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St Peter's Association
Incorporating the Blackfriars and Northgate Associations
May 2008
For membership application form click HERE
CHAIRMAN'S NEWSLETTER 2008
Much has happened in the St Peter’s Area over the last twelve months, which gives us many concerns.
Firstly you know that the New Marlowe Theatre Project, which we assume will go ahead, raises issues for us, as I am given to understand that the intention is to re-open Solley’s Orchard making a pathway to and from St Radigunds Car Park to the back of the new theatre. The Association is most concerned, as this will mean installing lighting, which will be switched on through the orchard at night with the added worry of attracting bad behaviour, as was the case years ago when it was an open area. We fought an excellent campaign with the assistance of the Police for a by-law to close in the evenings as all small parks have to in this City, and we shall do so again.
MEMBERSHIP
This is a great success story, we have around 300 members, something of which I am very proud, which must reflect our success, long may it last.
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
I am most delighted with the new Neighbourhood Watch monthly news, and therefore have decided, with the agreement of the Committee, instead of an annual letter, we will now incorporate Association news update on the Committee’s activities on a monthly basis thus providing an informative up-date of Association activities.
ST JOHN’S CAR PARK
This is certainly of great interest to everybody, environmentally it is a serious pollution hazard so close to the city and will of course exacerbate the current traffic congestion, beautiful trees will be felled and there is certainly insufficient space for all the seasonal coaches to park and understand that the overflow will be pushed into St Radigunds Car Park from the Kingsmead Primary School end when in a couple of years time the School is moved. There is a slight glimmer of hope however in all this with the great help from Mr Michael Fletcher, a lawyer and Clerk to the Trustees of St John’s Hospital who is also representing us and other concerned associations; an excellent submission of our objections has been sent by him to the Government for the South East.
PLANNING APPLICATIONS
- We have had success with the planning applications behind Abbotts Place after much worry for the residents, however at last it has been resolved to the resident’s satisfaction.
- Knotts Lane block of flats planning application was turned down and a slightly better design has now been approved.
OKABASI
This Kebab Outlet, which operates in St Peter’s Street with a background of problems of bad behaviour until the early hours, wanted to move into Northgate, however we are now pleased to report that they have decided otherwise.
ABBOT'S MILL PROJECT
A project has been put forward to build a three storey high mill opposite the Miller’s Arms Pub in Solly’s Orchard (Abbot's Mill). To start-up a working mill again, a restaurant, museum and living accommodation. The Committee overwhelmingly objected on the grounds that it is a Conservation Area, Area of Archaeological Importance, a Flood Risk Zone, the mill sluice is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and it is also a Protected Open Space. This is a much loved and used open space in this city, of which, we have far too few.
ORANGE STREET
Brambles, a new Club, wanted the usual late night opening music etc, but at last the Licensing Sub Committee objected to music until the neighbours who share a party wall would be satisfied that they would not be disturbed by music. I understand it is currently quiet.
SMOKING
I come to this very important problem as it affects all of us. Because of ill thought out Government Legislation, smokers have no alternative but to smoke outside the premises, which causes a serious Public Nuisance because of the noise they generate. As there is no legislation to control this nuisance, I have written through our MP Julian Brazier to the Minister responsible and received an imprecise reply confirming that there is no means of objection and any corrective legislation will not be looked at by the Government for three years.
SATURATION POLICY
The Government is bringing in new Saturation Areas, which means that certain areas with a history of serious Public Nuisance and have had many objections from residents, could be so designated. As always these things take an unbearably long time in coming to any decision. If Approved, then Orange Street will become a Saturation Area as well as St Margaret’s Street, which means that establishments will not be granted any longer hours or indeed reduced or no new applications allowed. I rest my case!
REVIEW OF LICENCES
Having thought long and hard about asking for a Review, it is only worth applying if we have a strong case and that means all of us who have to put up with unacceptable behaviour must at all times keep a diary of detailed notes of incidents that cause a Public Nuisance. This spring, with better weather may be an opportunity when smoking outside will assist in pinpointing pubs/clubs that generate loud noise in the street. It will sadly not necessarily help our case when it cannot be proved that a particular establishment is the problem. All these laws are stacked against the residents, but we can only try our best, and we shall.
THE BEANEY
The Committee were pleased to have sight of the plans for the new build, but had serious objections to the façade facing Best Lane. We thought the building ugly and needs to reflect something more in keeping with the many attractive properties in Best Lane.
Lastly I thank all of the Committee and especially Hillary McKernan who is giving-up as Secretary after four years, I am happy to report, subject to your agreement, she will now become Social Secretary, and thanks to Niall for doing all our printing, that responsibility will now go to Joanna Holmes, who will now become Seretary, again subject to your agreement and for Lucy Boutwood to take over as Membership Secretary.
Anybody who feels that they would like to be on the Committee, and more particularly to take over from me as Chairman, could they please get in touch.
Penny Francis,
Chairman
27th March 2008
To contact us please email to: mail@stpetersassociation(nospam).co.uk
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