were put forward.

The Borough Council has published the 'Submission Core Strategy and Development Control Policies DPD - Alternative Development Sites and Boundary Changes Document' for consultation from 26th June until 4.45pm on 7th August 2007.

http://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=14104

Alternate Site 34 is Boreham Airfield.

We have to respond and endorse support for Site 34 - Boreham Airfield.

Guidance Notes are here to assist in completing the on-line Consultation:

http://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/media/pdf/5/b/ADS_guidance_notes.pdf

You can respond on-line by going to the Council's Web site using this link:

http://web3.chelmsfordbc.gov.uk/af3/an/default.aspx/RenderForm/?F.Name=XsrYD5CqA24

Secondly, the North Chelmsford Area Action Plan has been published for consultation.

If approved as we are expecting on July 11th at Dev Policy Committee, it will be consulted on for 8 weeks commencing July 23rd.

The detail is here:

Agenda http://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=14128

Of which see crucially:

7. North Chelmsford Area Action Plan - Issues and Options Consultation (Reg 25)

http://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/media/pdf/s/9/options1_1.pdf

In essence the Consultation confirms:

A) No options for Greater Beaulieu Park – it’s take it or leave it for “4,500 to 5,000” homes.
B) There is a preserved line for a Cross Valley link road to Broomfield.
C) There are three options in Broomfield for up to 800 homes.

Chelmsford NAG asks:

Why does the Core Strategy and hence the North Area Action Plan totally ignore the evaluation of their own Consultants, Entec and the Council's own Focus Group principle on previously used land in relation to Boreham Airfield?

We want to ask why North Chelmsford is being denied a proper options consultation on the location of 5,000 new homes – and that is a huge development of about 10% of all homes in Chelmsford today.

Why is the Chelmer Cross-Valley link road still being retained and protected for possible future use as a highway?

2007-05-29T01:46:00.000-07:00

It is with great sadness that we learn of the rather sudden death of Cllr. Alan Willsher on May 23rd 2007.

All those who are associated with Chelmsford NAG wish to record our enormous appreciation for his years of Public Service. We send our deepest condolences to his family at this time.

Often times the discussions with Cllr Willsher were lively – but of whatever party or none, Chelmsford NAG members honour the life of a man who gave so much to this Community over so many years.

It was a serious commitment worthy of recognition by all who associated with Alan.

Chelmer Valley Nature Walk

2007-03-16T06:11:00.002-07:00

(Photo: Porter's Deep, River Chelmer)

We would like to invite everyone to join a nature walk through the Chelmer Valley on Saturday, March 24th at 10am - noon. The walk will be led by John Hall of the Essex Wildlife Trust and will include the Nature Reserves of the valley between Broomfield and Little Waltham.

Please meet at Broomfield Mill at the bottom of Mill Lane by the river. Some paths may be muddy depending on the weather, so please bring suitable clothing and footwear. Dogs are welcome but please bring a leash. Tel: 01245 440107 for further details.

2007-02-24T08:01:00.000-08:00

NAG Press Release February 23rd 2007

Proposed Chelmer Valley Crossing Abandoned & Chelmsford LDF

Chelmsford NAG is pleased by Chelmsford Borough Council's recommendation to abandon any plans for a Chelmer Valley Road. We are sure that this is the sensible decision both now and for the future.

This announcement, though welcome, still leaves us with great concerns about where the thousands of homes forced on Chelmsford by National Government policy will be located.

NAG is most unhappy about plans to swamp North Springfield with several thousand more homes on Greenfield sites. White Hart Lane, already hugely congested during term-time rush hours, will be brought to a standstill by traffic flows from the potential ten-fold expansion of Beaulieu Park.

NAG believes that the developer-proposed White Heart Lane relief road would, in typical developer fashion, be constructed too late to prevent White Heart Lane being bought to a standstill by the development. Our suggestion to focus development north of Boreham, combined with a NE Bypass, would render such a relief road unnecessary, saving millions of pounds that could go towards school or public transport schemes.

NAG will continue to work for sensible solutions to Chelmsford's development independently of all party-politics. Our research shows that there are two crucial requirements for sensible solutions - a thoughtful use of vast acres of spoilt land north of Boreham ("the Airfield") and the careful building of the North East by-pass on Route D to minimise green damage. We also believe that the Council is misleading the public by claiming that development north of Boreham is ruled out by Government policy: this is not the case.

Peter Loose

Chairman Chelmsford NAG

23/02/07

For more information:
peterwloose@compuserve.com

Tel: 01245 362 295

“Chelmers”, Lt Waltham. CM3 3LX

Chelmsford Borough Councillors Lt Waltham Questionnaire and Response

2007-01-16T01:29:00.000-08:00

A questionnaire relating to the Essex County Council proposals for upgrading the A130/A131 Boreham Interchange to Gt Leighs was circulated in the village of Lt. Waltham week beginning January 8th 2007 by the Chelmsford Borough Councillors who represent the Parishes of Lt Waltham and Broomfield.

We reproduce here, without comment, said questionnaire and the formal response of the Lt Waltham Parish Council by permission.

Reproduction of Questionnaire Delivered in Lt Waltham in the week beginning January 8th 2007
------------------------------------------------

Dear Resident in Brook Hill and Adjoining Roads.

PROPOSED NORTH EAST BY-PASS AND LITTLE WALTHAM
RESIDENTS.

At the time when a car auction site was proposed in the Cranham Road, localresidents and Little Waltham Parish Council strongly voiced their opposition tothe proposal with particular concern for the traffic which would be generated tothe detriment of village life.

Your Borough Councillors were therefore surprised to learn that at a recentconsultation involving the North East by-pass Little Waltham Parish Councilrecorded the following opinions that they:

1) Favoured development at Great Holts, Boreham Airfield which being a "new settlement" will require an eventual development of 20-25,000houses to be viable.

2) Preferred Route D (from which the above developer provides a link road to Essex Regiment Way) which can only increase the volume of traffic inBrook Hill and other roads in Little Waltham.

3) Opposed the cross-valley route from Pratt’s Farm, Little Waltham to Hospital Approach, Broomfield. This cross- valley route would provide relief from increased through traffic in such roads as Brook Hill and save valuable minutes for ambulances when transporting critically ill patients from the eastern side of Chelmsford, Boreham etc.

As one resident observed "surely no responsible resident would deny those
critically ill people the benefit of those life saving minutes."

Your Borough Councillors now seek YOUR opinion and ask that you kindly complete the attached questionnaire which will be collected from your letter boxbetween 10.0 am and 12 noon on Tuesday, 9th January.

Yours sincerely

Delmas Ashford Alan Willsher
01245 440406 01245 360481
d.ashford@gov.uk a.willsher@gov.uk

Please tick one or more of the following;-

1) There should be no development at Great Holts, Boreham Airfield.

2) The cross-valley route should be constructed to reduce through traffic in Little Waltham and used to speed emergency services to BroomfieldHospital.

3) I agree with the "new settlement" at Great Holts which will bring increased traffic through Little Waltham.

4) Any other comments you may wish to make.

THIS QUESTIONNAIRE WILL BE COLLECTED ON TUESDAY, 9™JANUARY, BETWEEN 10.0am AND 12 NOON.

PLEASE LEAVE THIS QUESTIONNAIRE PROTRUDING FROM YOURLETTER-BOX WITH THE BLUE CROSS SHOWING.

Name...
Address.

X

---------------------------

STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF LITTLE WALTHAM PARISH COUNCIL

On Monday, 8 January, two of our Borough Councillors, Delmas Ashford and Alan Willsher, delivered a circular and questionnaire to selected properties in Little Waltham. Within hours I had received several complaints about these documents. The subject was also raised in the Public Forum prior to the Little Waltham Parish Council meeting on 9 January. As it was not on the Agenda it could not be dealt with at the meeting but it will be discussed with the two Borough Councillors in public on Tuesday, 6 March at 7pm, prior to the Parish Council meeting.

In the meantime I feel it necessary on behalf of Little Waltham Parish Council to put the record straight about certain statements which Borough Councillors Ashford & Willsher circulated concerning the decisions of the Parish Council. These decisions are published on the Parish Council website and local Borough Councillors are sent copies.

· Councillors Ashford & Willsher claim that the Parish Council opposed the proposed Car Auction site in Cranham Road “with particular concern for the traffic which would be generated to the detriment of village life”. This is not true. The Parish Council made no reference to traffic in the village, but did highlight the traffic problems which would be created in Cranham Road.

· Councillors Ashford & Willsher claim that the Parish Council favours a major housing development at Great Holts, Boreham Airfield. This is not true. The Parish Council has criticised the Borough Council for failing to consult the public about a major housing development at Great Holts. The Parish Council has not gone as far as to express a preference for such a development.

· Councillors Ashford & Willsher claim that the Parish Council’s preference for Route D (the cross country route) for the North-East Bypass “can only increase the volume of traffic in Brook Hill and other roads in Little Waltham”. We know that Route D is not favoured by the Borough Council. However, it is very much open to debate which of the Routes, if any, might generate more traffic through Little Waltham.

· Councillors Ashford & Willsher claim that the Parish Council’s opposition to the proposed cross-valley link would prevent the saving of “valuable minutes for ambulances when transporting critically ill patients”. The Parish Council has consistently opposed the building of a very expensive new road and bridge across the historic and beautiful Chelmer Valley. As far as ambulances are concerned, we understand that Broomfield Hospital has not requested a cross-valley link.

Councillors Ashford & Willsher also circulated a questionnaire, which contains leading questions, such as “I agree with the new settlement at Great Holts which will bring increased traffic through Little Waltham”. The results of such a loaded questionnaire will not be useful. For example the Borough Council’s preference for a major new housing development wide of Springfield, and for industrial or commercial development off Essex Regiment Way might also lead to increased traffic through Little Waltham.

Little Waltham Parish Council will wish to consider how far the wording of these statements and the subsequent questionnaire might have misled the public.

Miles Howarth
Chairman. Little Waltham Parish Council.

Blogger's Guide-lines

2007-01-14T07:14:00.000-08:00

We welcome your contributions and comments. However after due consideration and in the interests of openess, as a matter of policy we will only approve items to post on the Blog that are accompanied by your full name and Post-Code.

Chelmsford NAG Public Meeting Jan 12th - Packed House - Standing Room only.

2007-01-13T03:08:00.000-08:00

A packed Broomfield Community Centre on January 12th listened carefully to a presentation from Chelmsford NAG about potentially alarming and destructive housing and road plans for the north of Chelmsford.

NAG opposes the huge developments of 1,000 to 2,000 homes in Broomfield Parish. NAG opposes vast developments of up to 4,000 homes in what would become a 'Greater Beaulieu Park'.

The presentation explained that the A130/131 route options are part of the same issue and that only route Option D (Direct Boreham to Gt Leighs) makes sense. On cost grounds alone, it is nearly £100M cheaper than all other options.

NAG found overwhelming support for its goals:

1. No Chelmer Valley Link Road

2. Select Route/Corridor D for the A130/A131 upgrade Boreham to Gt Leighs. (With sensitive provisions for homes and farmers in the area)

3. No large development (1,000 to 2,000 homes per LDF) within Broomfield Parish.

4. Locate all 6,000 homes in the Boreham Airfield area with adequate protection for surrounding villages.

NAG Proposal:

NAG is also sure that Boreham Airfield which could accomodate well over 6,000 homes in a sustainable community should have been included in the first Local Development Framework (LDF) Consultation.

NAG are sure that Boreham Airfield, a 'brown-field' style site should be the place of development and must be designed in such a way as to preserve green areas between Boreham Village and Springfield. NAG have been told by professionals that such a plan is well developed. If implemented this could preserve for ever the green separation of Boreham & Springfield by the creation of country parks with trust status.

NAG Interests.

NAG is an entirely voluntary body and has not, nor will receive, financial support from any Developer or like body who may be involved in any of the plans discussed by NAG. We fund these events entirely from our own pockets.

We are committed to open and transparent information gathering and sharing based on logical and balanced considerations for the Community's sake alone. We have no party-political affiliations. We do not pretend to be right always: but we will do the best we can as vounteers who care about our area, our children and grandchildren and the heritage we leave to them.

Feedback that enriches our understanding and mutual support is welcomed.

We are grateful for members of the public who have pledged funds if needed for legal or other actions.

Lower Thames Crossing - Proposed New Routes?? January 2007

2007-01-11T04:38:00.000-08:00

The adjacent map (double click on the map to enlarge) is of uncertain origin but we believe it may be significant in that it shows a probable location for the northern/Essex side of the proposed Lower Thames Crossing in the Canvey area.

Note the box in the aproximate centre of the map relating to the Lower Thames Crossing which it calls "potential multi-modal national/regional/local cross-river link".

IF this map is in anyway accurate, it would confirm our earlier suggestion that the Chelmsford A130 is part of an Outer M25-like road. We dueduce this based on observation of routes being developed, especially the A249 in Kent to the Isle of Sheppey - a motorway style road going nowhere unless it's to connect up with a new Lower Thames Crossing AND on the Essex side it shows the existing new A130 from the general area of north of Canvey to the A12 near Sandon Village, Chelmsford.

2007-01-11T04:33:00.000-08:00

2006-12-14T02:23:00.000-08:00

Click on the Public Meeting Notice above for a larger image
Meeting is January 12th 2007
Broomfield Community Centre
Starts at 7:30PM

Highways & Transportation Policy Development Group December 7th 2006

2006-12-09T06:17:00.000-08:00

Essex County Council

Highways and Transportation Policy Development Group

December 7th 2006

For current thinking about the North East Study and Consultation Reports see:

http://agendas.essexcc.gov.uk/comadDocuments/meeting/1497/HT4106.pdf

Note that this supports Route D and though a majority of those who responded to the question about the cross-valley road said yes in principle, the result is not considered to be meaningful one way or the other because no cross-valley preferences were selected from the options consulted on.

Lower Thames Crossing - for an update on Essex 'thinking' see

http://agendas.essexcc.gov.uk/comadDocuments/meeting/1497/HT4206.pdf

We are sure that the Lower Thames Crossing is a key aspect of the overall transport strategy at Naitonal and International level which will have a major bearing on the design considerations for the A130 Chelmsford North East Study outcomes.

Urgent Actions Chelmsford Borough Council Local Development Framework Consultation

2006-12-07T07:02:00.000-08:00

December 19th 2006 is the last date to express your concerns about the Local Development Framework. (LDF)

We all must now act - December 19th is the deadline.

Please write to the Chelmsford Borough Council, Duke St. Chelmsford. Explain that you disagree with some or all of the following parts of the LDF.

1. Object to the lack of real options and choice in the Public Consultation on new-homes sites. Ask why nothing has been included for consultation on the 'old Boreham Airfield'.

Note - the area around the Airfield is plenty big enough to support all the proposed 'Green-field' new homes required as Chelmsford's contribution to the East of England Plan. This will include a new Secondary School and sustainable neighbourhood just like Gt Baddow, or Broomfield or Springfield for example.

2. Explain your horror at plans to site at least One Thousand new homes in Broomfield.

Note also that there are plans for an early revision of the LDF, probably within 2 years. That could trail the addition of many more homes in Broomfield.

Numbers in excess of 250 will destroy the essential nature of the ancient village and cuts right across the results of the Village Consultation conducted in 2004 and published as the Parish Plan, 2005.

The Broomfield Parish Plan (2005) consultation said that (page 22) "On the question of how many houses people would accept in order to achieve a relief road to the hospital, the largest single group (48%) said "none": 46% would accept up to 250 homes - including a smaller percentage who would accept more than 250."

3. Demand the Protection of Historically Identified Green Wedges - Nothing, nothing at all, across Chelmer Valley.

Note: there is a lot of hear-say information buzzing around about traffic in Broomfield Road. Of course, the traffic is there. But it is important to ask for reliable measured traffic flow data which demonstrates that a Cross-Valley Road will do anything significantly to ease the Broomfield Road jams and noise.

Remember, what carries traffic out of Broomfield will also bring traffic into Broomfield.

The Plans to develop Broomfield Hospital have been put on hold with a promise of nothing as large as was originally proposed. This news in November 2006 must modify the LDF Core Strategy.

And how much traffic will one-thousand new homes generate? For information, there are 1,700 homes in all of Broomfield - see Parish Plan page 6.

4. Protest that Corridor E as shown by Essex County Council for part of the A130 upgrade, neither solves the A130 National Traffic needs nor provides an adequate Chelsmford Borough infra-structure.

Corridor E should be abandoned because local traffic and national traffic must be separated.

Don't forget that there will be a new Lower Thames Crossing. All the major roads are built on the Kent side from the Isle of Sheppey to the Kent motorway network. On the Essex side, the A130 is an excellent road towards Southend.

Do you really think it makes sense to have lorries trundling from Europe, up the M2, across the Thames and then on to the A130 to find them twisting around Corridor E?

Snarled up roundabouts will inrease the tangles of traffic when the daily tally of one hundred thousand vehicles or more level is reached on the new Lower Thames Crossing. For comparison, the Dartford Crossing carries about 200,000 vehicles daily. It began life 40 years ago at 12,000 each day.

5. Support A130 Route D option only. Tell the Chelmsford Council that. And write to Essex County Council, Highways Department saying the same thing. It is the only option that keeps local traffic away from International and National Traffic.

6. Please tell your friends - phone them, email them. Ask them to visit this blog to see what's happening in their neighbourhood. And then to join the army of letter-writers to the Chelmsford Borough Council to oppose the LDF on these grounds.

Blog address http://a130-chelmsford.blogspot.com/

We believe that key parts of the LDF are defective, and, unchallenged will lead to a hugely damaging impact on Chelmsford. Our homes and families will live in a despoiled community for generations to come.

There is another Option - use the 'brown-field' site of the old Boreham Airfield.

It's so obviously common sense: we wonder "Why has it not seen the light of day?"

Do you think there may be votes in it somewhere?

Press Release November 28th 2006

2006-11-29T08:33:00.000-08:00

Press Release –

Lt. Waltham Outer M25 Action Group. Meeting November 28th 2006

A four figure sum was spontaneously pledged by members of the Lt. Waltham Outer M25 Action Group on Nov 28th immediately to appoint legal Counsel to challenge the Chemsford Borough Council on aspects of the Local Development Framework .

The meeting filled Memorial Hall as invited members of communities in Broomfield, Lt Waltham, Barnston, Chatham Green and beyond engaged in discussions about the proposals for thousands of new homes in Broomfield and North Springfield.

The stealth-like actions of the Essex County Council in not disclosing the plans for a Lower Thames Crossing, which reluctantly we support, and the real nature of the massive new road systems planned for the area, including the A130, was a source of much dismay and anger. Most of what is happening now was shown to be available in The East of England plan published in December 2004.

Because of the frustration of the meeting, it was spontaneously proposed and agreed from the floor to raise a legal fighting fund. We expect that to grow substantially as its existence becomes known more widely. One purpose of the fund is to stop Chelmsford Borough Council compromising the Essex County Council and Governments’ transport plans with an irrational development North East of Chelmsford. We need to know why Boreham Airfield, a Brown-field site and able to accommodate the entire development in one single sustainable community, is not even an option for Consultation. We only support A130 Route D as consulted on in the summer 2006.

A telephone poll of area residents showed overwhelming opposition to the Chelmer Valley cross-link proposals which will result in the spoiling of the Green-Wedge, proclaimed for generations as carrying a presumption against development.”

Further information contact:

Lt Waltham Outer M25 Action Group Chairman – Peter Loose on 01245 362 295

Email peterwloose@compuserve.com

Blog http://a130-chelmsford.blogspot.com/

2006-11-20T13:40:00.000-08:00

Route Options as at November 20th 2006

Supplied by Essex County Council

Braintree to Marks Tey - Upgrade A120 - NEWS

2006-11-18T14:31:00.000-08:00

A major upgrade of the A120 Braintree to Marks Tey road is planned.
This may have an impact on traffic flows on the A130 - A131 around Chelmsford.
See these links for more information:

A Map of the general route ideas:
http://www.highways.gov.uk/roads/projects/4183.aspx

News Update from Essex County Council on the Consultation and Results Announcement date.
http://www.highways.gov.uk/roads/projects/4182.aspx

A130 - A131 - Chelmsford North East - Route Options

2006-11-17T04:54:00.000-08:00

The route option proposals to upgrade the A130 and A131 are here. Click on the link and then go to the right hand side of the web page to the column headed "Related Documents".
That lists all the route information available.

http://www.essexcc.gov.uk/vip8/ecc/ECCWebsite/dis/guc.jsp?channelOid=16819&guideOid=32956&guideContentOid=74157

Essex Chronicle November 10th 2006

2006-11-13T10:49:00.000-08:00

Lower Thames Crossing

Report on Page 3

The Lt Waltham Outer M25 Action Group are pleased to be cited by Peter Baker in relation to the possible new Lower Thames Crossing.

However the report in The Chronicle is a few sentences edited from a 1,400 word carefully reasoned letter dated October 18th.

Here is our conclusion exactly as set out on October 18th.

It seems to us in the area of Lt Waltham and beyond, that there are some key factors to hold uppermost in our discussions if we want a fair & balanced outcome:

These are not simple problems to solve. Dialogue is essential.
Local traffic and national traffic should be separated – on grounds of safety for all.
National Roads should have the minimum of entry and exit points.
National Roads should be kept as far away from the population as possible.
National Roads are most effective when they are the shortest distance between two points – the Romans knew that 2000 years ago. It saved steps then – it saves fuel now.
Compensation for loss of homes should be generous – it is a sacrifice for the population as a whole.
Old areas of land, already to some extent spoiled by historical developments such as Boreham Airfield ( a brown-field site?), should be used for development rather than intruding onto green areas.
Green-Wedges should be preserved in perpetuity.
Village life should be enhanced, not undermined by huge traffic flows as an unintended consequence of developments elsewhere.

Essex County Council A130 Consultation Results - Route D Preferred.

2006-11-10T00:33:00.000-08:00

The Chelmsford North-East Study Consultation results are announced and favour Route Option D.

However, there is much more being planned. A new Option E, not consulted on earlier (Summer 2006) is being considered. This appears to be designed to link to a Cross-Valley Road to Broomfield.

Surprisingly, the consultation reports the Cross-Valley route to be supported by the public. We find that a remarkable response. All our phone polling of scores of residents shows that more than 90% are vehemently opposed to any Cross-Valley road.

http://www.essexcc.gov.uk/vip8/ecc/ECCWebsite/dis/ned.jsp?oid=85236

2006-11-08T04:10:00.000-08:00

Are you aware of Essex County Council’s proposals for:

A new Chelmsford to Braintree Motorway

A dual-carriageway bridge across the Chelmer Valley

A new Lower Thames Crossing?

Do you realise that 3 of the 4 possible A130 routings involve dualling the existing A130 / A131 including moving part of the Essex Regiment Way closer to the Village?

If you live in Barnston, Boreham, Chatham Green, Ford End, Lt. Waltham, Broomfield or Chelmsford you will be affected.

Can you imagine the effects this will have?

Traffic Flows - up
Heavy lorries - up
Noise pollution – up
Light pollution – up
Chelmer Valley - destroyed
Property values – down
Environment – ruined
Quality of Life - down

…. For generations to come.

To view the proposed details: Go to http://www.essexcc.gov.uk/ and then use their 'Search this site' facility. Enter "Chelmsford North East Study" and select match 'exact phrase'.

In addition to this there are proposed road closures at:

Back Lane
Wheelers Hill East
Chatham Green

This means:

Villages on the A130 - Barnston and Ford End - will suffer huge damage caused by heavy traffic flows through the village as rat-runs from Chelmsford to Stansted and the M11. It's bad now. It will get worse.

Increased traffic coming through Lt. Waltham village centre and onto Broomfield Rd.

Little Waltham hemmed in by busy roads on all sides.

Worse still – because of the study into a new Lower Thames Crossing, this new dual carriageway will become part of a grand new Outer M25-style road with potential for widening to three lanes.

Traffic flows today average about 200,000 every day over the Dartford Crossing.
Expect a lot of that to be using the new A130 within ten years.

And that is why we are adamantly opposed to Routes A, B & C and support Route D as by far the most viable, least harmful option.

Published by:
Little Waltham Outer M25 Action Group.
Chelmers, Little Waltham, CM3 3LX

Chelmsford North Action Group (NAG)

2006-11-06T08:33:00.001-08:00

A130 Chelmsford Essex