Topic ID 66
A planning application has been put in for 112 new homes on the former gas works at the end of Marshgate Drive and, as a sweetener, a new sea cadets hut. This will mean even more traffic using the already congested Mill Road, not to mention Marshgate Drive, which is currently a bit of a backwater. --- I got the location wrong - it's not the gas works - see later post --- Edited by - Steve on 29 Aug 2003 15:32:04
Reply ID 223
It is already total chaos during the rush hours and lunchtimes at the Marshgate-Mead lane junction. Having the cafe situated right on the corner doesn't help, because a lot of their customers park on the yellow lines opposite, and then wonder what all the fuss is about when a convoy of Regs' coaches can't get in or out of Marshgate drive, and the traffic backs up in all directions, laziness presiding over common sense. If this madcap scheme does go ahead though, at least the new residents will be treated to the wonderful aroma of freshly baked cream cakes wafting over from Pearces, this should have a therapeutic effect on them as they try to extract their vehicles from Marshgate Drive!
Reply ID 224
The actual site is a triangle of land from the sea scouts hut by the marina, to Spencer Street just off Mead Lane It covers the scout hut and land used by Reg's Coaches as a coach park, which includes the electricity substation and river frontage. The development is of four block of flats, five storeys high and featuring exterior walkways on the first and second floors. There is also a proposal for up to two levels of underground parking. As well as being very high density, the architectural style is totally out of keeping with the area - something more akin to the blocks of flats you might see in less well-off parts of North London.
Reply ID 225
As I started to read Steve's second post I thought "sounds just like the flats I used to live in in Hackney". I go past them when I go see Arsenal play. These are the sort of flats where: the interconnecting walkways were sealed off as they provided an easy means of escape for muggers the 4th & 5th floors have bars on windows that don't have any visible means off access to prevent burglars getting in the underground car parks are used by prostitutes and their clientelle people chain their bikes to the staircase INSIDE the house (I kid you not) insuring your car makes becomes your second greatest expense each month after your rent / mortgage. "But not in Hertford" you might say. Believe me once one or two of the wrong sort of family move... To give you an idea of how big these flats will be take a look here: http://tinyurl.com/los8 I used to live on the estate at the bottom of the picture. The block of flats that form an "n" at the top of the estate is 5 storeys high and has only 52 flats. We are looking at 2 - 3 of these blocks. If you're driving through the area (don't stop and get out whatever you do) then take a look. It's on the junction of Green Lanes and Brownswood Road about 1/2 mile south of Manor House. Is there any way we can oppose something like this going up? If it does, I'll consider moving further out.
Reply ID 226
I was wondering why so much money was spent sprucing up the tow-path along there, who actually paid for all that work? was it subsidized?
Reply ID 228
Oh no - this is horrifying. Not FIVE storeys along the riverbank please..... How can this be allowed? Anyone know where or how to protest?
Reply ID 229
The planning application was published in Friday's Mercury (29/8/03) and there is a three week period during which you can submit written objections to East Hertford District Council. The planning reference no. is 3/03/1545/FP. The plans are available for viewing by the public at Wallfields.
Reply ID 231
Can you object just on the grounds that you think it inappropriate or do you have to show that you are likeley to be affected by it? Near neighbour, etc Who is the planning expert here?
Reply ID 232
According the EHDC's Planning Guidance document - "East Herts welcomes and considers the views of the public on all planning applications. All objections or representations are taken into account by the Planning Committee when they consider applications."
Reply ID 236
Sounds Horrible!
Reply ID 241
I suggest that when we write in we also mention the likely effect on traffic congestion and even road safety that such an oversized development would have locally. Local authorities tend to be hyper-sensitive to anything that increases road traffic....
Reply ID 245
Any idea if e-mails are acceptable (e-government targets and all that)? Any contact names?
Reply ID 255
As an employee of Reg's Coaches, can I just say that Spencer is more than just a "coach park", it is our actual yard where 30+ people are employed and go to to earn a living. If these ridiculous plans go ahead then a lot of peoples livelyhoods could be in danger due to the problems involved in relocating 20 coaches and buses plus workshop and office space. The "chaos" caused by the coaches coming and going and the people going to the cafe is nothing compared to what it would be like round there with all the construction vehicles coming and going. Edited by - Guy on 05 Sep 2003 22:46:58
Reply ID 257
There is no doubt that there is a problem already. A company I own is in Merchant Drive, so I drive mead lane all the time. But the problem isn't the housing, or Reg's Buses, or the cafe. Its simply the fact that there isn't a car park, so commuters to Hertford East and workers at Dicker Mill end up parking on a road that is not wide enough for parking, and two lanes of traffic. Particularly when many of the work vehicles are wide. The road needs to be categorised for what it is. That being, a major artery to a industrial park. So the main road needs to be double yellow lined all the way. The bit of the disused land that has been earmarked for a cinema for the last 10 years should be given up for a new Station/Dicker Mill Staff/Town shopper car park.
Reply ID 272
Another road to be considered. - Railway Street / Railway Place The effects of increased traffic will bring a stand still to Railway Street, a road already with traffic flow controls. Why queue for the lights in Mill Road outside Tesco when you can go along railway street. You know railway street , the narrow road, double side parking for rail users and shoppers benefit (not particularly for residents) and constant wing mirror removal service provided by cars week in week out, not mentioning those leaving the industrial estate after work believe that the stretch from the station to the Railway Tavern is a race track. Now imagine a two fold increase in traffic, firstly construction vehicles and then an additional 200 odd cars for the homes of 112 new residents. Would be interesting to see council traffic specialist put to the test on this one.
Reply ID 278
Only a week left to get your objections in! Write to: M.P.Rossington Assistant Director Development Control East Herts District Council Wallfields Pegs Lane HERTFORD SG13 8EQ Quoting ref. 3/03/1545/FP Edited by - Steve on 12 Sep 2003 13:33:31