The ongoing saga of the proposed development outside my front door has reared its ugly head again.
The application turned down by Planning is currently at appeal with the Planning Inspectorate. The developers signalled their intention to put in a new application, but agreed to consult with the community.
As the community we felt it was inappropriate to hold consultation during the school holidays. We have a meeting on Monday. The developers have actually sent a consultant round knocking on people's doors. I mustn't have been in when he knocked on mine. He would have gone away with a flea in his ear. This is no way to consult, catching people unprepared, often when they're busy. The developers wanted to meet various interested parties individually for an informal chat. Charmian is adamant that everything must be done formally - all correspondence by email and copied round. At the meeting on Monday, she has insisted on a professional minute taker, and having the meeting taped. Hopefully, Councillor Nick will chair.
Charmian was astonished that the developers rang her at work. She enquired where they got her work number - 'the internet' was the reply...! They wanted to know the names of the people who are coming on Monday. They also want to adjust down the numbers and have suggested that just one person speaks.
In the meantime, the public notices have gone up, and this morning I received a notification of a new planning application. This is, in effect, the same as the rejected-and-under-appeal application, except that the seven stories that would entirely restrict my light and privacy have been reduced to six. (Wow!). It has no impact upon the serious traffic and road safety concerns raised by Transport for London, or any of the other planning considerations. Mel's friend who works in planning elsewhere is of the view that it is entirely unsuitable for the site.
So I shall have to take time off work to study the plans, and spend time yet again redoing my objection.
So much for consultation.
I have also agreed to join in the application for listed building status. Woo, My cottage could be listed...!
