Archive for the ‘Advice’ Category

The WCRA objection letter is attached.

• WCRA – Access 2 Objection – no – 20090929

Please remember that the deadline for submitting comments on the application is 30th September 2009.

Attached is the current draft of the WCRA response letter to the Planning Application for access.

The letter itself is quite short and summarises a common view of the points of concern but the detail is actually listed in the Appendix of the document.

Heres how I suggest you use it:

• In your letter, reference the WCRA letter if you agree with the points we raise, i.e. say something like “I would also request that you take into account the official letter of response from WCRA” ;
• Feel free to review the appendix – picking out those points which support you personal letters of objection;
• Feel free to add the appendix to your letter;
• Remember to copy your letter of objection to your local councillor;
• Remember to copy your letter of objection to WCRA;
• Remember to submit your letter by tomorrow;
• Its helpful if you compose your own letter personalising it to your own situation;
• If you dont have time to review the WCRA letter in detail – remember its still worth sending a letter to Woking Borough Council, simply stating your opinion and personal viewpoint.

The WCRA letter is attached here:  WCRA Objection Letter v3

The report from the independant Transport Study has been delivered.

Summary of Findings

• the excessive distance to nearby bus stops, and hence non-compliance with government policy documents PPG13 and PPS3 which require new development to be sustainable and readily accessible to public bus transport;
• the vehicular capacity of the Westfield Road / Balfour Avenue junction which has been analysed using incorrectly assigned development traffic, and without forecasting to realistic future year scenarios (year 2006 analysed);
• questionable interpretation of PICADY output data, despite the output being based on incorrect input data;
• further concern over other nearby junctions, such as the Balfour Avenue /Westfield Common junction, where the proposed development is likely to have a significant impact;
• misleading statements regarding the width of vehicular access to the development site which do not consider the width of existing roads leading to the development and their associated vehicular capacity.

The report can be downloaded here: 2803_TS_Review

Kerry has offered to provide print copies tonight between the hours of  7:30pm and 8:30pm only.

Please contact her at: kerry@willow-bank.org.uk to make the arrangements.

Some handy guides courtesy of Planning Aid, Urban Forum & the Environmental Law foundation.  All rights acknowledged.

handy_guide_to_planning_2006_06

Sheet_9_Development_Control_-_commenting_on_planning_applications

TownPlanningBooklet-Glossary

Woking Borough Council (WBC) has an online public register for planning applications which can be accessed at: caps.woking.gov.uk

Here is a quick guide on how to use it.

Begin

1. Goto the planning register site.
2. Click on “Planning”.
3. Click on “Application Search” or “Property Search” or “Application Weekly List”

Application Search

1. Enter Application Reference – in the case of the outline planning application for the proposed housing development north of Moor Lane enter “PLAN/2006/0399″.
2. Click on <Search>.
3. Click on <Click to view>.
4. Click through the tabs to view information – in particular “Associated Documents”
5. Click on <View Associated Documents> and this will take you through to another portal where you can view site plans, surveys, and other planning documents (works in IE browsers only).

Property Search

Works in a similar way:

1. Enter Street Name, e.g. Moor Lane and then press <enter>
2. System displays addresses.
3. Select and address and press <Click to view details>
4. Details are displayed.

Application Weekly List

1. Select Week
2. Select <validated> or <approved>
3. Hit <View List>
4. Relevant applications are displayed.

An interesting and insightful series of high-level blog articles on one persons experience fighting a council planning application:

Part 1 – Sunmission of Planning Application

Part 2 – The Planning Committee Meeting

Part 3 – The Planning Decision

Part 4 – The Ombudsman