News from previous web site

Hi all the police finally actioned a section 61 after we put much pressure on EFDC they left the cornmill carpark and moved to the carpark on the Abbey gardens which is Lea Valley Regional Park Authorities land they have stronger eviction powers to get them moved on which they enforced and they managed to get them removed within 4 hours they have now taken up residency in the carpark behind the post office in Sun St we have reported it to the police and we will be on the phone to EFDC insisting the police action another section 61 IF THEY CAN DO IT ONCE THEY CAN DO IT AGAIN this is a complete nightmare for all of us residents and we wont give up till they have gone WARA

Update yesterday we got in touch with the Chief Executive of EFDC and he told us that the police inspector who went with them when they handed in the eviction notice advised them the site didn’t require a section 61 hense to say we have left messages for the police inspector and we will update you on his response. There seems to be a hugh lack of communication between departments and within the enviornmental department as everyone we have spoken to has given us conflicting answers they should have training in how to communicate with each other so that the information they give to us residents is consistant! WARAWe have heard from 3 different sources today that the Gypsy and Travellers by the Marriot Hotel are moving to France, York and now Newcastle it took Basildon Council 10 years to get them of Dale Farm that is not going to happen here WARA

Update re the Gypsy n Traveller site near the Marriott Hotel we have been in touch with EFDC several times today the land is owned by EFDC and it is a nature reserve the Enviornmental Department have attended the site twice today and have demanded they leave immediately otherwise they will serve them with court proceedings tomorrow they did ask them to leave this morning but there was only caravans on site all the transit vans had gone and without the transit vans they could not get their caravans off the land apparently we will be applying pressure to EFDC on a daily basis till they have gone WARA

 

Hi all we now have clarity on who owns the land that the Gypsy and Travellers have moved onto and it is owned by EFDC the field further down is privately owned land the council along with the enforcement department and the police will be attending the site tomorrow let’s hope more do not move on over night please tell your neighbours they may not be aware and please secure your properties and vehicles WARA

 

Urgent message to all residents Just letting you all know that the travellers have now arrived in Waltham Abbey and are setting up camp on the wasteland on Old Shire Rd / Stony Bridge Bridge Drive (near The Marriott Hotel). They have been seen moving onto the site (over 6 vans & caravans) this evening at 4.45. We have reported it to the police but wanted everyone to be aware. Keep your eyes peeled ……

WARA ARE CALLING AN URGENT MEETING FOR ALL MEMBERS AND RESIDENTS
FRIDAY 17TH JUNE 2011 AT 7.30PM
TOWN HALL HIGHBRIDGE STREET WALTHAM ABBEY EN9 1DE

IF YOU THINK THAT THE THREAT OF GYPSY AND TRAVELLER SITES IN WALTHAM ABBEY HAS BEEN ABOLISHED THEN THINK AGAIN !

THE GOVERNMENT HAS RELEASED A NEW GYPSY AND TRAVELLER CONSULTATION WHICH WILL HAVE AN EFFECT ON OUR COMMUNITY FOR THE NEXT 15 YEARS

IF YOU CARE ? ABOUT THE VALUE OF YOUR HOMES AND THE IMPACT ON OUR COMMUNITY THEN PLEASE ATTEND

“WE UNITED BEFORE IT’S IMPORTANT FOR THE FUTURE OF OUR TOWN THAT WE DO IT AGAIN!”

REPORT TO FOLLOW SOON
News Update 21st June 2011
The AGM will take place at Town Mead on Tuesday5th July 2011 at 7-30pm

17th MAY 2011

Public Consultation now in process for new proposed planning guidelines and changes in planning laws for the Gypsy and Traveller Communities.

The Government has announced a shake-up of planning policy involving Travellers and Gypsies. In new proposed planning guidelines, the Green Belt and Countryside will have more robust protection, local councils will have more discretion, and local planning authorities will have a stronger hand in supporting appropriate development, ministers said.
Under this new planning policy, now out for consultation, councils will have both the freedom and responsibility to determine the right level of Traveller site provision in their areas, in consultation with local communities.
Ministers have also confirmed that the Department for Communities and Local Government will provide up to £1.2m for Basildon Council to clear the unauthorised pitches on the Green Belt at the Dale Farm Traveller site.
In addition ministers are proposing stronger rights for residents of authorised council sites; new incentives to build authorised sites thanks to the New Homes Bonus scheme and £60m of funding that councils and other registered providers can use to provide new authorised sites for travelers.
The consultation will consider the details of a proposed new, single Planning Policy Statement that will replace Circular 01/2006: Planning Gypsy and Traveller Caravan Sites and Circular 04/2007: Planning for Travelling Show people. It will run until 6 July 2011.

To read the Consultation please click on the link below
http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/travellersitesconsultation
PLEASE BE ASSURED WE ARE TALKING TO ALL THE NECESSARY DEPARTMENTS REGARDING THIS PUBLIC CONSULTATION ONCE WE HAVE ALL OF THE FACTS WE WILL BE CALLING A PUBLIC MEETING TO INFORM YOU ALL.

04th APRIL 2011

THIS SATURDAY THE 9TH APRIL 2011 FROM 8am to 3pm

Waltham Abbey Residents Association will be carrying out a short survey to see what kind of Branded Retail Shops, THE RESIDENTS would like to see in our Town Centre. We can not promise this will happen but we are going to give it a good go. Please come along to the Abbey Market were we will have a stall on the above date.
“We are also going to try and tackle the free parking issues either side of Sun Street ”

Please tell your neighbours about these events.

IT’S YOUR TOWN & YOUR SUPPORT IS NEEDED, TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

 

DATE OF NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING:
Our next Committee meeting is to be held on the 05th April 2011 at the Town Mead Brooker Road Waltham Abbey at 7.30pm.  All members welcome we ask you contact us if you wish to attend so that we can ensure enough agendas are printed e-mail us to [email protected] alternativley you can txt or call us on 07759 689 376

URGENT NEWS UPDATE 25TH NOVEMBER 2010

NETHERHOUSE FARM PREMISES LICENSE
APPLICATION 24TH NOVEMBER 2010

Dear Resident

It has been brought to our attention by a vast number of residents and local businesses living and working within Sewardstone Road, Sewardstonebury & High Beach. That Netherhouse Farm have applied for a Premises License the application has been made for the following purposes.

To show Plays & Films Monday to Sunday from 10am to 11pm
To have Live Entertainment / Recorded Music & Dancing Monday to Thursday 10am to 11pm
To have Live Entertainment / Recorded Music & Dancing Friday from 10am to 12am
To have Live Entertainment / Recorded Music & Dancing Saturday from 10am to 1am
To have Live Entertainment / Recorded Music & Dancing Sunday from 10am to 11pm

As your Residents Association we have been asked to hold a meeting by the Residents please come along to

WALTHAM ABBEY TOWN HALL HIGHBRIDGE ST
13th DECEMBER 2010 at 7.30PM

DEADLINE FOR RESPONSES IS THE 21ST DECEMBER 2010.
—————————————————————————————————-
NEWS UPDATE 16TH NOVEMBER 2010

PLANNING THE FUTURE
THIS INCLUDES WALTHAM ABBEY
Core Planning Strategy
The coalition government has made it one of its priorities to make sure that local people have more say in the decisions that affect where they live.
The government has abolished regional housing and employment targets and it is now the responsibility of the Council to work with local communities and use the evidence we have on housing need to decide how many houses to build and where the best locations are.
Epping Forest District Council currently uses an adopted Local Plan to make decisions on planning applications and manage development in the district. The government requires that this is replaced with a Local Development Framework (LDF) – a key element of which is the Core Strategy.
What is a Core Planning Strategy?
The Core Planning Strategy will set out the plans and policies that will guide development in Epping Forest district for the next 20 years, replacing the current local plan. The document will seek the appropriate balance between protecting green spaces, new homes, businesses, shops and leisure and will include:

• A vision for how the district will develop
• A plan setting out appropriate locations for development
• Policies to manage housing, employment, green space, community facilities, etc.

Why do we need housing and employment growth in Epping Forest District?

• The population of the district is increasing and changing. This creates a need for more housing and different types of housing (e.g. affordable, for the elderly and those with special needs).
• There is a need to ensure the local economy is able to provide jobs and services for local residents, and for these to be close to where they live. There are energy conservation and pollution reduction benefits if the level of commuting into London can be minimised.
• It is necessary for employment land and premises to be of high quality and easily accessible so that there can be effective competition with adjoining areas.
• There is a need to reduce unemployment and provide opportunities for those gaining qualifications locally.
• A number of areas in the district suffer from economic and social deprivation.
• To replace outdated facilities such as schools and community centres.
• The district’s main shopping centres need to be able to remain competitive despite signficiant competition from a number of much larger centres. Currently 85% of residents shop elsewhere for necessities.

What do we need to consider when planning for growth?

• How we can work towards achieving the community’s vision for the future of the district.
• The potential environmental, economic and social benefits of new development.
• The protection and maintenance of the Green Belt.
• The protection and maintenance of the open character of the rural landscape and the setting of towns and villages in the countryside.
• The protection of the historic built environment including conservation areas, listed buildings and their settings, and ancient landscape.
• The conservation of protected species and sites with important wildlife.
• The implications of climate change, including building design, energy conservation, renewable energy, increased flood risk and the protection of the most valuable agricultural land.
• Impacts on existing infrastructure (e.g. road congestion and the rail network, car park capacity at Central Line stations).
• Accessibility to services including health, education, leisure, shops and public transport (of particular concern in rural areas).

08th NOVEMBER 2010
WE ARE CURRENTLY SEEKING NEW COMMITTE MEMBERS TO JOIN THE EXISTING 11 MEMBERS.  WE MEET ONCE A FORTNIGHT ON A TUESDAY LOCALLY FROM 7.30PM FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS IF THIS IS SOMETHING YOU WOULD BE INTERESTED IN PLEASE CONTACT US BY E-MAIL TO [email protected] AND OUR CHAIR SUE CALVERT WILL BE IN TOUCH WITH YOU.

27th August 2010 Message from EFDC; Please note that a large group of Travellers has moved on to two sites in North Weald. A smaller group of approximately 9 vans is currently on private land at Tylers Farm (backing on to St Andrew’s School). A larger group of approximately 35 – 40 vans has stopped on the former driving range off Merlin Way. The land off Merlin Way is owned by Epping Forest District Council and steps have already been taken to obtain a Possession Order with a view to clearing the site as quickly as possible. Other landowners may wish to ensure adequate security provision of their own property. District Council staff, Councillors and Clerks to Town and Parish Councils who become aware of any unauthorised Traveller encampments are asked to notify Richard Thomason, Environment and Neighbourhoods Officer in the first instance. Richard can be contact by: Phone 01992 564391 01992 564391 e-mail[email protected] Please pass this information on as appropriate. Thank you for your co-operation in this matter. Paul Gardener Anti-social Behaviour Co-ordinator 17th August ’10 
Letter from EFDC; As you have previously taken an interest and responded to the consultation undertaken in late 2008, with regard to the provision of additional Gypsy and Traveller sites in the District, I am now writing to update you on the current position. You will have been aware that the requirement to find additional sites was imposed on the Council by the previous government. I can now advise that, as a result of our request to Greg Clark, MP, the new Coalition Minister for Decentralisation, the Direction (originally served in September 2007) has now been cancelled. Therefore, future planning applications for Gypsy and Traveller sites will now be dealt with on their merits, on a case by case basis, through the normal planning process and against our currently adopted policies. I can, therefore, confirm that Epping Forest District Council has taken the decision to cease all further work on the Gypsy and Traveller Development Plan Document immediately. In addition, I can reassure those, who own or live in the vicinity of the affected sites that the impact of this decision is to restore these sites, to the planning status they enjoyed prior to the Government Direction. The Council will now concentrate on producing a Core Planning Strategy for the district to identify, amongst many other things, the housing and employment needs of the local community over the next 15 to 20 years. Gypsy and Traveller provision will be included as part of that broader housing study. The Coalition Government strongly supports a local approach which will guide the way we work with the community in creating new planning policies for the future. We hope to work with as many residents and businesses as possible whilst we prepare the new Core Strategy. More information is available on the cancellation of the Gypsy and Traveller Site Direction and our work on the Core Strategy, on the council’s websitewww.eppingforestdc.gov.uk. However, if you have any questions about this email, please contact the Forward Planning team on the email address or phone number below. Yours faithfully John de Wilton Preston Director of Planning & Economic Development Epping Forest District Council Civic Offices, High Street Epping, Essex, CM16 4BZ Forward Planning hotline: Email: [email protected]
22nd July ’10 On Monday evening EFDC’s Cabinet duly approved the proposed resolutions to end the consultation exercise with regard to the Gypsy and Traveller sites in the district, which means the planning status of the affected sites reverts to that existing prior to the consultation taking place. There was some confusion but it seems this decision does need ratification by full Council, which should be forthcoming when it meets next Tuesday 27th July. Without wishing to tempt fate, this looks like a formality, so on the assumption that Cabinet’s resolutions are ratified, this looks like wrapping matters up in terms of the specific Gypsy and Traveller Development Plan Document requirement. In developing its Local Development Framework, however, the Council will need to include policies to cover Gypsies and Travellers but that will be another chapter, and TBAG will approach the situation if and when required.
13th July 2010 We received confirmation directly from Forward Planning at EFDC that Greg Clark MP Department for Communities and Local Government has withdrawn the ‘Direction’ that required EFDC to provide an additional 34 Gypsy and Traveller pitches by 2011. The stress and anguish that this has caused residents of our village and our district is ALMOST over. A report will be presented to EFDC’s Cabinet next Monday, when hopefully they will decide to withdraw the Consultation on Options Development Plan Provision for Gypsies and Travellers, if the Consultation is not lifted or rescinded the blight to property will remain until they do. Read the letter from the Minister here; Click here to download this file And the press release from EFDC here;www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/news/2010/gypsy_and_traveller_direction_lifted.asp News Update 18th June 2010

Published on 7 June 2010
Councillors have welcomed with delight, news that the new Government intends to allow local people more control over local planning decisions.
In particular, councillors have interpreted this as a clear indication that the Government Direction on Traveller and Gypsy site provision will be lifted.
Local MP for Brentwood and Ongar, Eric Pickles is the new Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. In a letter sent to Epping Forest District Council on 27 May he said: “I am writing to you today to highlight our commitment in the coalition agreements where we very clearly set out our intention to rapidly abolish Regional Strategies and return decision making-powers on housing and planning to local councils. Consequently, decisions on housing supply (including the provision for Traveller sites) will rest with Local Planning Authorities without the framework of regional numbers and plans.”
“This is great news,” said Councillor Di Collins, Leader of Epping Forest District Council. “This is the decision this council made right from the beginning of the process and we are delighted that the new Government is supporting us. It means the end for the deeply unpopular Government Directive that effectively forced the Council and our residents into one of the most prolonged, expensive and bureaucratic consultations our residents have ever had to endure. It was disliked by everyone, including our local Gypsy and Travelling community and it will be a great relief for everyone to know we will now see the back of it. I applaud Eric Pickles for his swift action.”
Epping Forest District Council was one of a small number of Districts forced by Government Directive to carry out special consultations to identify potential sites for Gypsies and Travellers. The Council said that the time and resources it was forced to devote to the Directive hampered its ability to meet other responsibilities and that the process was an unnecessary concern to residents.
Councillor Collins added: “Eric Pickles is lifting a huge shadow of worry and concern from the shoulders of our residents. I deeply regret that the previous Government could not take the same decision sooner. It has cost everyone huge amounts of time, money and stress when we need to focus more on the economic woes of the recession. However, today is a day for the whole district to celebrate.”
Letter from Councillor Di Collins to the Rt Hon Eric Pickles MP
Dated 4 June 2010
At the outset, may I extend our warmest congratulations on your appointment as Secretary of State. I know you are aware of the previous Government’s Direction which required the Council to amend its Local Development Scheme to include the preparation and adoption of a Gypsy and Traveller Development Plan Document to make further provision for gypsy and traveller sites within the area (“the Direction”).  You may also be aware that we wrote to your predecessor on 25 January 2010 requesting he withdraw the Direction.
Whilst recognising the progress that the Council has made to increase site provision in recent years, the former Government was not prepared to consider removing the Direction until the 34 net additional permanent pitches identified as a requirement in the RSS Single Issue Review (SIR) have been provided. As we have demonstrated, this was an aim that the Council is on target to achieve.
We welcome your letter dated 27 May 2010 and note your intention to make a formal statement concerning housing supply (including the provision of traveller sites) soon. Without intending to appear impatient, we ask you to urgently consider withdrawing the Direction for the reasons explained in our letter to your predecessor (copy attached). We would still be happy to meet with you, provide updated information and share the Council’s recent experience relating to the preparation of a gypsy and traveller DPD. We believe our engagement with stakeholders is a valuable source of information that may assist the new Government in the formulation of planning policy in this area. In addition, it does seem the Direction was founded upon an unsound and inequitable approach. Indeed, we understand that a similar Direction to Brentwood Borough Council has subsequently been withdrawn, without the requirement to meet particular numbers in the RSS SIR. The Direction continues to consume a disproportionate amount of scarce resources, has caused significant delays to other planning priorities and is deeply unpopular with local residents, including the gypsy and traveller community. Only the withdrawal of the Direction can remove the uncertainty for those sites which have been identified during this process but, for sound planning reasons, are clearly not suitable. Additionally the Council would not then need to conduct further expensive and time consuming assessments of those sites.
We remain content to process prospective planning applications from those with a genuine local need, using our existing policies. We remain committed to include policies in our Core Strategy that deal with all housing needs, including the provision of gypsy and traveller sites. As such, there can be no doubt that Epping Forest District Council has met its responsibilities and is committed to doing so in a manner that positively reflects the new Government’s ‘localism’ agenda.
I look forward to receiving a positive response from you,

Yours sincerely

Councillor Diana CollinsLeader of the Council

27th MAY 2010 RESPONSE FROM THE RT HON ERIC PICKLES MP

Letter from the Rt Hon Eric Pickles to the chief planning officer at EFDC confirming Abolition of Reginal Strategies.

I am writing to you today to highlight our commitment in the coalition agreements wher we very clearly set out intention to rapidly abolish Region Strategies and return decision making powers on housing and planning to the local councils.  Consequently, decisions on housing supply (including the provision of Traveller sites) will rest with Local Planning Authorities without the framework of regional numbers and plans.
I will make a formal announcement on this matter soon.  However , I expect Local Planning Authorities and Planning Inspectorates to have regard to this letter as a material planning consideration in any decisions they are currently taking.
Yours ( Eric Pickles Signature)
The Rt Hon Eric Pickles MP
(We have had to copy type this letter out onto this webpage as we were unable to send a link or copy cut or paste it due to it being sent to us in a PDF format. If you wish us to forward on a copy of this letter please e-mail us at) [email protected]

22nd MAY 2010 NEWS UPDATE: WARA WRITES TO THE RT HON ERIC PICKLES MP. 

The Association is seeking clarity from the new Government regarding the proposed Gypsy and Traveller sites in Waltham Abbey.  After a vote from the committe it was decided to write to the Rt. Hon. Eric Pickles M.P. the new portfolio holder for Communities.  This letter was also sent to our MP Eleanor Lainge.

I am writing to you as the representative on behalf of the Waltham Abbey Residents Association as our Community and our members are in desperate need of some reassurances with regards to the increasing problem’s that the East of England Plan has brought to our District.

Prior to the Conservative and Liberal Democrat Government coming into power, there has been many articles on illegal gypsy/traveller sites in the press and the prospect of a new Government taking a new and sensible look at this matter, which gave us a limited amount of hope. Obviously the new Government has many issues to tackle and all of them pressing, however, in a climate of austerity it would make very good business sense to revisit and review the plans for said sites, being mindful of the potential savings that could be made by abandoning such an unfair and undemocratic plan. The East of England does not seem to offer any practical solutions or plans that would address the real concerns of our local communities.

Firstly, I would like to draw your attention to the initial Consultation Document, which if you have had the misfortune to read was so slanted towards the Gypsy and Traveller Community and with little or no thought or regards for the indigenous population or the impact on such as small town whose infrastructure is already very strained. This Consultation Document was very biased to procure the desired result, namely that there would be a vast increase in Gypsy and Traveller sites within the Abbey and the surrounding Parish. It also stated that unless one positive choice was made the Document would not be used as part of the Consultation process or results. This was forcing people’s hands and was very undemocratic. At the request of the Community the Association held surgeries to assist with information and how to complete the questionnaire as they were so confused on where to start and finish they were very worried they would fill them in incorrectly and lose their vote.

There was a limited time to complete the questionnaire and a dead line for delivery to the Epping Council offices, which was delivered on Time .Day and Month, only to be informed at a later Council Meeting that the work load was so great that they needed more time and  resources to complete the work required, which then left us in a state of limbo, only to be informed that a new document called  Sustainable Appraisal Scoping Report (SASR) was going out to Consultants, this report is in the last stages of completion. The Community will have six weeks to complete this report or questionnaire, it would appear that the council is using different headings and putting together a new document which once again will be too complex for most people to fill in on their own. Is this a further attempt to get back on track with the original plans and bypass all the residents’ genuine concerns and fears? It is my understanding that the new Document is over 144 pages which like last time will discourage residents from getting involved in this so called democratic process.

The Waltham Abbey Residents Association has over 4.000 members to date, with new members joining daily.  It is felt that we have been over looked and have been given no choice or say as to how we would like to live, which Schools we would like our children to attend, Doctors we would like to attend, we have never been given the opportunity to have these choices, we had to fill in the huge Consultation Documentation for the rights for Traveller and Gypsies so that they can have these choices.

We are not stating that the Gypsy and Traveller Community have no rights, we believe strongly that there should be equal rights which does not encroach on our way of life also, it seems as soon as the Human Rights are mentioned everyone seems to panic and lose sight of the real matters. I would therefore ask you to look at our Human Rights which has been completely cast aside in this issue we would like to assured that our land is safe i.e. green belt, grass fields, conservation areas and historic sites of which there are many in the Abbey, we hear much about ‘illegal’ sites for Gypsy and Travellers but no-one seems to be publishing the facts that Gypsy & Travellers get priority at our local schools and nurseries places must be found for them. Provision must be made so that doctors, hospitals, and dentists must them see right away. Sites must be near schools, shops, bus stops, train stations. Alas there were no requests to be near a police station. We hear from the establishment that there is no evidence to suggest crime goes up and property prices go down once a settlement s in situ. Frankly this is absurd. None of these concessions are offered to the static community when relocating in the area Senior citizens are not given the opportunity to receive such a high standard of attention to their housing, social, environmental and medical requirements.


Now that we have a new Government and Ministers in new posts, and are pleased you are; I am hoping on behalf of all the members of our Community that we will not be disappointed or let us down as the last dreadful Government have, through their spite they tried to crush our way of life, we also need protecting so we are not hoping, we are seeking the answers to the increasing problems caused by the East of England Plan.


Therefore we are writing to you because of our concern for our future and our children’s future. We have worked hard and abide by the laws of the land only to be rewarded with this blatant disregard for the indigenous population of Waltham Abbey, Sewardstone, High Beach, Breach Barns, Upshire, Epping and the surrounding areas. I would ask you to take a fresh look at the real issues that YOUR electorate have and give us some assistance and reassurance in this dilemma which is causing the utmost concern in your constituency and look forward to a speedy and favorable reply.







Chair: Waltham Abbey Residents Association (WARA)
URGENT 16TH MAY 2010
GYPSIES HAVE MOVED IN OVERNIGHT AT SEWARDSTONE ROAD
OPPOSITE THE PREMIER INN LODGE BEHIND THE GRASS VERGE 5 X CARAVANS PLUS VANS AND LORRIES PLEASE KEEP A LOOK OUT IN YOUR AREA ESPECIALLY THE OPEN SPACES. PLEASE LET US KNOW IMMEDIATLEY BY E-MAIL IF A SITE APPEARS NEAR YOU E-MAIL US AT [email protected] THANKYOU
15 April 2010 EFDC have received a reply to their letter of 25th January requesting that the ‘Direction’ that requires them to find at least 34 permanent Gypsy and Traveller pitches by 2011 be amended or withdrawn. Read the full response here; Click here to download this file The minister has confirmed that he is not prepared to amend or withdraw the Direction. He comments ‘Your evidence indicates that pitch provision since 2006 has been delivered via the granting of permanent planning permission to existing temporary, unauthorised or tolerated sites. Although this is not the preferred planned approach to delivering new sites, it is a pragmatic way forward to meeting immediate needs. I am given some comfort that 19 pitches have been granted planning permission since 2006 and that more permanent sites are in the pipeline. I would be prepared to revisit the Direction once you have demonstrated that provision has been made to meet the immediate needs of the Gypsy and Traveller community in Epping Forest. This would mean meeting the East of England Plan requirement of 34 net additional permanent pitches by 2011. In terms of longer term provision the most effective way in meeting the accommodation needs of the Gypsy and Traveller community is for local authorities to take a proactive planned approach to provision rather than rely on ad-hoc planning decisions. To meet accommodation needs beyond 2011 the Government expects a planned approach to be taken.’ Council Leader Di Collins said “it is not exactly what we had hoped for but it is not unhelpful.” EFDC are seeking advice from their barrister before proceeding
QUESTION 24/02/2010:
We have received a number of complaints about the perscription services at Lloyds Chemists in the Market Square and in Sun Street if you feel that the service needs to be improved or have experienced an unsatisfactory service we would value your comments could you please e-mail us at[email protected]

16 February 2010 EFDC have written to John Healey MP Minister for Housing and Planning, he has replied via the Government Office for the East of England asking for more information. EFDC remain optimistic that the minister will withdraw or revise the Direction requiring them to allocate 34 pitches in the Development Plan Provision. If the minister refuses to remove or amend Direction, EFDC do not seem to have a plan ‘B’. EFDC recently sought advice from counsel on among other points; The Council seeking to challenge (with or without GO-East support) some of the guidance/criteria used to date. This would be with particular regard to circumstances applying in this District, i.e. with the rural area being entirely in the Green Belt with consequent high land values in the urban areas, and where low density, low-rise caravan sites are inappropriate neighbours to more densely developed areas. The Council attaching different weight to the criteria in Government guidance. The advice EFDC received states that ’18 The circular is absolutely clear that local authorities must allocate sufficient sites for gypsies and travellers, in terms of the number of pitches requires by the Regional Spatial Strategy , in site allocation Development Plan Provisions. Criteria must not be used as an alternative to site provision where there is an identified need for pitches. Further more Local Planning Authorities will need to demonstrate that sites are suitable and that here is a realistic likelihood that specific sites allocates in Development Plan Provisions will be made available for that purpose and how the land will be made available for a gypsy and traveller site and the timescale for provision.’ ODPM Circular 1/2006. Planning for Gypsy and Traveller sites, paragraph 33 ’44 I do not consider that the council can reasonably ignore any of the criteria that Government policy states are relevant and a failure to have regard to those criteria will increase the risk that the Development Plan Document will not be sound.’ EFDC have in the past made it quite clear they have no intention of repeating the consultation exercise, however the legal advice they have obtained has clarified that; ’49 Should the council decide to reconsider the criteria and their application such that there is a significant change to the councils approach and or the consequent identification of sites, it will be necessary in my view to undertake a further consultation exercise ahead of the publication of the draft Development Plan Document to enable Representations to be made. In short a judgement must be made as to whether persons that are likely to be affected by any proposed changes to approach, or inclusion or exclusion of specific sites, have had the opportunity to make their views known to the Council.’ Read the redacted version here;rds.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/Published/C00000295/M0000569 9/$$ADocPackPublic.pdf?ku0353527$RTW A Daily Telegraph article published on 12 February Conservatives to unveil plans to stop illegal gypsy encampments states; ‘The party will also promise to scrap what shadow ministers describe as ‘unfair Whitehall planning rules’ introduced by John Prescott, the former deputy prime minister, which they say are forcing councils to build legal traveller camps on the Green Belt and compulsory purchase land to find sites. Bob Neill, the shadow local government and planning minister, said: “The British public want to see fair play for all, rather than special treatment being given to some. Labour’s changes have undermined community cohesion by creating a legitimate sense of injustice in the planning system. Law-abiding citizens understandably have to jump through many hoops to build in rural areas. Yet it’s wrong that certain groups have been given a green light to bypass those rules and concrete over the Green Belt when no one’s looking.” In addition, the party will promise to fund more authorised sites from central government budgets, rather than laying the burden on local taxpayers. This is likely to lead to confusion, however, as the party has repeatedly promised to slash Whitehall budgets in order to tackle the deficit. In addition, the Conservatives will say that they will stop gipsies using human rights laws by scrapping the Human Rights Act and replacing it with a ‘British Bill of Rights’. However, Dominic Grieve, the shadow justice spokesman, recently admitted that the Conservatives may not be in a position to repeal the Act in their first term in office.’ www.telegraph.co.uk/news/new stopics/politics/7215591/Conservatives-to-unveil-plans-to-stop-illegal-gypsy-encampments.html It seems that we cannot rely on politicians to resolve the issue of the location of potentially two Gypsy and Traveller sites in our village. It seems the most effective tool we have is the extensive evidence base WARA and STBRA submitted in response to the consultation, that the current sites selected are unsuitable both for the settled and Gypsy and Traveller communities.
NEWS UPDATE 20/01/2010
THE PLANNING INSPECTORATE SAYS NO!!!! TO NETHERHOUSE FARM APPEAL 

APPEAL REFERENCE NUMBER: APP/J1535/A/09/2111127/NWF

ORIGINAL PLANNING APPLICATION SUBMITTED TO EFDC APPLICATION  NO: EPF/0583/09 (THE CONSTRUCTION OF 41 RESIDENTIAL HOUSES) NETHERHOUSE FARM SEWARDSTONE ROAD WALTHAM ABBEY ESSEX E4 7RS The appeal was made under section 78 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and an Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government  has said NO!!!!!!!!!! 

THE APPEAL HAS BEEN REJECTED FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS


DECISION:

1. For the following reasons given below, THE APPEAL IS DISMISSED


MAIN ISSUES:

2. The main issues are as follows:
. Whether the proposed development constitues inappropriate development in the Metropolitan Green Belt;
. Whether there is adequte justification for the proposed development, in the light of the development plan policies which seek restrict residiential development in unsuitable locations;
. The effect of the development on highway safety; and 
. If inappropriate in the Green Belt, whether the harm by reason of inappropriateness, and any other harm, is clearly outweighed by other considerations, so as to amount to the very special circumstances necessary to justify the development.


REASONS:

3. The appeal property consists of varied utilitarian buildings once associated with farming but now or most recently used for a variety of purposes including storage and the fitting of agricultural tyres.  The site includes a Grade II listed barn which forms part of a group with Netherhouse Farmhouse. The Buildings lie on the East side of Sewardstone Road south of Sewardstone, a loosely formed village consisting mainly of houses and agricultural businesses that extends for about a mile along the road.
Sewardstone lies within the Metropolitan Green Belt and is outside any recognised settlements identified on the proposals map of the Epping Forest District Local Plan (1998) and Alterations (2006) (LP). The proposed development of 41 houses would not fall within any of the definitions of appropriate development in Planning Policy Guidance (PPG) Note Green Belts or those purposes on the list that forms part of saved policy GB2A of the LP. About 80% or 33 of the proposed dwellings would be affordable or low-cost. 10 of the affordable housing units would be intermediate tenure whereby an occupier may by means of staircasing, aquire 100% of the equity over time. 8 of the houses would be on open market dwellings.  MOREOVER, SEWARDSTONE IS A LOCATION SPECIFICALLY IDENTIFIED AS NOT APPROPRIATE FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING FROM THE PARISH COUNCIL. THE INSPECTORATE CONCLUDES BY SAYING THT THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT WOULD BE INAPPROPRIATE DEVELOPMENT IN GREEN BELT.  PPG2 ADVISES THAT INAPPROPRIATE DEVELOPMENT IS HARMFUL BY DEFINITION.


SUSTAINABILITY:

5. Sewardstone has very few facilities.

6. Buses on Sewardstone Road provide an hourly service in each direction towards Chingford and Harlow, but these cease in the early evening.  Whilst a regular service would be of limited use to future residents.

7. The proposed provision of a shop and community space in the converted barn would help to offset the disadvantages of the somewhat isolated location to some extent and would serve some needs to the others living in Sewardstone.  However, the viability of the commercial enterprise is not assured. Whilst I except there is passing trade, particulary in the southerly direction, I am uncovinced that within a few miles of larger settlements with better facilities.  The benefits of restoring the listed building are plain but I only give limited weight ot the potential community and retail use as sustainability attributes.  For future residents, routine shopping and commuting would necessitate the use of a motor vehicles.

8. The proposed scheme would incorporate a range of energy conservation and sustainability measures which together would surpass Code Level 4 of the Code for Sustainalbe Homes (CSH).  This would be in excess of the standard required for new houses however, minimum standards ae to be raised over future years and the CSH level achieved is only one way in which the overall sustainability of any proposal can be measured; I give this only limited weight.

9. Providing community facilities and a shop on site in a restored listed building and the excepted achievement of the CSH Code Level 4, the development would be outside the existing urban area and would be unlikely to avoid further commuting to reduce the need to travel.  I conclude that it would not conform to the sustainable means of transport.

10. Sewardstone Road is part of the A112 linking Chingford, Waltham Abbey and the M25.  It is designated as a radial feeder within the Functional Route Hierarchy of Essex County Council, the Highway Authority. The existing site has 2 entrance points which are used by large vehicles accessing the various activities tht take place in the existing buildings.

11. I observed that the road is very busy with mixed traffic peaking in the morning and evening.  I have no reason to doubt the results of the Councils speed survery which show tha the speed limit is 30 mph is frequently exceeded.

12. The County Council’s approach which is to limit new accesses to radial feeder roads of this sort because of the possiblity of shunting accidents.

13. The appellants draw attention to a number of other attributes of the proposal.  I have taken account of all of these, as well the signed Section 106 undertaking which would have the effect of providing the affordable housing element and financial contributions towards education, sustainable transport (accessibilty infrastructure and information systems) and highway improvements.

14. Other recently permitted developments drawn to my attention.  One of these lies adjacent to a tube station and would be very different indeed to Netherhouse Farm in this respect.  A development of 119 houses at White Lodge/The Limes also in Sewardstone Road is in the Green Belt.  Here the Council considered that although inappropriate in the Green Belt and in conflict to aims of other policies of the development plan, very special circumstances to justify the scheme existed. But in my view there are some very distinct differences between White Lodge/The Limes and Netherhouse Farm.   Most significantly, the scheme lies adjacent to the built-up area of Chingford where shops and facilities are more easily accessible.  Bus services are more frequent and numerous and extend late into the evening. Neither of these considerations apply at Netherhouse Farm.

15. PPG2 advises that the fundamental aim of policy on Green Belts is to prevent urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open; openness is their prime attribute.  The buildings at Netherhouse Farm may be very large and very plain and include a great deal of hardstanding, but that would not be at all uncommon on many farms and is what may be expected of an enterprise associatied with the production from the land.  I do not give a great deal of weight to the suggested advantages of replacing them with perhaps more visually attractive dwellings and a publc open area, where the principle residential development is contrary to policy.

16. The proposed development would be easily visible looking down from the hills which has footpaths. And the introduction of 41 dwellings in an estate type pattern on the east side of the road where there are currently only agricultural enterprises would sustaintially change the character of the area.  That would seriously diminish openness and conflict with the main aims of Green Belt which is to assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment.

17. Deliverable five year supply of housing land in Epping Forest and that targets are being meet and there is no need to exceed them.

18. The proportion of affordable housing would be very similar to White Lodge/The Limes where other very distinct cirumstances, absent at Netherhouse Farm, also weighed in our favour.


VERY SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:

19. Very special cirumstances to justify inappropriate development will not exist unless the h

arm by reason of inappropriateness, and any other harm, is clearly outweighed by other considerations.  Substantial weight attaches to the harm that would be caused by inappropriate development.  I conclude that the harm by reason of inappropriateness together with the sustainability disadvantages of the location is not clearly outweighed by the provision of affordable housing, the lack of demonstrable harm to highway safety, the proposed shop and community facilities and all the other considerations put forward in favour; and very special circumstances do not exist.


CONCLUSION:

I have taken into account all the other matters raised but do not find that they alter or outweigh the conclusions I have reached on the merits of the case.  The proposed development would conflict with the Green Belt protection objectives of LP policy GB2A and national advice in PPG2.

12/01/2010 WE WILL BE HOLDING OUR  ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) ON TUESDAY 09TH FEBURARY AT THE TOWN MEAD SOCIAL CLUB, BROOKER ROAD, WALTHAM ABBEY, AT 8PM, ALL MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND. 

08th January 2010 At the Cabinet meeting on Monday, which was delayed from 21st December due to the weather conditions, EFDC discussed the Gypsy and Traveller Development Plan Document – Counsel Advice & Initial Analysis of the Options Consultation Responses. They have agreed to recommend to full Council for ratification the following; To write to the Rt Hon. John Healey MP Minister for Housing and Planning. The letter will request a meeting attended by officers and members of EFDC with Mr Healey and hopefully attended by the Shadow Minister for Communities and Local Government Caroline Spelman. The letter outlines the progress the District has made with the provision for Gypsy and Traveller pitches and askes that the minister withdraws the Directive that EFDC find 34 pitches as part of its Local Development Scheme. Read the draft letter here;rds.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/Published/C00000296/M00006153/$$ADocPackPublic.pdf?ku=35241833$SOS Since 2006 private authorised pitches has increased by 19, temporary sites, which have permission for 3 years, have increased to 27 and tolerated sites have also increased by 2. Unauthorised pitches have reduced from 32 to 9. There are sites that are still in the planning and appeal process. EFDC have, since the Directive, granted planning permission for 19 pitches, and therefore have only another 15 to find towards the District allocation of 34. The letter also outlines the high number of authorised, tolerated and temporary pitches in the District and the low level of unauthorised pitches. The cabinet also agreed to continue with the consultation process. Not to rule out any pitches before analysing the responses to the consultation, which includes an evidence base provided by the Action Groups. To continue to ask Go East for a revised timetable, the original deadline was September 2009. And to note the initial analysis from the responses to the consultation. Throughout the agenda item many councillors thanked the Action Groups for providing such a wealth of evidence and that this evidence base is crucial in site selection. Officers now believe that a second round of consultation on potential sites will be needed which could include: (a) original Options sites which are considered to be not too close to settlements; (b) omission sites which satisfy the 21 criteria; and (c) any appropriate sites in the north-east of the District, this area previously being excluded on the grounds that it was too remote from services. It seems that officers have listened to the views of the Action Groups and are willing to identify sites that are separated from settled communities and sites in “less sustainable locations”. Highly unpopular sites will be “undeliverable”. Officers conceded that an increased level of scrutiny by the public to any planning Core Strategy would delay the process of producing the Development Plan Documents. The risk that EFDC face is that if the Minister becomes frustrated that EFDC has missed its time limit to allocate 34 pitches and that he refuses to withdraw or amend the Directive, that a Planning Inspector will be appointed to find the pitches and they will be disenfranchised. The Leader of the Council Cllr. Mrs Diana Collins addressed the public gallery and said that “We do appreciate your support and we have always had your best interests at heart and will do our very best we can, to unblight everyone as soon as we can”. We have to ask however, would a Government Planning Inspector do a worse job than EFDC has done in the current site selection?

PLANNING APPLICATIONS FOR GOLDEN ROW MOTT STREET 

Waltham Abbey Residents Association has received a letter from EFDC informing us that the planning applications for the houses and the gypsy and traveller pitches in Golden Row Mott Street have been abolished.  We would like to say a special thank you to Amanda and Dennis for all their help and we would also like to thank all the residents that attended the meeting at the Townmead Social Club regarding these applications.  It proves that together we are a stronger voice.


GYPSIES & TRAVELLER UPDATE! 16th DECEMBER 2009

Agenda for the EFDC meetings 21st & 22nd December 2009

rds.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/Published/C00000295/M00005699/$$ADocPackPublic.pdf?ku=30353527$RTW 

rds.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/Published/C00000296/M00005690/$$ADocPackPublic.pdf?ku=30353527$RTW 

OLYMPICS 2012

We have recently received this letter from the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority regarding the the White Water Canoe Centre.

Dear Waltham Abbey Residents Association

My name is Louis and I work for Lee Valley Regional Park Authority. We are currently involved in the building of the White Water Canoe Centre near Waltham Abbey. I am currently developing an e-bulletin designed for residents and community groups in the area immediately surrounding the centre – this designed to keep people informed about developments with the centre and to list any opportunities there may be to get involved when it opens in just over a years time. I was wondering whether your association might be able to assist in distributing this bulletin more widely using your networks to interested parties. We want to hear from your residents in the area – both positive as well as constructive feedback is welcome, we also see this bulletin as being a key tool for this. thanks again for your help if you do have any questions then please e-mail to the waltham abbey residents association website www.wabbeymembers.co.uk the association will forward any e-mails that are sent to them to me and we I will

respond as soon as possible.

Louis Fernando

GYPSIE & TRAVELLER UPDATE! 1ST DECEMBER 2009

1 December 2009 The Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment (GTAA) for Essex has just been published.
The GTAA is commissioned by Essex County Council on behalf of the local authorities in Essex. “The purpose of the assessment is to quantify the accommodation and housing related support needs of Gypsies and Travellers” and seeks to build on the 2006 GTAA by breaking down evidence to district level. The report states that a 90% increase in residential pitches in Essex is required by 2021. It was assumed that the GTAA, published this month, would have been available when the East of England published the county and district pitch provision in July 2009, but was not. Because the accommodation assessment was not available in time the East of England Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS), allocation for the Epping Forest District was not based on a specific need. The GTAA states that for Epping Forest District, the need is 32 additional pitches 2008-2013 and 11 additional pitches 2013-2021. Total additional pitches 2008 – 2021 3, this is equivalent to about 4 new G&T sites in Epping Forest 2008 – 2021. The existing number of pitches (2008) is 65 and the need at 2021 is 108. East of England RSS states that for Epping Forest District, the target is a minimum 34 additional pitches 2006 – 2011 and 29 additional pitches 2011 – 2021. Total additional pitches 2006 – 2021 3. Assuming each new site accommodates an average of 10 pitches, this is equivalent to about 6 new G&T sites in Epping Forest 2006 – 2021. The existing number of pitches (2006) is 98 and the target for 2021 is 128. The GTAA confirms that ‘Epping Forest District Council was directed by the Secretary of State in September 2007 to prepare a planning document specific to Gypsy and Traveller sites. The Direction required the submission of a DPD by the end of September 2009. Consultation on Options was carried out between November 2008 and February 2009. The exercise was controversial from the outset, with ill-feeling being stirred up by coverage in the local and national media. There were over 10,000 responses, some of which are very lengthy and complex, and several threats of judicial challenge. The workload resulting from the consultation has meant that it was not possible to meet the Direction deadline. Negotiations are continuing (September 2009) with GO-East about a revised timetable.’ The report continues; ‘Overall there is a great range in numbers of caravans in each district. As can be seen, Basildon has by far the highest number of caravans. Compared to Epping Forest (the second highest district), Basildon has almost three times as many in absolute terms and over twice as many relative to its population. It contains 41% of the total number of caravans in Essex. In contrast three areas have fewer than 20 caravans ? Brentwood, Tendring and Southend-on-Sea (which has none).’ It is a long report but makes for interesting reading with statements like; ‘Participants were asked about their ability to access local services, including shops, health and education. The results are shown in the three tables below, showing the proportion of respondents reporting difficulties accessing services on foot, by public transport and by car. The main variation was by site type; the majority of those on unauthorised sites and developments found it difficult to access any service on foot, most likely due to the relatively remote locations of many of these sites. Nearly all (about 80%) on these types of site found public transport access to shops and health services to be difficult.’ ‘The questionnaire asked for further information about the practical impact of any transport difficulties. Many people on all types of sites stated that a car was a necessity; this caused significant problems, especially for the elderly and others unable to drive. The lack of pavements on nearby roads was also mentioned by some respondents as a problem:’ “Teenagers like myself feel very isolated. Nothing to do and can’t get out to anywhere, since we can’t afford taxis.” “I am here on my own with a baby and I can’ t drive so I have to rely on others for lifts.” “Kids can’t walk to the school as the road is dangerous.” And ‘Every site should be in line with planning law and not next to rubbish dumps, motorways, sewage farms or other unsuitable areas.’ However, the most obvious and concerning discrepancy is that the EFDC draft Development Plan Document seeks an overall target of 123 additional pitches spread over 14 years rather than the RSS target of 63 additional pitches in Epping Forest over 15 years and the Essex GTAA identified need for 43 additional pitches in Epping Forest over 13 years. In other words, the EFDC Gypsy and Traveller DPD grossly overestimated the overall target. Allowing for the difference between ‘need’ and ‘targets’ and different phasing dates, the Essex GTAA and RSS give very similar expressions of short term need (32 compared with 34). However, the figures for existing residential pitches are very different (65 compared with 98), as are longer term expressions of need till 2021 (11 compared with 29). Villagers will know that EFDC are currently seeking legal opinion on several aspects of the consultation and the directive from Go East and the subsequent time table, they are also seeking legal opinion as to whether they can consider specific Gypsy and Traveller sites without considering the responses to the consultation document. They have also decided not to publish and therefore consult on the draft Sustainability Appraisals and Strategic Environmental Report (SA/SEA), until they have received the legal opinion. This legal opinion should be available to the public as an addendum to the agenda in time for the Cabinet meeting of 21st December. Feelings are running high amongst the local population, it has been reported at several Epping Forest District Council meetings that residents are having problems selling their properties and fear blight on their homes. Councillors feel under pressure to resolve the situation as soon as possible. The consultation process is already months behind schedule and the Planning Department has confirmed that it will take them a further three months to analyses the 10,000 responses that they received before the consultation closed in February this year. TBAG understand that it may be possible, if the legal opinion suggests it is not unlawful, for members to rule out specific sites at the meeting of 21st December, without considering either the responses to the Consultation on Option Development Plan provision for Gypsies and Travellers or the Draft Sustainability Appraisals and Strategic Environmental Report’s (SA/SEA). The Draft Sustainability appraisal states that ‘Should sites 20b and 20c (Theydon Bois) both be allocated the cumulative impacts of potentially 21 pitches being delivered in close proximity may negate elements which were shown as positives in the current appraisal. In this instance the adverse cumulative impacts on the sites proposed and the adverse secondary impacts on this rural area between Theydon Garnon and Theydon Bois would negate the positive scores the sites achieve individually. It would therefore be more appropriate to allocate sites which may not perform as well individually, but where the cumulative impact to achieve the number of pitches required would be less in a given area. The site is accessible to a range of local services and facilities within nearby Theydon Bois, including Theydon Bois Station (London Underground) which, with a reasonable bus service close to the site, affords good public transport links to other centres. The availability of services and public transport links would positively assist the quality of life of residents. The site would encroach into the countryside although impacts on visual amenity could be mitigated with appropriate boundary treatment. Coopersale Lane is a Protected Lane and additional activity and vehicle movement could have an adverse impact on its setting and integrity. Also, the site is close to the M11, abutting the 300m buffer, and could be affected by noise and pollution from motorway traffic. Use of the site would need to be subject to provision of satisfactory safe access.’ Is it likely that one of the sites selected for Theydon Bois may be ruled out on 21st December? What happens if some sites in the District are ruled out and at least one of ours is not? Is it just or fair that any sites can be ruled out before our responses, that have taken a vast amount time and money to research, are considered? We would also like to take this opportunity to highlight data published on 19 November by GO East that; ’86 per cent of all Local Planning Authorities reported to have identified sufficient sites to supply 100 per cent or more of the housing requirement for the next 5 years.’ Epping Forest District have identified 213%, the highest in the East of England, the lowest being Broadland at 52%. Considering 94% of Epping Forest District is Green Belt where are these houses going? Do the people behind the ‘land bank scam’ at Blunts Farm know something that we do not? The Cabinet meeting of 21st December should be an interesting one – we will keep you updated!

CHRISTMAS TREE SPECIAL OFFER

FOR EVERY TREE BOUGHT BEECHSIDE NURSERY SEWARDSTONE ROAD MOTT STREET (100 YARDS UP FROM THE PLOUGH CAR PARK ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE)  WILL BE KINDLY DONATING 50P PER TREE TO THE ASSOCIATION.

THERE IS GOING TO BE A 2ND PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON OMMISSION SITES.  THESE ARE SITES THAT INDEPENDANTS WHO DIDN’T SIGN OUR PROXY LAST YEAR, AND COMPLETED THE CONSULTATION PAPERS THEMSELVES AND HAVE HAD TO PUT FORWARD ALTERNATIVE SITES FOR WALTHAM ABBEY.   WE MAY NEED LEGAL REPRESENTATION AGAIN (FACT)  AND AS PAST EXPERIENCE HAS PROVEN THIS IS EXTREMELY COSTLY BUT EFFECTIVE.

IF YOU PURCHASE A TREE FROM BEECHSIDE NURSERY THEN PLEASE MAIL US TO [email protected] WE AS AN ASSOCIATION WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT AS WOULD BEECHSIDE NURSERY.

WE NEED TO BE SUPPORTING OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES ! THEY ARE WILLING TO SUPPORT YOUR ASSOCIATION (US) SO PLEASE KEEP IT LOCAL AND HELP OUR COMMUNITY GROW.

TOP QUALITY XMAS TREES DIRECT FROM THE NURSERY WITH FREE DELIVERY TO YOUR DOOR

NORWAY SPRUCE POTTED FROM £10.00
CUT FROM £ 12.50
NEEDLE RETAINING TREES
NOORDMAN FIR FROM £17.50
LODGEPOLE PINE FROM £15.00
ALSO AVAILABLE:-
WATER RETAINING TREE FRESH STANDS FROM £15.00
FRESH DECORATED WREATHS 14” £10.50

16” £17.50
ALL PRICES INCLUSIVE OF VAT
FOR OPENING TIMES OR TO ORDER TEL:- 01992 761743
OR YOU CAN COME AND CHOOSE/BUY/COLLECT YOUR TREE FROM US AT BEECHSIDE NURSERY , MOTT STREET, HIGH BEECH, E4 7RW (A112 Near the Plough Pub – Sewardstone Rd) .
Landlords: We can also offer competitive Grounds Maintenance & Landscaping services

NEWS UPDATE 21ST NOV 2009

OTHER COUNCIL’S ARE FIGHTING BACK FOR THEIR RESIDENTS

Travellers have been denied permission to install 12 pitches in Crockleford Heath, near Colchester.
Romany gypsies Will and Jo Banks wanted to use land off Green Lane for a new site, but their bid was turned down by Tendring Council in January.
On appeal, government inspector Elizabeth Fieldhouse agreed with the district authority, with her decision released yesterday.
She said the main reasons for refusal were the effect on the character and visual amenity of the area and the impact the scheme would have on locals.
Her report said: “The proposal is for a scale and intensity of use uncharacteristic of the local area.
“It would introduce a disproportionate number of new residents into the well-established hamlet of Crockleford Heath, overwhelming the resident population in the vicinity.”
She added: “By reason of the number of pitches proposed, the use would have more than a minimal visual impact on the countryside.”
Mrs Fieldhouse’s decision will be welcome news to Ardleigh and Elmstead Market parish councils, which set up a fighting fund to pay for a barrister to plead their case against the proposals.
The plans were contentious from the start, with 274 letters of objection to the original application, along with an 800-strong petition.
More than 80 further letters were sent in response to the appeal, with 20 submitted in favour.




NEWS UPDATE 19TH NOV 2009

RE MOTT STREET MEETING ON TUESDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 09 

DEADLINE FOR RESPONSE LETTERS IS THIS MONDAY 23RD NOVEMBER 2009

WE WOULD LIKE TO SAY THANK YOU AND WELCOME TO THE NEW MEMBERS WE GAINED WHICH WAS OVER A 100 AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR KIND DONATIONS IT IS MUCH APPRECIATED.

APOLOGIES TO ANYONE WHO WAS UNABLE TO GET INTO THE HALL THE MAXIMUM IT HOLDS IS 200 PEOPLE.

Here are a few pointers for you to consider when writing your letter to EFDC objecting to the proposed 7 pitch Gypsy and Traveller site planning ref no: EPF/1588/09 and the 6 House Development ref no: EPF/1587/09. Both applications are for the same address Golden Row Mott Street Waltham Abbey Essex E4 7RW.

1. The economic climate : Housing is one of the main commodities to help with the recovery from the recession. This is not being helped by officers of EFDC . Giving unsolicited financial advice to concerned residents when contacting EFDC, concerning prospective buyers are agreeing to the sale and then pulling out unfortunately all six original sites have become common knowledge with the majority of local residents that live in the EFDC district thanks to the local press. The advice EFDC officers are giving to residents is drop the selling price of your house by 100K. Our local estate agents have deemed our properties un-saleable whilst the government make their decision on where these sites will finally be placed. Which will have to expanded by 3% yearly until 2025.

2. The original Consultation document: Stated that the preferences for housing needs put forward by the gypsy council after debates with about a dozen Gypsies were the following:

Near to bus stops
Schools
Doctors
Hospitals
Shops
Local amenities
But not to close to local residents
There was no mention of being near a local police station?The proposed site is inadequate to meet these demands most of these amenities are in Waltham Abbey
and Chingford.

3. Roads: The access and egress from Mott St, is impossible, the road is very narrow and twisting and two normal cars have difficulty in passing each other. A large caravan or their lorries would put a dangerous strain on the present flow of traffic.

4. Local residents: There are a number of residents very close to the proposed site as well as working farms and nurseries, who are to near to the site for the demand required by the Gypsies and Travellers making the consultation paper farcical.
Monday 23rd as this is the deadline for responses.  And should go to the Planning Department at EFDC civic offices in Epping.
We hope this helps you to compile your letter.  Please feel free to e mail us at [email protected] (PLEASE KEEP LOOKING AT THIS SECTION ON THIS WEBSITE AS ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WILL BE ADDED AS IT COMES IN OVER THE WEEKEND). ONCE AGAIN MANY THANKS FOR THE SOLIDARITY.

NEWS UPDATE 14TH NOV 2009

“ANOTHER SITE PROPOSED FOR MOTT STREET “

URGENT MEETING

TUESDAY 17TH NOVEMBER AT 7.45PM
TOWN MEAD SOCIAL CLUB BROOKER ROAD WALTHAM ABBEY EN9 1DE

It has been bought to our attention by a concerned resident who received a letter this week from EFDC. Informing them of the following planning applications. These applications have been submitted to EFDC by a PRIVATE DEVELOPER. WE have 21 days from the 2nd November 09 to respond. This matter needs addressing NOW !

1. The Town & Country Planning Act 1990 notification: Proposal 7 Pitch Traveller Site: Address Golden Row Mott Street Waltham Abbey Essex E4 7RW ref no: EPF/1588/09

2. The Town & Country Planning Act 1990 notification: Proposal change of use from storage yard to Housing Development of 6 Houses : Address Golden Row Mott Street Waltham Abbey Essex E4 7RW ref no: EPF/1587/09

“WE DON’T HAVE MUCH TIME AGAIN DO WE ? ” 

NEWS UPDATE 2ND OCT 2009

Welcoming news: SUCCESS FOR LOVE APPLE FARM

Planning permission has been passed by Epping Forest District Council’s planning committee ,for the development of a Disabled riding school at Love Apple Farm along the Crooked Mile.

We wish to thank all our members for their  genuine support in signing the 287 strong petition and the ward councillors who supported us by voting in agreement for this project.

The owner of Love Apple Farm has expressed her gratitude for all your support and has said that without the members and communities support ,the applications may have been turned down.

WARA has almost 3000 members which is growing weekly, please make sure that you join, the larger the number the stronger our voice is as a community.

We welcome all new members who will support us in ensuring that, our goals are achieved so that residents who live in Our Community within the Parish of Waltham Abbey receives the very best services available.

So don’t delay join today please e-mail us on [email protected] and one of our officers will be in contact with you asap.

LATEST NEWS 3RD SEPT 2009

Over three hundred people attended the public meeting last month.  The feed back from the meeting has been very encouraging, positive and supportive.  WARA would like to take this opportunity to thank all the members that attended the meeting.
A special thank you for their advice and support  to:
Cllr J Knapman (Leader of Essex Council)
Cllr SC Pryde (Mayor of Waltham Abbey)
Cllr E Webster
Cllr A Watts
Cllr S Stavrou could not attend the meeting due to prior meetings .

A very special thank you also to all our members for the great job they did on distribution of leaflets. Last but not least many thanks to the Committee members, for their strong commitment to the Parish of Waltham Abbey.
Disabled riding school proposed for the Crooked Mile
This project is vital to disabled children and would be a fantastic addition to Waltham Abbey.  Indeed if we should fight for anyones human rights, we couldnt think of a better example!
Children with disabilities are in need of recreation at all levels, access to a disabled riding school, is one of the ways forward in promoting a outdoor activity such as this one which will enable children the opportunity to participate in outdoor activities, which will encourage motivation and independence , at the same instance giving a level of respite to their carers.
This project needs our strongest support.

W.A.R.A is a very large Association with over 2000 members , the children need our support to encourage the EFDC Planning Department , to look at this planning application as one that needs to be agreed.
Listed Buildings
Developers have recently demolished a listed building (one is too many there will be no more).
E.F.D.C planning officers have turned down applications from listed building owners who would like to rebuild in a listed building on their own property with all the original materials and have been refused  where is the logic in this when it was given on a previous occasion their decision for refusal that it was on green belt land, has the house or land moved since the first decision?
Olympics White Water Rafting events.
The Abbey can expect over 30.000 visitors in the upcoming Olympics, Waltham Abbey is a well known and visited historic town, we wish to keep it that way.  We have a fantastic opportunity to show what we are all about.  As the time gets closer we will be communicating a lot more on this subject.

 

Membership
W.A.R.A. has over 2000 members.  However Waltham Abbey has a community of over 22.000!! We need as many members as we can to make sure our voice is heard and listened to, with more members we can achieve our objectives.  Please join now and help us support Waltham Abbey!

 

Committee members
We are also looking for committee members who are committed to the Association and its causes, who can spare some of their time to aide the community,  if so our next meeting is on Tuesday 12 may April 7.30pm at the Town Meade Social Club.  Come down, take a look and see how you can help!

 

News Flash!!
Town Meade

Sports & Social Club
QUIZ NIGHTS
Starting on Wednesday
29th April then commencing last Wednesday of every month
Quiz stats at 8 pm
No more then six people to a team
cost is £1.00 per person
cash prize to the winners
come along and enjoy the comforts of a fully refurbished social club

so come along and test your knowledge.
Classifieds
Place your adverts with us.  We have almost 3000 members,
which will certainly be a benefit to you business.

In the present economic climate, cutting costs is the key word
Charges
12  Months £50.00
we are a non profit making Association with all donations being used for running and legal costs
see you next meeting

Ann Mitchell
Chair
W.A.R.A

 

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Conservatives consider RSS revocation
Housing minister John Healey has hit back at suggestions that an incoming Conservative Government might use executive powers to revoke existing Regional Spatial Strategies (RSSs).
This possibility has been highlighted in a letter from shadow communities secretary Caroline Spelman to Conservative-controlled local authorities which confirmed the intentions to abolish RSSs and regional planning bodies as well as regionally set housing targets. Also in danger of revocation would be the Government’s plan to transfer regional housing and planning powers to Regional Development Agencies and Regional Leaders’ Boards.
Housing and planning minister John Healey said in response: “The Tories are getting ahead of themselves and taking the election for granted. Crude threats and uncertainty are the last thing builders need now as they battle to come out of recession.
“We’re backing builders with £1bn to kickstart stalled housebuilding, and they’re inciting councils to cut the ground from under the construction industry. This seems deliberately designed to slam the brakes on building, yet they have no plausible policy to secure the investment and new homes the country needs.”
CLG defended the policy and said that it was “quite right that local communities themselves, not central Government, set their own long-term vision, joining up regeneration plans for new jobs, homes, transport and other investment”. It added that since 1997 it’s given communities the powers and funding to do just that.
Spelman’s letter said that the planning reforms were yet to be spelled out, and that a Local Government and Housing Bill would be scheduled for the first session of a new Conservative Government.
She said that once a new administration had published draft policy changes and legislation this would have the status of “emerging policy” and would allow councils to “put the brakes on elements of RSSs which they find undesirable”. This could mean a halt on Green Belt reviews as well as offering an opportunity for councils to review Local Development Frameworks.
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NEWS UPDATE 27TH AUGUST 2009

The District Council is set to embark on a High Court challenge against the Government to dispute the number of pitches it is expected to provide to home gipsies and travellers over the next 12 years. St Albans already gives up 52 pitches of land to serve the community and the council says this figure is far more than other areas provide within Hertfordshire. The Government is asking the council to find space in the district for another 28 pitches between 2006 and 2011, and another estimated 24 between 2011 and 2021 – a total of 104. Councillor Chris Brazier, portfolio holder for planning and conservation, said: “The council has already done the right thing by making provision for pitches for the use of the gipsy and traveller community in the district at a level which is considerably higher than many other districts in the county. “The proposed increase would, given the environmental constraints that the district faces, threaten our Green Belt and result in an extra burden being placed on our already overstretched schools and other services.” He added: “We have therefore issued legal action against the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government challenging the number of additional pitches that the district is being asked to provide.” Although the council appreciates there is a need for pitches across the East of England, Councillor Brazier says they are not convinced there has been a robust assessment of what the need actually is. Legal proceedings were issued by St Albans District Council at the High Court on Thursday, August 27, against the Secretary of State, in a bid to quash the increase in the number of pitches it needs to provide on the grounds it is disproportionately high. The District Council is challenging figures contained in the East of England Regional Assembly’s policy on Accommodation for Gypsies and Travellers and Travelling Showpeople in the East of England – a document that forms part of the Regional Spatial Strategy for the East of England.

IMPORTANT LATEST UPDATE JUNE 1st 2009

The Secretary of State’s Proposed Changes to the Draft Revision to the Regional Spatial Strategy (concerning Accommodation for Gypsies and Travellers and Travelling Showpeople in the East of England) were considered by this Council’s LDF Cabinet on 15th April, and by Cabinet on 20th April. I attach a copy of the report which includes some last-minute amendments which took into account the latest information emerging from the Essex GTAA. Cabinet agreed the following recommendation: “Epping Forest District Council welcomes the reduction in pitches within the District to 34, from the original 49, but still considers this to be too high and will press for further reductions; a provision of no more than 20 pitches within the District would be considred by the Council to be more reasonable on the grounds of deliverability and local need.” In agreeing this recommendation, the figure of 20 pitches was taken from the then current draft version of the Essex GTAA (the lowest level option being 20 pitches). The GTAA, at County level, is the most detailed assessment of need, as emphasised in the diagram on page 15 of Circular 1/2006 and in subsequent paragraphs. Members remain very concerned about the deliverability issue in this District, and while this has been acknowledged in the Panel Report and in the Proposed Changes, they feel that the implications have not been fully recognised. The entire rural area of this District is Metropolitan Green Belt, and while this in itself should not prevent the identification of some appropriate sites, the fact is that all the authorised sites in this District (94 caravans from the January 2006 count) are already in the Green Belt. This must mean that finding other appropriate sites will be an increasingly difficult issue. The EiP Panel also accepted that non-rural locations in this District are unlikely to be suitable or appropriate for amenity and affordability reasons. Cabinet Members also acknowledged the work being carried out by local groups of residents formed to address this issue in the light of the Options Consultation. Several of these groups had worked together to employ planning and other technical experts to analyse the evidence presented at the EiP and the conclusions of the Panel Report, and, at the time of the Cabinet meeting, were just starting to finalise their conclusions. Members have attended meetings of these groups, and have obviously listened to, and are respectful of, the interests of the settled community. In the light of this emerging evidence, Members felt that they were justified to press for further reductions, ie over and above those in the Proposed Changes, in the number of pitches. Members understand that a coalition of the groups is sending a unified response to the consultation on the Proposed Changes. This challenges the figure of 34 pitches on three grounds: (a) it still does not fully recognise the extent of delivery challenge in the District; (b) it treats the District unfairly in comparison with the rest of the County; and (c) it is based on an over-estimation of the requirement for accommodation in the District. The coalition response will conclude that a figure of 20 pitches is much more realistic in the light of this detailed analysis. Ian White, Forward Planning Manager, Epping Forest District Council,
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IMPORTANT NOTICE 13TH MAY 2009:

If anyone hasn’t had a confirmation letter from EFDC for their, independant submission of the Consultation Document THEY NEED ONE.  We strongly advise that you check that your full response was received  especially those who completed it electronically on line.  Please contact EFDC on 01992 564 000 (main switch board) and ask to be put through to Amanda Wintle alternatively her e mail address is [email protected]

TOWN HALL MEETING –

11 January 2010 www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/news/2010/council_appeal.asp Click here to download this file

FRIDAY 17TH JUNE 2011 AT 7.30PM
TOWN HALL HIGHBRIDGE STREET WALTHAM ABBEY EN9 1DE

IF YOU THINK THAT THE THREAT OF GYPSY AND TRAVELLER SITES IN WALTHAM ABBEY HAS BEEN ABOLISHED THEN THINK AGAIN !

THE GOVERNMENT HAS RELEASED A NEW GYPSY AND TRAVELLER CONSULTATION WHICH WILL HAVE AN EFFECT ON OUR COMMUNITYFOR THE NEXT 15 YEARS

IF YOU CARE ? ABOUT THE VALUE OF YOUR HOMES AND THE IMPACT ON OUR COMMUNITY THEN PLEASE ATTEND

“WE UNITED BEFORE IT’S IMPORTANT FOR THE FUTURE OF OUR TOWN THAT WE DO IT AGAIN!”