Badgers Mount Community News Autumn 2019

Hello and welcome to the first edition of the Broke Hill Golf Course – An outline application Badgers Mount Community News, created jointly has been submitted to SDC for what the developers by your Parish Council and Residents Association are now calling Stonehouse Park for up to 850 (BMRA). residential plus 180 retirement properties making a total of 1030 dwellings, shops, restaurants/cafes, In the past, you have received separate news- 40,000 sq. ft of offices, a primary school with letters from the Council and the BMRA. They have sports fields, 4 hockey pitches and 4 rugby pitches often contained similar information and dropped with clubhouses plus a car park for the station. through your door within weeks of each other but The application number is 19/02616/OUT and 158 not any more! We aim to provide a single source documents have been submitted, many of which of updates from now on all things Badgers Mount appear to be very technical. related and also, when possible, what is happening in the wider community too. Comments must be submitted to SDC by 25th October 2019. The Parish Council has objected We hope that having a joint newsletter will to the application. You can view the application be the first step towards uniting the parts of the on the District Council (SDC) website community which are divided by the either directly or via the Planning Applications tab Bypass (see the Neighbourhood Plan update on the village website below). http://www.badgersmount.net/planning and Your Parish Council, Residents Association search under the Halstead applications. This and the Badgers Mount Road Maintenance application has four times as many houses as Fund (BMRMF) have been undertaking other joint Badgers Mount and will significantly breach the ventures too in recent months which you can read Green Belt buffer between Halstead & Badgers about further on in this newsletter. Mount and .

Badgers Mount Parish Good News! Council News We are pleased to be able to let you know that we were able to save £250 of Parish Council money www.badgers-mountpc.co.uk during our annual audit this year. [email protected] Neighbourhood Plan Steering Planning Group Update The Parish Council is consulted on all planning applications for new buildings and extensions There have been 8 meetings of the Neighbourhood to existing properties. The plans are carefully Plan Steering Group to date and we have started examined and comments submitted to Sevenoaks to work with our chosen Planning Consultants, District Council (SDC), incorporating, where O’Neill Homer. We are currently assessing ideas appropriate, neighbour comments. and will present them to the residents – you the readers – in the near future when we have some Two recent applications of significance to the coherent proposals. To date, a number of points area, both in neighbouring Halstead are:- have surfaced: Bluebell Cemetery, Old London Road –  The community is currently divided into 3 or 4 Extension to the chapel to become a crematorium. separate groups by the local geography; there is no Along with many residents of Badgers Mount recognised centre and Halstead we objected to this on a number There is probably no way we can avoid of grounds including change of use and the  development in our Parish statement from the owners of the Oak Tree Farm site saying that they are about to start  The ‘What is Good – What is Bad’ exercise – see construction of their crematorium in accordance the community website – produced a number of ideas with the earlier approval and there in no necessity for future improvements including a village centre for two only about a mile apart. A decision is including a playground, shop and meeting place such imminent. as a café.  One possible way ahead would be to merge the F M Conway site development into a new village FAQs contin... plan, adding a playground and central area facilities to the houses already proposed. Any such development  Are there limits on what we can would need to be fully integrated into the community, specify in a Neighbourhood Plan? with attention paid to ensuring safe crossings over the A224 Orpington Bypass which currently splits our Yes. It cannot overrule the Sevenoaks community in half. District Council Local Plan which is currently up for approval. The exact boundaries The Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group meets between a District Local Plan and a Parish on the 3rd Thursday of each month in the Memorial Neighbourhood Plan are currently a matter Hall after the Parish Council Planning Meeting which for negotiation. starts at 7:30 pm. Your ideas and comments are important please come and talk to us. Neighbourhood Plan Community Badgers Mount Residents Vision Meeting Association News

You have chosen to live in Badgers Mount and www.badgersmount.net we hope this means you are interested in the [email protected] future of our community. We are planning a meeting for all residents Tree Safety Work on Thursday, 30th January 2020 in the Memorial Following a number of incidents where fallen Hall. The aim of the meeting is to create a vision trees in Badgers Mount have caused power of the future of Badgers Mount. We recognise disruption and property damage, the BMRA that we can’t stop development but this is YOUR called in local arboriculturalists to carry out safety opportunity to have your say and help us to inspections of the trees lining our unadopted develop a Neighbourhood Plan that secures a roads. successful future of our community. It is inevitable that change is going to happen and we need to be a part of it and make it work for us. The meeting will start at 8.00 pm and light refreshments will be provided. If you would like to attend but need a lift, please book in with our Clerk – we will be happy to help you!

FAQs As a result of their findings, a Tree Preservation on the Neighbourhood Plan Order works approval was obtained and work commenced on felling the identified trees that  Why have a Neighbourhood Plan? were dead, together with the removal of branches It gives us a legal say in local planning from trees that were considered to be a danger. matters. Developers can only go against When the work was completed, the resultant constraints in a Neighbourhood Plan if they logs were stacked within the verge as a haven for are able to convince a Planning Enquiry that wildlife and for use of local residents. However, the constraints should be set aside. within a couple of days of the work being finished an unidentified vehicle and trailer was seen in the  What sort of things can a road and in the blink of an eye the driver and his Neighbourhood Plan affect? chums removed ALL of the logs! Regrettably the We can dictate maximum housing registration number of the vehicle wasn’t recorded, densities – think off-street parking but whoever they were, they will no doubt be a lot leaving the roads clear. Also, a preferred warmer (and richer) this winter! mix of housing types – not just large The tree safety family homes but smaller properties work was carried out suitable for first-time buyers and ‘empty- on behalf of the BMRA nesters’ down-sizing but remaining in the for the protection of community. We can also require that the residents and we thank character of the housing etc remains in the Parish Council for character with the existing community. assisting with a one- We can require that community aspects off financial donation are included in Development planning. towards half the overall cost. 2 Christmas Fair You are also invited to join us at the following: Sunday 17th November [email protected] Wine tasting with [email protected] cheese, on Saturday 30th November 7pm During this special evening we will taste 12 carefully selected wines including: Reds, Whites, Rosé and Sparkling. Cheese and Bread are included. Tickets must be purchased in advance, so The BMRA are hosting a Christmas Fair at the that we ensure enough wine for everyone. Memorial Hall on Sunday 17th November from A minimum of 24 people are required to 1.00pm until 4.00pm. It will be free entry and we ensure that the evening will go ahead. So hope to attract a good deal of our Badger’s Mount please book now! residents, so come along and support your local The event will be held at the Badgers Mount community. Memorial Hall on 30th November at 7pm, with the tasting at 7.30pm.

Funds raised from the event will go to help Tickets us with organising other social events in the £15 coming year. There will be a variety of stalls with local crafts people including a candle maker; a wood turner; chocolatier with delicious handmade chocolates; a variety of honey products; handmade cards; Christmas wreaths Contact Zena (with a difference); on 07528780791 All over 18’s welcome hand knitted items; or email children’s felt Christmas [email protected] decorations; children’s to book your tickets! bags; a local artist with unique animal and Please be responsible and leave the car at home! children’s paintings; a cobnut company with nut products, cosmetic The Phantom Of The Beer Cans products & room mist For several years now Badgers Mount has been, sprays/candles. There and continues to be, spoilt by litter. In particular, will be a raffle with there is an individual who continually dumps great prizes from local businesses including dinner empty beer cans in and around our community. for two at a couple of establishments and a Spitfire They appear in tour at Biggin Hill. bushes, trees, grass Do give your support and bring your family verges, hedges and along – we plan to have two Tombola stalls (one sometime just on the especially for children) plus a road/path surface. children’s face painter to keep There are a number younger members occupied. of thoughts as to who Refreshments and cakes will be the culprit might be, provided by the Badger’s Mount and one name keeps WI ladies, so do put the date in coming up! However, your diaries to we do not wish to come along! publish without proof, but we would just like to ask that whoever you are would you please take your empty cans home and not leave them for others to clear up after you!

3 not come and join us! If you would like more Neighbourhood information please contact Lesley Salmon at the Watch News email address shown.

[email protected] [email protected] Our Programme of events for the remainder of 2019 and 2020 will be: Staying Safe in Badgers Mount 11.12.19 Christmas celebrations – The Neighbourhood Watch group has been members only active for many years. In recent times not as 08.01.20 Odd corners of London efficient as we would hope. With new interest with guest speaker and vigour, it aims to be a strong community Jo Livingston group as part of the BMRA. It will be as good as its membership. If you would like to get involved 13.02.20 Folklore of East please make contact via the email addresses above. with guest speaker Sue A presentation and demonstration of security Duckworth products is planned for November; Please look 11.03.20 Remarkable stories of out for further information on Badgers Mount Great Ormond Street noticeboards, bus shelters and on the website in Hospital with guest due course. speaker Judy Anderson Please remain vigilant and report anything 08.04.20 Aspects of musicals suspicious immediately no matter how small. with guest speaker Martyn Harrison Badgers Mount 13.05.20 Annual meeting Memorial Hall & resolutions

www.badgersmount.net/hall.htm 10.06.20 Garden outing [email protected] (venue to be arranged) The Memorial Hall is the only community 08.07.20 The crime scene examiner facility we have in Badgers Mount. with guest speaker John Yarrow There are various regular activities on offer including Yoga, dance and ballet classes for 12.08.20 Inhouse event children and adults, dog training, weekly Thursday theme to be organised coffee mornings including the fortnightly visit 09.09.20 Weather Lore – fact by the KCC mobile library, Women’s Institute, or fiction with guest Badgers Sett, meetings of the Parish Council and speaker Ian Curtis Residents Association Committees. Occasional social activities organised by the Residents 14.10.20 Every picture tells a story Association are held in the hall. with guest speaker Glyn Bareham The hall is available for hire for parties etc, and there are some weekday afternoon periods 11.11.20 Heroes & villains available for occasional or regular use. with guest speaker Lesley Broster For bookings please contact Will Withecombe via the email address above or phone 07873 09.12.20 Christmas celebrations – 633516. Further details of hire rates etc are members only available on the Memorial Hall page of the Badgers Mount website www.badgersmount.net/hall.htm This month we listened to Lesley Broster’s Badgers Mount highly entertaining talk on The Royal and Naval History of Greenwich. It was a fascinating insight Women’s Institute into the royal goings on at Greenwich Palace from the 1400s, through its several make overs and [email protected] up to the present time. Lesley speaks with great The WI meets on the second Wednesday of passion bringing the past to life keeping us all each month at 2pm in the Memorial Hall. We enthralled. Next month our speaker will be Antonia have a varied and interesting programme of Gallop who will take us on a Gallop Through speakers eight months of the year, a garden Carriage Driving! outing and a themed meeting. We also have a knit and natter afternoon on the last Wednesday If you would like to join us at 2pm on of the month. Visitors are very welcome so why Wednesday, November 13th at Badgers Mount Memorial Hall you would be most welcome. 4 Badgers Mount Road Badgers Road entrance Maintenace Fund improvement [email protected] Badgers Road – by-way or Dangerous Road? Bad News & some Very Good News!

For a considerable number of years now the section of Badgers Road from the Highland Road crossroads eastward down towards the M25 has suffered from a very poor road surface. This section of our roads is unadopted, but fully under the control of KCC Public Rights of Way Office who have told the BMRMF that “it’s nothing to do with you”. Technically this may From this …. be correct, but our previous Chairman, Albert Thomas, spent a lot of time defending the residents’ rights to have the road surface made good and I (Roger King) have taken over the challenge. However, since I became Chair of the Road Fund Association, this section of road has been utterly destroyed by Vodafone.

You may recall that at the beginning of 2018 they were allowed by both the SDC and KCC to construct a new telecommunication mast alongside the M25 and they used Badgers Road for their site access. As a result, for several months the road was bombarded by a steady flow of 40 and 50+ ton trucks and the already poor surface was totally destroyed. Vodafone said they would repair the road on completion of the mast work but surprise, surprise, this has to this ….. never happened added to which they never acknowledge or reply to any communications Many of you will have noticed that the sent to them. Similarly, KCC have been entrance to Badgers Road from the Orpington minimalistic in their communications with us. Bypass has just had road safety and improve- ment works carried out. Unfortunately, the road surface has continued For years this road layout has suffered from to deteriorate especially with the recent heavy inconsiderate and sometimes impatient car rain which has further washed out the large ruts drivers and lorry drivers who somehow seem and craters. We have kept up pressure on the attracted to a grass verge which has resulted KCC PROW Office to make good this serious in the grass being turned into a very unsightly health and safety hazard for pedestrians and muddy area. As a consequence and following motorists alike, but sadly thus far to no avail. a BMRMF request, KCC Highways Department However, following a direct communication with agreed to construct a road strength run over the last leader of KCC, Mr Paul Carter, a meeting area with two kerb lines which also double as a was arranged and we are now happy to report continuation of the pavement line up the hill. that KCC will be repairing and fully resurfacing KCC advised that the road would be closed the full length of the road from Highland Road for the week of work, but their workforce did -to a point just beyond the properties Haresfield their very best to keep the road open for as and Sunnyside. There will be a little more long as possible and minimise the disruption disruption from UK Power while they lay a cable to residents. However, when they did need under a short section of the road but the full to close the road to tarmac the path, etc, the resurfacing (with no thanks to Vodafone) is situation was made worse because early one scheduled to be complete by 20th November, morning Thames Water returned to collect weather permitting. their Road Closed signs a week after finishing 5 working in Milton Avenue, but in the process permission for the demolition or alterations to they “stole” all of KCC’s the Road Closed and buildings, landscaping and access to the site. Diversion signs as well! Somehow it escaped This is an update of the 2015 approved outline their notice that other roadworks were under application which included up to 450 dwellings way (which they had had to drive past) and and includes the extra 300 dwellings included that the signs in the road weren’t theirs! in the SDC Local Plan which is currently being However, all is finished now and we hope examined by the Planning Inspector. you will agree that the entrance to Badgers You can view the application on-line at Road now looks considerably better than it www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/forthalstead, and there did. These works were undertaken as a joint will be opportunities to view the documents financial agreement between KCC Highways locally before the return date for comments of and the BMRMF, in conjunction with the BMRA 16th November. Keep a look out for notices on the and BMPC. noticeboards, the BMPC and BMRA websites and the Badgers Mount facebook page. Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal A bit of exercise for the brain to finish up! In a week or so, Gill Johnston and her trusty band of local helpers will be going door to door around Badgers Mount, collecting for Sudoku puzzles this years Royal British Legion Poppy appeal. Please be as generous as possible for this very worthy cause. Remembrance Service at St Margarets Halstead

On Sunday 10th November, there will be a Remembrance service at St Margarets Church Halstead where the names of the fallen from both World wars will be read out and wreaths will be laid on behalf of The Royal British Legion, The Parish Council, The local Scouts and representatives of the military. The service will include a 2 minutes silence and will commence at 10.30am.

Bits and bobs from the residents

If you would like to contribute a small piece for possible inclusion in the next issue of this Newsletter please send it by email to: [email protected] A local personal story or favourite recipe, or anything that may be of interest to the residents of Badgers Mount.

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Fort Halstead – Badgers Mount Parish Council has just received 3 boxes of consultation documents for planning application SE/19/05000/HYB at Fort Halstead. The application is for outline planning permission for business space, up to 750 residential homes, a mixed-use village centre, a primary school and converting the Fort area and bunkers into a historic interpretation centre. The application also seeks detailed planning 6 Wilkins Farm Shop Local Information Shoreham Lane, Halstead. and contacts Eggs, Hay, Straw, Apples & Plums in season. Tel: 01959 532136

St.Margaret’s Church Polhill Garden Centre Church Road, Halstead. www. knockholtandhalsteadchurches.org Butchers, Greengrocers, Bakers Benefice Office – [email protected] and Frozen Foods Tel: 01959 534212 Rev Tim Edwards Telephone: 01959 5332133 Hairdressers

Details of all church services can be found in Sandra, Brig-y-Don, the Parish Magazine, Church Porch, Village Road, Halstead. Crossroads Notice board and Web site – Tel: 01959 534034 www.knockholtandhalsteadchurches.org Milk Deliveries: Church Activities Milk and More Choir Adults & Children. Tel: 0345 6063606 Contact – Choir trainer Refuse Collection Clare Pollard 07958 715292 Badgers Mount Organist: Brian Shilling 01732 883766 Different days for different roads!

Youth Work Contact – Rev Tim Edwards Bus Services Tots Praise: Pre-school children and carers. London Bus Service, London Travel Contact – Lesley Cooper 01959 535131 Information – 0207 222 1234 2nd Wednesday of each month at 2pm 431 Mens Fellowship Orpington, Green Street Green, Contact – Martin Couchman 01959 532253 Badgers Mount, Halstead, Knockholt Pound, , Sevenoaks. Church Flowers Contact - Mrs. Jean Peel 01959 533180 Go-Coachhire www.go-coach.co.uk Badgers Mount Memorial Hall Tel: 01732 469800 Evening Service – 4 pm 4th Sunday of month Doctors Holy Innocents’ Catholic Church, off Sevenoaks Road, Orpington. Medical Practice Priest: Father Victor Vella Leonard Avenue, Otford. Telephone: 01689 817537 Tel: 01959 524633

London Rd Evangelical Church Green Street Green Medical Centre Knockholt. 21 High Street, Green Street Green Pastor: S.E.Chase Tel: 01689 850012 Tel: 01959 534732 Services: 11 am and 6.30 pm every Sunday. The Family Surgery 7 High Street, Green Street Green For further information see the Notice Board Tel: 01689 850231 outside the Church. Sundridge Medical Centre Shops and Services 173 Main Road, Sundridge. Tel: 01959 562531 Hancocks Shop and Post Office Newsagents, Lottery, Confectionary, Chelsfield Surgery Tabacconist, Cards, Groceries & 62 Windsor Drive, Chelsfield. All Postal Services. Tel: 01689 852204 Knockholt Road, Halstead. Medical Practice Open: Mon – Fri 5.00. – 18.00. Tel: 01959 563811 Sat. 5.00. – 17.00. Sun 5.00.– 12.00. Chemists Fresh Fish Otford Pharmacy, Van outside Hancocks Wednesday 12-2 pm High Street, Otford. Tel: Mikey’s Plaice 07427 549475 Tel: 01959 522072 7 Local info continued Halstead Village Hall Details from Lewis Grey 07730 662518 Stevens Chemist, 5 High St, Green St Green Tel: 01689 861094 Clubs and Activities Lloyds Pharmacy, Windsor Drive, Chelsfield. Brownies & Guides Tel: 01689 852417 Amalgamated with Riverhead. Day-Lewis, 2 The Square, Riverhead. Beavers, Cubs & Scouts Tel: 01732 452452 Contact - Barbara Weekes 01732 462215 or Rose Mear 01732 465062 Accident & Emergency – Nearest Princess Royal University Hospital, Farnborough Badgers Mount Residents Association Tel: 01689 863000 Contact: Gill Johnston 01959 534463 Tunbridge Wells Hospital, Tonbridge Road, Contract Bridge Pembury Contact – Peter Slevin 01689 853596 Tel: 01892 823535 Cricket Club Sevenoaks Hospital, Hospital Road, Contact – Richard Hughes 07967 589997 Sevenoaks. Tel: 01732 470200 Football Club (minor injuries only 8am – 8pm daily) Contact – Paul King 01689 898161

Primary School Friends of Fort Halstead Contact – David Packer 01902 823884 Halstead Community Primary School, Otford Lane, Halstead Halstead Players Tel: 01959 532224 Contact – Mrs Ronnie Barnard 01959 533330 Headmaster – Mr Hawkins Halstead Reading Group Halstead Nursery Contact – Mrs Jean Peel 01959 533180 Held at Halstead Community Primary School Horticultural Society Tel: 07950681846 Contact – Barrie Blundell 01959 533074 Contact: Tracey McCartney [email protected] Kent Heights Flower Club Contact – Jill Wilson 01959 53222 Library Van Men’s Fellowship Tel: 03000 413131 Contact –Martin Couchman 01959 532253 Alternate Thursdays: ‘The Cock’ car park, Halstead 10.20 – 10.50 Netball Club Badgers Mount Memorial Hall 11.10 – 11.45 Adults Contact – Helen Brown 01959 533687 Juniors Contact – Keeley Smith 01959 534151 Police Authority Royal British Legion All non emergency calls please ring 101 Contact – Barbara Davenport 01959 532025 Community Support Police Officer: Halstead, Knockholt & Badgers Mount – Amy Hardy Table Tennis Contact – John Ward 01959 535099 Badgers Mount Parish Council

Parish Clerk – Geoff Dessent 07452 886977 Women’s Institute Halstead Village Hall – Evenings Badgers Mount Coffee Morning Every Thursday 10.30 – 12.00 in Memorial Hall Secretary – Val Dennett 01959 533344 Contact: Gordon Plumb Badgers Mount Memorial Hall – Afternoons 01959 534279 Secretary – Lesley Salmon 01959 532276 Residential Care Home Nesbit House, Orpington Bypass, RVS Monday Club Badgers Mount, Kent TN14 7AG Contact – Jackie Johnson 01959 575432 Tel: 01959 580 220 Yoga Halls for Hire Iyenga Contact – Kathy Taylor 01959 532339 Badgers Mount Memorial Hall Hatha Phone Will Withecombe 07873 633516 Contact – Pam Keeper 01732 458930 Halstead Centenary Pavilion or Sabine Smith 07900 915134 Phone the Clerk 01959 532206 Pilates Halstead Parish Room Contact – Eden Summers 07984 782122 Phone the Clerk 01959 532206 or Lesley James 07702 307149