Agenda and draft minutes

There were no declarations of interest.

It was confirmed that all items were in Part I and would be considered in public.

Petitioners addressed the Cabinet Member and highlighted their concerns. It was noted that, on 18 February 2022 during Storm Eunice, a fence panel had blown down. This had been reported to the Council but had yet to be fixed. Furthermore, an old sign at the entrance to St Catherine’s Farm Court stating ‘No Parking Beyond this Point’ was no longer required and needed to be removed.

The Cabinet Member was informed that petitioners were very pleased with the requested shrub clearance work which had already been undertaken in response to their petition. The Council had agreed to review this work on an annual basis. Petitioners requested that they be kept informed of the proposed annual inspection dates.

The Cabinet Member was advised that all residents had been issued with fobs for the traffic barrier at the site entrance. Petitioners had believed that these would be solely issued to Sheltered Housing occupants hence had been surprised to learn that all residents on the site had received one. There had been no consultation in relation to this and it was noted that some private residents were using the car park intended for Sheltered Housing occupants and their visitors. This was unacceptable since private residents had their own allocated parking space at the end of Wallington Close and meant that Sheltered Housing occupants sometimes struggled to find parking spaces. There was no enforcement of the parking rules or policing of the site.

Health and safety concerns were raised since the elderly residents of the sheltered accommodation were at times obliged to navigate moving vehicles. Further screening was also requested since some residents were still subjected to car headlights reaching into their homes despite the presence of the fence. It was noted that many residents had purchased their houses many years ago at which time they had had a pleasant natural outlook – they were now obliged to overlook a car park. The Cabinet Member was advised that dense planting had been promised in 2018 but had not been put in place – the fence was unattractive and planting in front of the fence to screen it was suggested.

Ward Councillor Philip Corthorne had submitted a written representation which was read by Democratic Services for the Cabinet Member’s consideration. Key points highlighted included:

·         In 2016 Cannon Brook had flooded a number of homes in Wallington Close hence the maintenance of trees and shrubs to ensure the unimpeded flow of water was vital to minimise flood risk;

·         Residents appreciated the grounds maintenance work already undertaken but there was a lack of clarity in the schedule of future maintenance;

·         Residents of Wallington Close recognised that St Catherine’s Farm car park now had planning permission; however, they were concerned about light pollution and the need for sufficient fencing to eliminate this, together with the planting of shrubs which was part of the planning consent;

·         The fallen fence panel had yet to be fixed;

·         Residents had safety concerns regarding the movement of vehicles beyond the new car park  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.