The 17.5 metre tall Telecommunications Mobile Phone Mast that was proposed in the Bush Hill Park Conservation area (junction of Queen Anne’s Place / First Avenue) has been rejected by Enfield Council Planning Officers.
✅Thank you to everyone who expressed a view – I understand over 90 representations from local residents were sent in.
Many of you have contacted me to raise your concern about this planning application.
The proposal for a mobile phone mast at the junction of First Avenue and Queens Anne’s Place, opposite Bagshot Road has been refused planning permission. This is due to the impact of the proposal on the character and appearance of the Bush Hill Park Conservation Area.
One of the principle objections was the masts height, which would have been 60 feet (20 metres) high. This would have been taller than the mature trees in the area!
From listening to residents the objection was not against the principal of a new mast, given the increased importance of connectivity during Covid19. One suggestion was that a better location would be on the disused land at the Bush Hill Park station. Already communications masts have been installed there.
Delighted to report real progress has been made in the matter of residents having sewage backing up onto their properties in Bannold Road, Waterbeach.
Today I chaired a multi-agency meeting including Anglian Water, County Council, South Cambridgeshire District Council and Morris Homes.
Several key actions have taken place;
(1) The whole system has been surveyed
(2) Significant blockages were found reducing pipe capacity by 50% in some parts. These blockages have now been cleared.
(3) The blockages were caused by grease, oil, fat, food waste, nappies, sanitary items being put into the system. Anglian Water will be running a campaign called ‘keep it clear’ to help reduce instances of such waste entering the system.
(4) The pumping levels at the pumping station were not set at the right level and this is being changed.
The combination of measures being taken above should resolve the situation. But we will keep having multi-agency meetings to keep a close eye on the issue.
I am delighted that South Cambridgeshire District Council agreed this morning to the Neighbourhood Plan for the full parish of Waterbeach.
The Planning Portfolio Holder (decision maker) Councillor Turner commented on the good number and passionate responses to the consultation from the local community plus the barrage of lobbying from myself (especially) and my fellow District Councillor.
I cannot underline the significance of Localism Act in 2011 bringing forward the Neighbourhood Plan concept for communities like ours.
It will mean for instance; more funding (an extra 10% of CIL money), have legal force over non strategic elements of the local plan and give us a much greater say in shaping our community in areas such as planning and transport.
This really is a good day for our village and I commend the Parish Council and residents for their efforts.
It also demonstrates joined up Government, with legislation being passed nationally that local government works together to bring forward for the good of local residents.
