Feb 2018

Writtle Flyer Parish Council that you can do. The City Council has decided that only responses from this final consultation will go forward Clerk: David Walker Chairman’s Report for further consideration. We believe this is most unfair Assistant Clerk: Lauretta Fox oing back to when and have told them so but it should make us all even records began the village more determined to express our views. G of Writtle has always The facts are as follows. The Parish of Writtle has Parish Office been an important part of . been allocated two sites comprising of 25 houses in The Green In the (1066) the centre of the village sited on land surrounding the Telephone Exchange and 800 new homes on the Writtle the population of the Parish of Writtle is quoted as about 1,000. greenfield site North of the Road, now referred , Essex By comparison Chelmsford, to as “Strategic Growth Site 2”. CM1 3DT including was under The Local Plan is for 2021-2036 and Strategic Growth 100! Site 2 is scheduled to be one of the first sites started Tel: 01245 420066 How things have changed Chris Hibbitt in 2021. It is planned to have a new primary school Mob: 07483 113534 today. The population of Writtle incorporating a childcare nursery and a neighbourhood has grown to about 5,000 while our neighbouring City centre with a healthcare facility. [email protected] of Chelmsford had a population of nearly 170,000 at The City Council has considered traffic issues www.writtlepc.co.uk the last census. associated to the site and is proposing a masterplan www.facebook.com/ Writtle has had a Parish Council since 1894 and which will maximise opportunities for sustainable travel. This will include household travel plans providing writtleparishcouncil although the councillors have obviously changed, the key objective of the Writtle Parish Council has always alternative forms of transport to the private car. A travel been to manage change and ensure that Writtle Village survey commissioned by the City Council suggests Parish Councillors remains an idyllic village and does not become the that, by adopting Personalised Travel Planning (PTP), Chris Hibbitt (Chairman) western suburb of Chelmsford City. the traffic generated from this site will not significantly Mick Townley (Vice You will recall that your current Parish Council was lead to increased traffic congestion in Writtle and Chairman) horrified to find out that in all three options presented surrounding roads. Ralph Bray in the initial Chelmsford Local Plan, two years ago, Writtle Parish Council objects to this site. Whatever PTP there was a huge housing development planned achieves there will still be major traffic issue relating to Sue Bell in our Parish. Between 2,000 to 3,000 houses to be its location, with traffic from 800 houses entering and Andrew Carter built on a greenfield site, north of the Roxwell Road exiting from a single entrance on the Roxwell Road. Paul Costello (locally known as the sunflower field). When we made The City Council believe we should not be unduly our parishioners aware of this proposal there was Peter Cracknell worried about “urban sprawl” as the site does not join widespread concern and annoyance. Public meetings directly to Writtle Village. However the site is in the Paul Delaney and “drop in” sessions at the Parish Office followed and Parish of Writtle and there will be many important issues Sue Emery everyone was encouraged to send in the consultation including the interface for schooling and healthcare. Louise Gannicott document to express their views. Writtle Parish As you know the Parish Council strongly supports Council became part of the North West Chelmsford Tom Kinloch the concept of a Neighbourhood Plan for Writtle and Action Group (NWCAG) and instead of selecting one is delighted that, under the leadership of Jonathan Tony Sach of the 3 options we objected to all three and urged the Weymouth, the process has started. You can find out Renato Schmid Chelmsford City Council to “think again”. more about this in Jonathan’s article in this edition of the Rosemary Smith Warren Farm, now called Chelmsford Urban West, Writtle Flyer. remained in the next phase of the consultation but with Wendy Walker If we are to manage change in the village, including the the houses reduced to 800. It is interesting to note that potential new housing estate, it is essential we have a when the figures of the consultation were published, strong Neighbourhood Plan team to present the Plan City Councillors the City Council had received over 300 responses from to us all and then to ensure it is accepted by the local Tim Roper Writtle and Broomfield, of which over 250 said no to the planning authorities. Neighbourhood Planning gives Tony Sach Plan. In comparison a larger parish, Danbury sent in local communities the direct power to develop a shared only 57 responses with 34 supporting the Plan. Hardly vision of their neighbourhood. County Councillor surprising as they had been allocated only 100 houses Going back to my opening comment, your Parish and their Neighbourhood Plan Committee would be John Aldridge Council wants Writtle to stay as a village that we all allowed to decide on their exact location. love and enjoy. We now face the third and final stage The future is uncertain and if you support our views of the consultation process which you should do two things. Firstly complete the City began on January 31st and finishes on Council consultation document and let them know your March 14th. Your Parish Council and views on the Local Plan. Secondly get involved in the Writtle the NWCAG will continue to challenge creation of the Writtle Neighbourhood Plan. There are the City Council on the justification so many tasks that need to be undertaken ranging from and suitability of this site. For all of you delivering literature to being involved in what actually Village this will be your last chance to make goes into the Plan. your views known to your City Council. Don’t stand by and let “others” dictate the future of our Please take part in this consultation if village. under you have strong views about the future of the Parish of Writtle. If you completed IF YOU CARE, GET INVOLVED. an earlier consultation document don’t Kind Regards, threat sit back in the belief you have done all Chris Hibbitt, Chair, Writtle Parish Council. CHELMSFORD NEW LOCAL PLAN 2021-2036 even with the ‘Preferred Spatial Option’ mitigation measures, ‘Strategic Growth Area 2 West Chelmsford’ Writtle north of congestion on the key links, in and around Writtle, comprising the A1060 Roxwell Road Chignal Road, A1060 Roxwell Road, Lordship Road and The Final consultation - This is your last chance – send your Green, which already experience congestion, will experience personal response To CCC Planners before 4.45PM on 14th higher levels of congestion and journey-time delay. March • TRAFFIC - Flow is measured as Volume/Capacity Ratio with HOW YOU CAN VIEW THE DRAFT PLAN:- 100% PLUS being “high levels of congestion and journey-time 90% PLUS • At Writtle Library or any local Library. delay” and being “moderate levels of congestion”. PEAK TRAFFIC • On line – www.chelmsford.gov.uk/new-local-plan Page 119 sets • along Chignal Road, A1060 Roxwell Road and 100% out Strategic Growth Area 2 West Chelmsford Map 35 Writtle Lordship Road morning and evening will all increase to PLUS 100% village only - there is no change to the village boundary. . Midday peak along Chignal Road would be up to PLUS. • Any problems? CCC Planning Policy Department can also advise - telephone: 01245 606330 • PEAK TRAFFIC THROUGH THE GREEN WRITTLE - Morning would be up to 100% PLUS and evening peak up to 90% PLUS. HOW YOU CAN COMMENT:- Feel free to draw on our responses • Residents in Area 2 Writtle, would probably rat run through Writtle if you wish. • The easiest way to comment is download a paper copy of to access Crossrail at Shenfield. the Form, using Ctrl+Click on this link www.chelmsford.gov.uk/ • ACCESS for all vehicles would have to be taken from the A1060 EasySiteWeb/GatewayLink. Save to your computer, complete it, Roxwell Road. This would see the entirety of the traffic generated save again and post or email it as an attachment to CCC to the by the site loaded onto one point of the highway network which address below. already experiences congestion. • Email your Form or comments to planning.policy@chelmsford. • For the size of development the site would require more than one gov.uk vehicular access. • By post to Planning and Housing Policy, Chelmsford City Council, • There are a number of existing junctions on the A1060 Roxwell Civic Centre Duke Street, Chelmsford CM1 1JE. Road in the environs of the site, and given that any vehicular • You can also use CCC consultation Portal www.chelmsford.gov. access would need to be located to achieve acceptable junction uk/planningpolicyconsult spacing this could present difficulties in achieving safe access. PEDESTRIANS • This Article will go on the Parish Council web site, all Village • - A 2 km walk, equivalent to a 25 minute web sites, Writtle Voice and Parent Mail, you can use the links pedestrian journey time, offers the greatest potential to replace above to access the documents. car journeys. Access to most amenities falls some way outside that criteria. • The Parish Council will conduct a drop in 10.00am to 12.00am, Saturday 3rd March at the Parish Office with paper • There is a Public Right of Way providing access through Chignal copies available and help with completing the forms. Estate, it is unsurfaced, un-lit, lacks natural surveillance and 2km • The Parish Council can deliver your written comments to the would get to the centre of Chignal but only half way to the City Chelmsford City Council, if they arrive at the Parish office by the Centre. end of the day on Monday 12th March • THE PREDOMINANT PEDESTRIAN CONNECTION to the City centre would be the A1060 Roxwell Road, from the centre of the Writtle Parish Council Response site the journey to the Railway station would be 3 km (38 min) and The Parish Council considers the CCC consultation to date is not the City Centre 3.5 km (44 min). Although it is the shortest route, based on sound evidence and will strongly oppose the proposal in given the traffic movement function of this route, it is unlikely that the emerging Local Plan, referred to as ‘Area 2 West Chelmsford’ this would be a desirable walking route for pedestrians. north of the A1060 Roxwell Road extending from Chignal Road to beyond Lordship Road roundabout comprising 800 new homes, • The journey to Writtle and its Doctors would mean crossing a new primary school, a children’s nursery and a neighbourhood the A1060, currently without crossing facilities, and then either centre. via the unlit Lawford Lane and bridleway often impassable due to flooding at the or along the exceptionally narrow As part of NW Chelmsford Action group we have jointly appointed footpath beside the 40mph limit Lordship Road. Planning and Traffic Consultants to assess the effect on Writtle and adjoining traffic links; that will not be ready until this Flyer goes to • CYCLISTS - National Cycle Network Route 1 runs to the south print, in the meantime here are our views, using another Traffic of the site. The closest point is some 800m from the centre of Consultants Report:- the site, and requires cyclists to cross the A1060 Roxwell Road, currently without crossing facilities and subject to national speed At Part C of the Form – The Parish Council representations limit, thereafter travel south along Lawford Lane, a single track, will relate to Paragraph 7.111 to 7.123 and Map 35 and unlit rural road. We will concentrate on Question 3 • BUS SERVICES are very limited and improvements are unlikely QUESTION 1 - is it legally compliant? – We have No comment due to scale. QUESTION 2 - Does it comply with the Duty to Co-operate? – We • INDIVIDUAL PERSONAL TRANSPORT PLANS proposed by have No comment CCC will not overcome these traffic congestion problems for the QUESTION 3 - Is it ‘Sound’ positively prepared, justified and reasons stated. No effective? – To that, the Parish Council will answer to all three, OTHER NON TRANSPORT ISSUES because we consider the Local Plan is not Positively prepared, Justified or Effective. • HEALTH CARE • EDUCATION • POLLUTION QUESTION 3a - our response to that question will be along the • FLOODING • ARCHAEOLOGICAL following lines: - • MINERAL SAFEGUARDING • SPECIAL LANDSCAPE • The proposed development referred to as ‘Area 2 West Further information can be found at the Parish Council drop in on Chelmsford’, Writtle north of the A1060 Roxwell Road, in the March the 3rd or at the Parish office on Monday & Thursday emerging Local Plan consultation is not well-thought-out or based mornings. on sound evidence, and is strongly opposed. QUESTION 3b This what the Experts say on Transport (Question 3a) • The east of Chelmsford would be a far preferable and more • TRAFFIC and TRANSPORT - Taken from expert Traffic sustainable location for new development, where there are better Consultants’ Reports prepared in 2017, specifically relating to transport links generating far less traffic congestion and pollution. Writtle, drawing into serious doubt the CCC traffic assumptions. • A lot of work has gone into the NEW LOCAL PLAN but insufficient • Chelmsford’s road network is currently operating at roughly 96% attention has been paid to essential infrastructure, which will of capacity during peak hours. continue the downward spiral into Traffic, Public Health and • The A1060 Roxwell Road is a 7.00m wide arterial route into Pollution chaos. central Chelmsford restricted to national speed limit, and is not Whether you agree with us or not we urge you to respond equipped with streetlights. And is already subject to serious peak To CCC Planners before 4.45PM on 14th March congestion. The easiest way is to down load a paper copy and email or • Experts’ forecast that as a result of the proposed development, post it as noted above Environment Committee Planning and Development Committee

n early April of 2017, we placed a measured our Planning and Development quantity of barley straw into the Wear Pond on Committee sat on 12 occasions during Ithe village green. This was to try and combat 2017 and considered 79 planning the blooms of algae which had sporadically Y applications, exactly the same number formed in the previous year. I am pleased to say considered in 2016. We are seeing a mix this was a great success. The pond remained of large scale projects involving commercial clear and algae free for the rest of the year, so enterprise as well as individuals looking to we will be doing the same again this year. improve, extend or renovate their homes in There has been significant, robust debate, Writtle Parish. regarding draining the concrete lined pond Some larger applications considered in to remove organic debris, created by the Louise Gannicott 2016/17 have now commenced and this Andrew Carter surrounding trees, shrubs and ducks. After includes the commercial development in Fox extensive research into this problem, draining is ruled out for the time Burrows Lane. We as a committee in conjunction with the Parish being as the costs involved are prohibitive. (New legislation requires Council and local people are keeping a keen eye on developments the resulting waste to be disposed of in a particular way, giving rise and have had cause to refer matters to the City Council enforcement to significantly higher costs than in years gone by.) However, as a officers to consider possible breaches of the planning permission. solution to this problem we are trialling the use of a product which We will continue to monitor all such developments but rely heavily on will accelerate the decomposition of the organic matter and resulting local residents bringing such matters to our attention. sludge. The material added to the water is completely safe for wildlife Another development which received planning permission, following and people. It has been used in fishing lakes for a number of years. strong opposition from residents and the Parish Council, was the We have also been looking at our wonderful allotments. A great asset former stud farm at Dawes Farm in Back Road. As I am writing this, to the village. We are hoping to work closely with the Writtle Garden demolition of the farm buildings and farm house is well advanced and and Allotment Society in enhancing and improving this area for our as you read this I expect the site to have been completely cleared users. ready for site works and construction of 17 dwellings. We look The Parish Council is building a secure green waste compound forward to a quality development being completed in due course. for our Handy Man to dispose of the green waste generated when We have welcomed many residents at our meetings who take the shrubs and other greenery is cut back. (It will be sited in the Paradise opportunity to advise us of their concerns over planning applications Road car park, where it will be visible on the high tech CCTV.) This that affect them or the village or to speak to the Parish about a project will then be recycled responsibly. they hope to commence and look to discuss matters to gauge the We have planted some more daffodils around the Wear Pond, Councils view before making a formal submission. We find such Prestons triangle (and elsewhere in the village,) kindly donated by discussions help to clarify proposals and often remove suspicion and Dave Stock and Bill Preston. ambiguity. We would therefore welcome any members of the public We also signed up to the Charter for trees. A new initiative to place who wish to attend our meetings. Those who wish to speak have the a cultural value on trees. Website address https://treecharter.uk for opportunity at the beginning of each committee meeting to speak for more information. 2 minutes on matters relating to planning and development in our Louise Gannicott, Chair, Writtle Environment Committee Parish. Please come along and see what we do. Andrew Carter, Chair, Planning and Development Committee Playing Fields Committee Highways and Transport Committee

he last 12 months has been a year of ollowing an accident on The Green a Degree collaboration between the Parish Council of Pedestrian Vehicle Conflict Survey was Tand the Writtle Sports & Social Club and carried out near the pedestrian refuge by we have achieved a number of milestones; F Essex Highways. This survey produces an objective • The pot holes in the car park at Paradise measure, which indicates whether a pedestrian Road were temporarily filled during refuge, zebra crossing or signalled controlled November to provide a short term solution crossing is justified. Over 12 hours the survey with a view to resurfacing & remarking the collects road traffic volume data and records majority of the car park when we have the pedestrians crossing the road near the survey point. finance available. Only data from the busiest 4 hours is considered. Paul Costello The calculation also takes into account the number Peter Cracknell • We had a 67% hike in our grass cutting of road accidents near the site in the last 3 years that cost so we replaced our provider and we are very happy with the have involved pedestrians or cyclists. The width of the road, the number of new service. I think you’ll all agree the Green looked fabulous lanes and the posted speed limit are also factors in the calculation. At the during the year. time of writing the results were not known. • The entrance gate at the Paradise Road site was another re- Most of our roads and footways are the responsibility of Essex County occurring problem which has now been fully repaired and is in Council. Problems like pot holes, damaged curbs, poor footways and good operational order after about 18 months of issues. faulty street lights can be reported on www.essexhighways.org under • The Paradise Road site also received its Fire & Electrical Safety “Report a problem”. certificates for the next 5 years. Writtle Parish Council has pressed for a number of highway improvements Finally, I wanted to emphasise that you don’t have to be a member via the Local Highway Panel (LHP). These include improvement to the of a sports section to enjoy the facilities that we have to offer Fox Burrows Lane Lordship Road junction, Writtle University College main such as the bar which is open daily, an outside terrace with BBQ access, the Lodge Road Bridge Street Junction, the Preston’s Garage equipment and a large hall that is available for hire with kitchen junction and the East View Ongar Road junction as well as pedestrian amenities (special reduced member rates apply). crossing improvements near Hylands School on Chelmsford Road. The There are still some members of the village and neighbouring areas Degree of Pedestrian Vehicle Conflict Survey outside Hylands School supported a zebra crossing or pedestrian refuge but not a signalled that are not aware of our wonderful club so we would encourage controlled crossing. The Chelmsford City LHP’s reports and minutes are those who have not yet visited to come down and take a look. published on the www.essexhighways.org website. Membership including special family rates are very reasonable. We look forward to welcoming you to our club soon! We now have a disabled parking bay outside Writtle Library. Paul Costello, Chairman, Playing Fields Committee Peter Cracknell, Chair Highways and Transport Committee Writtle Neighbourhood Plan Annual Accounts to March 31, 2017 an Update and Notice of Launch Meeting The accounts to March 31, 2017 have been audited and agreed. ince my initial article in last year’s Flyer, Alongside these figures are those for the current year up to I am pleased to say that the Writtle January 14, 2018 SNeighbourhood Plan Steering Group has now been formally constituted and its terms of Receipts and Payments Account - Year ended 31 March 2017 reference agreed with Writtle Parish Council. This has taken some time but it is important to Year RECEIPTS Actual to Forecast get it right so that it can function fully. ended Period to Period We now meet monthly in the Parish Rooms 31.03.17 ended ended and these meetings are fully advertised and Jonathan 14.01.18 31.03.18 open to you as the public to attend if you wish. Weymouth 109,492 Precepts 118,320 118,320 The members are working hard to ensure that 54,486 Grants 6,351 26,351 we can produce a plan which you as the community can sign up to and guide, as part of the formal planning process, the future of the 62 Interest on Investments 61 76 whole Parish of Writtle over the next decade or so. 2,178 Rental Income - Allotments 2,162 2,162 I therefore have an important announcement to make. The first 12,665 Rental Income - Other 7,507 9,957 and vital part of our consultation with you is a Launch Meeting at 1,919 Recharges 1,309 1,309 Writtle University College on Saturday 28th April commencing 199 Writtle Archives and Books 389 389 at 2pm . The idea is to fully collect as many ideas as possible so 1,000 Loan Income 1,000 1,000 that these can inform a Questionnaire, which is being drafted at the 0 Sundry Other Income 3,729 3,729 moment, which will then be sent to all households, businesses and major organisation in the Parish for return and analysis. 13,764 VAT 6,506 6,506 195,765 TOTAL RECEIPTS 147,334 169,799 In order that we can ensure that there is sufficient seating and refreshments, please register your intention to attend, including the PAYMENTS number in your party by 21st April. This can be done either by email 49,623 General Administration - Office 47,713 62,020 to [email protected] or post C/O The Secretary, 13 Mayfield Road, Writtle, CM1 3EJ. 9,005 General Administration - Toilets 5,686 7,872 This will enable the Steering Group to commence drafting the Plan 0 Neighbourhood Planning 1,968 2,500 for future consultation with you. Further and fuller details of the 32,040 Capital Schemes 2,773 8,923 meeting are being put together now which we will distribute both 8,467 General Maintenance 6,640 8,907 in leaflet and on the various websites and social media channels 0 Vandalism 0 150 which serves Writtle. 3,206 S 137 Payments 2,126 3,216 This is a very important event and is your first chance to let us know 25,170 Playing Fields - WSSC 17,007 20,338 what is important to you. Please do your best to attend. 4,131 Playing Fields - WPC 957 12,582 Jonathan Weymouth 11,989 Environment 11,199 24,931 Chair, Writtle Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group 1,235 Allotments 1,067 2,893 726 Writtle Archives and Books 292 429 0 Development 0 1,000 PRECEPT HISTORY 0 Highways & Transport 0 1,000 As we prepare to go to press on this year’s edition of the Writtle Flyer there has been a significant amount of press coverage 800 Youth Facilities 0 2,000 relating to the possibility of huge increases in the coming years 12,815 VAT 7,565 7,565 Council Tax. 159,205 TOTAL PAYMENTS 104,993 166,326 Writtle Parish Council will only be requesting an increase of 1.84% 36,559 Surplus / (Deficit) of Income 42,341 3,473 over last year. I have included an analysis of the Precept received over Expenditure from Chelmsford City Council for the last 5 years with this year’s proposal. Represented By: Bank Account and Petty Cash Year Amount in £’s % increase 73,840 Opening Balance 110,392 110,392 2013/14 109,000 36,552 Excess 42,341 3,473 110,392 TOTAL 152,733 113,865 2014/15 109,000 0.00% 2015/16 114,000 4.59% BALANCE SHEET 2016/17 116,000 1.75% LONG TERM ASSETS 2017/18 118,320 2.00% 3,000 Loan to Writtle Tennis Club 2,000 2,000 2018/19 120,500 1.84% CURRENT ASSETS 657 VAT Recoverable 1,729 2,500 73,840 Co-operative Bank Current 4,182 2,000 Account This year’s ANNUAL PARISH MEETING 36,552 Co-operative Bank Deposit 148,552 114,241 will take place on Account Monday April 16th, 2018 at 8.00pm CURRENT LIABILITIES in the Writtle Village Hall. The meeting will Creditors be followed by a drinks reception for those Net Assets attending. This is your chance to meet the 114,049 General Fund Reserve 159,462 120,741 Councillors and to air your views on subjects or issues that concern you.