Concept 2000 Consultation

Innes Gray (above) MD of Concensus Planning on behalf of Fairview Homes organised a consultation with residents from around the Concept 2000 building, before a planning application is submitted by Fairview Homes in November 2006. They are planning to build 200 - 300 dwellings on this 4 acre plot on the Clockhouse Roundabout site, and hope to start construction July 2007, with completion by July 2009 latest.

This is the first time any such consultation has taken place with residents before an application has been submitted, and Fairview are to be commended.

The evening started with a presentaion about the site and an outline plan of the proposed development. Residents were very outspoken and presented their concerns very bluntly and directly. Their concerns were broken down into different issues: Design, Transport/Parking, Planning policy, Developer Issues and Environment - these were then discussed in detail at different tables at the venue. Residents could then go to the table / Issue that most concerned them or move to all tables in the time allocated.

The evening finished with a summary of residents' concerns, and a chance to make final points or ask questions.

There will be a follow up meeting, again I will keep you advised.

Farnborough Town Planning Day

Yesterday was filled with talking about the future of Farnborough.

Controversially, the Council have hired consultants to tell us what we already know, and to help the Council through public engagement put together a Supplementary Planning Guidance Note for Farnborough Town Center. Lots of people were invited, traders, developers, council staff, residents, police, clergy and a few of us elected members. After a walk round the town we came back to the Council Offices and listed all the problems with the town, and our aspirations or dreams.

The interesting thing is that if I were to stand up in Council and list all the things wrong with our town center I would be castigated by fellow councillors for "talking down" our town. But if a non political "focus" group do it, we councillors pat ourselves on the back for listening to the public!

That aside, some excellent points were raised: Bland civic area, pedestrian unfriendly access to town, poor highway infastructure, no identity, not enough public art, no public square, ugly and inconvenient car parks, dirty pond, no evening economy, no gateway. But it was noted by many that the only good thing in the town center is the flower displays!!

The consultants are now going to correlate all the ideas and come back with some proposals. I will keep you advised.

Empress Ward BBQ

A big thank you to Linda and her helpers for all the work on the BBQ we put on in our back garden. We had a great time and raised some funds for good quality newsletters that we want to put out 4 times a year to keep residents aware about what is going on in the community, and what we are doing to make our area a better place to live and work in.

Brian Parker our ward chairman at the bar ... this time serving!!!It was great to see Gerald Howarth MP a fellow resident of Empress, and always on hand when we need him. Although we got to talk about some of the important issues affecting Farnborough, there was plenty of time to relax and enjoy the evening.Hey!! Who burnt to sausages??? ... Thanks Terry for the help on the BBQ

And it was great to see Philip one of our political opponents. We may disagree politically, but we both want to see the best for the Borough, and Philip has put in more hours than many when it comes to campaigning over local issues. Thanks for coming Philip, I promise I will not tell a soul!

Town Center walk about

During one of my regular ward walkabouts I noticed this important Farnborough Monument was in a terrible state. So I have reported it, and am chasing Street Scene to mend it. We may be waiting on Developers to rebuild the town, but that is no excuse for not making the best of what we do have.

Farnborough Town Center

Frustrated as many residents are I sent the following letter into the Chief Executive of Rushmoor Borough Council.


Out in our town center looking for bulldozers: did not see any today - will keep looking!

Dear Mr Andrew Lloyd

I note that the Cinema application promised for mid May is still not here. KPI did not complete an updated Leisure Impact Assessment, which they are now working on. So the application should be in mid June. Two questions, why could this not have been submitted subsequent to the application, and as this is an application involving the Council why was this not picked up earlier when we announced an application was coming in mid May?

I also note that the judicial review period for the Town Centre has passed a week last Friday, there was no challenge - so where are the bulldozers? Having spoken to Simon Rutter at KPI I understand they are still "in discussion" with the Council over land ownership. Why did we not resolve the land issue during the Judicial Review period?

May I suggest that the meeting with you, the Leader and KPI be more frequent at times like this? I understand the last meeting according to Simon Rutter was March and the next according to Mr Rutter is due mid July.

The next meeting to discuss land ownership is 16th June with Richard Stafford. But I suspect this will not conclude anything, without your involvement. This election brought home to me the frustration that many residents have over the town centre. What more can be done to expedite this important local issue. I am afraid I do not feel, in consideration of the above that we are doing enough.

Warm regards
David Clifford
Empress Ward Councillor.
"Together we can make a difference"
Tel 01252 371111
Fax 01252 371112
david@empress-tory.org
http://cllrclifford.blogspot.com/