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 News
Older articles can be found in our News Archive section. Most of the items on this
page have previously been on our home page.
AGM
Annual report for 2008 – 2009
News item added
November 2009 when removed from home page
 As presented at the AGM, here is the 2008 – 2009 Annual
report (1,396 KB PDF) for your information.
Closures
of Anvil Footbridge and Churchill
Way West
News item added
November 2009 when removed from home page
Maintenance
works require the complete removal of the existing paint system to the
footbridge followed by the application of a new paint system. In order to provide a safe working area
and ensure the safety of the general public it will be necessary to close
the footbridge temporarily for periods during the works and put in place
temporary lane closures on Churchill
Way on the approaches to the footbridge. A temporary diversion for pedestrians
will be in place via the shopping centre to the east of the
footbridge. The lane closures on Churchill Way
will be restricted to outside of peak hours.
The works are programmed to commence early next week
(w/c 10th August 2009) and are expected to be complete by the first week of
November.
Latest
Mobility News from Chris
News item added
November 2009 when removed from home page
Chris, our Vulnerable Person’s Officer has arranged for
dropped kerbs to be placed opposite the entrances at either end of the
hall. This will avoid the need for those with wheelchairs or pushchairs to
have to walk in the road. Works should start shortly. Thanks Chris!
Chris would also like to let people know that in what
may represent a dramatic victory for campaigners, Care Services Minister
Phil Hope yesterday told a reporter at the Labour Party conference that DLA
is not under threat by the care green paper. According to the Disability
Now website, Phil Hope, when asked if he would abolish DLA after the
election, replied: “No. All the models that we have done have not included
DLA. But if people were to make a case to integrate DLA into a
comprehensive system, then I'm very happy to hear that case and have those
arguments.
"DLA is not under threat and people can be very happy". For more
details visit: www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/news/latest-news/1110-dla-is-not-under-threat----be-very-happy-says-government-minister.
BCOT
Plans for Relocation
News item added
November 2009 when removed from home page
The latest information can be
found on this site: http://www.bcot.ac.uk/vision/
Halloween
Fancy Dress Disco – Saturday 31st October 2009, 6.30 – 9.30pm
News item added November 2009
when removed from home page
 Brookvale is becoming famous for its good atmosphere and fun at
Halloween. Have an even better time this year by joining us at our Fancy
Dress Disco.
There
will be a prize for the best dressed boy, girl and grown up. Come as what
you like, it doesn’t have to be Halloween themed.
As
well as the disco there will be traditional Halloween activities like apple
bobbing and a best pumpkin competition (bring yours along!). We will have a
tuck shop and a raffle and you can bring your own drinks (alcohol allowed).
The
event is for all ages. Tickets are £3, with 2s and under free, but they
still need a ticket. Tickets from Sarah on 354199, info@brookvale.org.uk or call in at
32 Queens Road.
Please note children are to be accompanied by an adult.
Tickets should be bought in advance to avoid disappointment and to help us
with planning. If there are some left, they will be available on the door
but we can not guarantee that there will be any available.
Annual General Meeting – Tuesday 22nd
September 2009
News item added October 2009
when removed from home page
Our AGM will be held in the village hall on Lower Brook Street
on Tuesday 22nd September at 7.30pm. All are welcome, come along
and support your local community. This is a chance for you to influence the
BCA, an opportunity to celebrate the successes of the BCA and an
opportunity to volunteer.
The format of the evening will be some refreshments,
the business of reviewing the past year and voting in a new committee, then
some more refreshments and a chance to chat with the committee and
neighbours. For more information email info@brookvale.org.uk or call Pam
on 01256 324313. Hope to see you there!
Basingstoke Heritage Open Day
News item added
October 2009 when removed from home page
For those interested in local heritage, Basingstoke
Heritage Society is holding an open day at the Holy Ghost Cemetery on
Sunday 13th September. See http://www.bas-herit-soc.org/ for
more information.
News
on Gowrings from Chris
News item added
October 2009 when removed from home page
Chris, our Vulnerable Person’s Officer would like to
let people know that Gowrings Mobility, who supply WAVs (Wheelchair
Accessible Vehicles) gone into administration. They are still trading for
the time being but are looking for a buyer to secure the future. Customers
should experience business as usual. Any customers with concerns can
contact Motability Operation’s customer services on 0845 456 4566.
Basingstoke Green Fair – Saturday 12th
September 2009, 12 – 4pm
News item added October 2009
when removed from home page
 The Green Fair is about fun, money saving and helping
our planet. There is free admission and there will be activities, stalls, a
free raffle and information on anything 'Green' and 'money saving'. The
event will be held at the hall.
The programme of events will be:
Drum Runners 4 Kidz: Recycled Music Making Workshop
12:00 Film 1: Pete Postlethwaite:
The Age of Stupid: Where did we go wrong?
13:30 Talk: Richard Barnett:
Transition Basingstoke: Energy Adaptation
14:00 Film 2: Rebecca Hosking: Farm for a Future
15:00 Tray Garden Competition: Judging &
Speeches
15:30 Environment Forum: Open Debate
16:00 Close
Activities for children will include
music making, competitions including painting and tray gardens.
There will be many stalls including
Blackwell Books, Wikaniko Body Care, Jack Be Green, Naomi House, BAAG,
Environment Centre, LETS Link UK, Mark Group Home Energy, Drum Runners
4Kidz, BCA Plants & Books, Octopus Children’s Centres, Friends Of
Loddon Vale Parks, Hampshire Wildlife Trust, Battery Vehicle Society,
Basingstoke & District Guides, B&DBC LDF & HCC Cycling Consultations.
This is also an opportunity to see the ideas for the redevelopment of Victory Park and have your say on them.
Refreshments will be available. We would love to see you there. Drop in for
a browse or stay for the whole program. There is something for everyone, join
us on your way into Festival
Place.
Friends
of Loddon Vale Parks – Family Picnic 15th August
News item added
September 2009 when removed from home page
 You are invited to bring your
family with a picnic, have your face painted and laugh at Punch and Judy in
Victory Park on Saturday 15th
August from 1 – 4pm. The hall will be open for refreshments and an Old
Brookvale photo display.
Please visit the website of Friends of Loddon Vale Parks for more
information and details of other work the group is involved in.
Open
Access Summer Play scheme
News item added
September 2009 when removed from home page
There will be an open access summer play scheme running
in the Village Hall from 3rd to 7th August, excluding
Wednesday 5th August from 2 – 4pm. Admission is 75p per child
and the scheme is for children aged 5 – 15. For more information see http://www.destinationbasingstoke.co.uk/?page=EventDetails&f=&event=81.
DIY
Conservation Surgery and Workshop for Brookvale
News item added
August 2009 when removed from home page
Is your front wall crumbling? Does your front path need
relaying? Are you looking at new doors or windows? BCA are providing a
professional led Saturday workshop on how to restore property in a
sympathetic way.
Topics will include:
·
An overview of Conservation Areas, the legalities of improvements,
maintaining the value of our homes.
·
Timber frames, how to replace putty and renew the sash window
mechanism.
·
Benefits of secondary glazing.
·
Repairing, re-pointing and replacing front garden walls and quarry
tile paths.
·
Looking at how much DIY should try and achieve.
·
Visits to local homes (weather dependent).
·
Q&A session including a representative from the Council.
Refreshments will be available to purchase.
The workshop is provided in conjunction with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and Bursledon
Brickworks and the Hampshire Buildings Preservation Trust and is
planned for the 8th August.
Email info@brookvale.org.uk
or call Cathy on 01256 462688 to book a place.
Subject to space this workshop will be open to people
from other conservation areas in Basingstoke.
Spotlight
on the Vulnerable Person’s Officer
News item added
May 2009 when removed from home page
Chris Hall has updated the information on his role and
how he can help the residents of this area with all issues that may affect
vulnerable people. He’s added information on the work he’s been doing
recently and examples of issues he can help with. There is also information
on the Basingstoke Disability Forum, which Chris is a member of.
Chris is currently trying to make people aware of the
need to report crime where disabled people are the target as well as
educating people appropriately to stop crime/attacks on such
people. People should get in contact if they have:
·
Been a victim to Disablity Discrimation whether it be verbal or
physically again them.
·
Been a Victim to Disability Discrimination but feels unable to
report it.
·
Had to deal with Enforcing good etiquette around disabled people.
·
Been a victim to general ignorance around disability.
Check his page out for
more information and how to get in touch.
We’ve
been busy in Brookvale….
News item added
May 2009 when removed from home page
We had a very busy end of 2008 in Brookvale. We manned
a stall at the Basingstoke Voluntary Services’ Christmas Fair to raise awareness
of who we are. We worked in partnership with a local company for a ‘day of service’ where
volunteers came and painted parts of our hall for us. Thanks to them, we
are very grateful! This was facilitated for us by Basingstoke Voluntary
Services. We held the annual Children’s
Christmas Party and hosted the Proteus Christmas pantomime ‘The Snow Queen’. What a good end to
2008 and a good start to 2009!
Brook
House Planning Passed
News item added
Feb 2009 when removed from home page
Planning has been granted for conversion of Brook House
into 30 flats and the erection of three storey side extensions to the north
and south elevations with roof terraces and a new floor on the upper level
of the existing building. For more information see Basingstoke Council
website: BDB/68041.
Electricity
Problems
News item added
Feb 2009 when removed from home page
 There have been problems in the
area recently with residents and the village hall suffering from low
voltage or power cuts. You will know if you are suffering from low voltage
because your lights may be dim or flicker and appliances may not function
correctly. If you do have problems then please report them to Southern
Electric as the more people that complain, the more likely action is to be
taken to improve reliability and supply of electricity to the area. You can
report faults on 0845 770 8090. Let them know if you are a priority case
e.g. elderly or disabled and you should get attention more quickly.
Merry
Christmas from Brookvale Community Association!
News item added
Jan 2009 when removed from home page
 We will be hosting the Children’s Christmas party at the village
hall on Saturday the 13th of December 1 – 4 pm. Come along for
fun with the children and a drink with your neighbours. There will be a
children’s entertainer, face painting, craft and Father Christmas! This is
a free event.
For a post Christmas pick me up come along to the
January pantomime! This year it’s the Snow Queen, performed by Proteus theatre
company. It will take place at the Village Hall on the 11th
January 2009. Tickets cost £6 for adults and £4 for concessions and will be
available at the Christmas Party.
For more information on either of these events email info@brookvale.org.uk
Spotlight
on the 3Cs Coffee Morning
News item added
Jan 2009 when removed from home page
 The 3Cs Coffee Morning takes
place on the first Saturday of each month, 10 – 12 at the village hall.
Meet members of your community by joining us for coffee, cakes and chat.
Over the coming months there are extra activities going on:
·
Saturday November 1st: Freecycle bring and take stall.
·
Saturday December 6th Paula will be selling some lovely
and inexpensive original cards for all occasions. Katrina will be tempting
you with nice jewellery and toiletries.
·
Saturday February 7th Old Brookvale Talk by Debbie
Reavell from the Basingstoke
Heritage Society plus sale of gently used books. Refreshments will be
available. This will be a free but ticketed event as numbers are limited,
email info@brookvale.org.uk for
more information.
This is also an opportunity to meet Councillor Jo
Kelly, who holds her Councillor surgeries at the coffee morning and Chris
Hall for his disability surgery and see the lottery numbers being drawn.
Halloween
in Brookvale
News item added
Jan 2009 when removed from home page
As usual, a number of houses did Brookvale proud with
their decorations this year, with the ‘scary house’ in Queens Road attracting lots of
visitors!
Unfortunately the annual fancy dress disco held around
Halloween time didn’t go ahead this year, due to a lack of volunteers to
help on the night. Hopefully we will be able to bring this event back next
year. This really highlights how dependent we are on help from volunteers.
Police
Beat Surgery
News item added
Nov 2008 when removed from home page
The beat surgery was held on Wednesday the 3rd
of September, from 18.30 until 19.30 at the village hall. It was an opportunity
to meet our local beat officers and raise any issues you may have. No
residents raised any issues at the surgery, which we hope reflects that
residents are happy with security in the area.
The
Vale
News item added
Nov 2008 when removed from home page
 A new youth started on
Wednesday 10th January. It’s held every Wednesday in term time,
7pm – 8.30pm at Brookvale Village Hall. £1 per entry. It’s for school years
7+, come and see what’s on offer or phone Sarah
and Andy on 07890 708696.
Rainbows,
Brownies and Guides
News item added
Nov 2008 when removed from home page
St
Michael's Brownies and Guides have spaces available for girls wishing to
find out about Guiding. We have lots
of fun together, learning new
skills and making new friends. Some
of the things we get up to include outings and trips, crafts, community work, working towards badges,
cooking, dance and games, and campfire songs. We are especially looking
forward to celebrating 100 years of Guiding in 2010, which coincides with the
Brownie Pack's 50th birthday. We all have great fun together and would love
to hear from girls who would like to find out more. Brownies is open to girls aged between 7
and 10, and Guides in open to girls aged between 10 and 14. We are also interested in hearing from
any adults that would be interested in helping out, in however large or
small a way, especially with running a Rainbow Group for girls aged between
5 and 7. For more information,
please contact Sue Smith on 01256 411034.
A
word from Sarah and Paul, our
ACSOs
News item added
Nov 2008 when removed from home page
 Our names are Sarah Fordham and Paul Bowman, we are Accredited
Community Safety Officers or ACSOs, Working for Hampshire County Council’s
Community Safety Team. We have recently taken on Brookvale as one of our
areas to patrol along with Kings Furlong, Grove, Black Dam and Fairfields.
The
role of the ACSOs across Basingstoke and
Deane is to help reduce the fear of crime and tackle issues that affect residents’
quality of life, such as anti-social behaviour and nuisance.
We
deal with a variety low-level crimes such as underage drinking and smoking,
cycling on footpaths, fly-tipping and abandoned vehicles and combine
community work and enforcement to address these issues.
We
have been given various powers by the police such as the ability to issue
£50 fixed penalty notices and yellow cards, for a number of offences. The
yellow card scheme acts as an early warning system and involves letters
being sent to the parent/guardian of any young person caught misbehaving.
We aim
to get involved in many community events and to get to know all of the
local residents and build good relationships.
Contact
details for the ACSOs can be found at http://www3.hants.gov.uk/communitysafety/communitysafety-contact.htm
The image is ©Hampshire County Council. Material is
reproduced with the permission of Hampshire County Council.
Report
from the 07/08 AGM
News item added
Nov 2008 when removed from home page
The AGM
went ahead on the
20th May at the village hall. It was a pleasant evening and the business
side of things was dealt with fairly swiftly, with the result that a new
treasurer and 4 committee members were voted in. This left the rest of the
evening free to enjoy the refreshments, chat with neighbours and look at
the collection of photos from the BCA past. Unfortunately there were only
just enough attendees to make the AGM official, which was disappointing
given the effort that had gone into advertising the event.
The
official business included the voting in of a new, more modern constitution,
a review of the past years business and a review of the BCA’s financial
position. 07/08 was a good year for the BCA, there were many successful
events, 3 editions of the newsletter were published, the hall was used by a
variety of people and the lottery continued to raise funds. The financial
review showed that BCA looks to be in a fairly healthy financial situation.
On the downside, the committee lost several members due to house moves and
we appealed for more volunteers to come forward to get involved. A whole
range of roles could be available, so all skills are welcome. Anyone who
has an interest in getting involved is urged to come to the next committee
meeting at the village hall, 7.30pm on Tuesday 10th June.
The
next AGM will be on the 22nd September 2009. Provisional minutes are
available (111 KB). You will need the free Acrobat Reader to view this file
which is available at http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html
Developments
in our Area – Latest News (February 2008)
News item added
May 2008
 Old Allotments Development
·
Work has started, the footway, cycleway and Churchill Way West are still open.
·
The request for a new footway from the end of Winterthur Way to College Road has been ignored (along
with other points).
·
Complaint to our town MP resulted in a re-iteration of existing
documentation via the Chief Exec. A complaint to the Chief Exec is in progress,
with no response yet. The local government ombudsman has also been
consulted.
Local Development Framework
·
Consultation has been started, there are some leaflets in the
village hall. The sub committee may comment.
Crown Heights
·
Following an assessment by the council of alternative routes it is
now unlikely that the Crown
Heights bridge will
close from 11pm – 6am.
·
The sub committee is concerned that the Brambleys Drive Doctors
surgeries were relocated to Crown
Heights with no
consultation. There is now poor signage and access from the car p ark for
the mobility impaired.
·
The station to Liquid steps were repaired and have been vandalised
again.
Brook House
·
The latest application for refurbishment into office space and 24
flats has been refused (Council ref BDB/66939)
For further information on local involvement in these
plans look at the Sub Committee pages. Send
any comments to malcolm.macinnes@brookvale.org.uk,
the chair of the Development Sub Committee.
Brookvale’s
Scariest House 2007
News item added
January 2008
 33 Queens Road again did Brookvale proud and
welcomed 138 trick or treaters (and that didn’t include mums and dads!
We have more
pictures of the house.
Disability
Consultations
News item added
November 2007
Chris is seeking views on proposed changes to Church Street,
the centre of Basingstoke and community
transport. For more details see Chris’s page.
Results
of HYLA Competition at the Green Fair
News item added
October 2007
 Following the 'Guess the number
of Smarties lids in the jar' competition at the 'Green Fair', an
independent count by local school children was arranged by Helen Hempstead.
The official result was that there were 313 lids in the jar. The closest
guess was 304, by Ms Hollies of Tadley, and she receives the first prize of
a HYLA Water Air Freshener. Runer-up prizes of HYLA kitchen knife sets go
to Ms Whittaker and Mr Green, both from Basingstoke. Further
runner-up prize winners will be notified by telephone. By Ian Morgan, HYLA UK
Brookvale’s
Scariest House!
News item added
November 2006
 Many of you will have noticed the spectacular
Halloween display at 33 Queens
Road. The house attracted lots of trick or
treaters, Adrian and his family lost count after about 70! Adrian would like to
mention that he put up the decorations Saturday morning, and apart from
bringing in some of the bigger ones each night, not a single spider, cobweb
or grave stone was touched by anyone for the 4 days that they were
out. The family do not trick or treat themselves but prefer to dress
up the house and invite everyone to come to them. They hope everyone
liked the house and had a good time. They would also like to thank the
people that bought sweets to them, It was a very kind gesture. We have more pictures of the house on the site
for you to see.
Windows
broken at the Village Hall
News item added
on 20th October 2006
Unfortunately several windows at the Village Hall have
been smashed. Despite being caught in the act by a committee member the
Police have been unable to take action yet due to a lack of evidence. The
Committee have been looking at increased security measures for the hall to
prevent damage like this and to help tackle the ongoing problems with
graffiti. This all costs the committee money and effort that we could
otherwise put to better use. We are hoping to apply for a grant to help
with some of the costs. If you have any information on who is responsible
for the damage please can you contact our beat officer, PC Kerr at
Basingstoke Police Station on 0845 0454545. Please report any anti social behaviour
or crime to PC Kerr as she can then apply for more resources for our area.
Update
on the Victory Hill Development – No more “Digging for Victory” near
Victory Hill
News item added
on 30th July 2006
It would be the end of civilisation should Basingstoke ever stop growing! There's always
something being built or knocked own.
Brookvale has had to fight hard to get the few amenities it has and
was short changed in the redevelopment of the town with most of the new money
being spent on the new estates. Residents had to work very hard to get the
village hall (The use of the word village got us extra funding from the
HCC), the fencing of King George V playing field, the ball wall, benches,
the Victory Green and KGV play areas
to name just a few. And so here again Brookvale is engaged in another fight
to improve the quality of life in REAL terms for old and new residents of
the enlarged area of residents in Brookvale.
Thus we find out too late that at Victory Hill, Rialto provided a high
density flatted development without surrounding amenities. There is no access to Brookvale and Winterthur Way
slope is too steep for Disabled Access.
A patch of grass big enough to site a bench, the Penthouse view and
some kind of artefact appear to be their only amenities!
Next door, the Old Allotment site became vacant in the
70s, partly caused by the post Second World War reconstruction enabling the
growth of supermarkets for vegetable shopping. This resulted in the most fertile soil in
Basingstoke being re-designated as Brownfield Land
for re-development per the Borough consultation in the Basingstoke Area
Local Plan and expressed in the Local Development Framework for Land North
of Churchill Way West.
Due to the ceaseless efforts of our local Councillor
John Shaw BCA came to understand what all the above meant for the
re-development of the Old Allotments site: a horizontal continuous line of
flats from Victory roundabout to the Thorneycroft Roundabout!
John negotiated on behalf of the BCA our influence in the
development as part of the Borough's Statement of Community Involvement
meaning our comments to be considered and incorporated.
This new process meant that the Borough visited the BCA
to share with us their evaluated 30th Jan 2006 5 Developer Tender Proposals
on 8th February 2006. We commented
on these proposals to Cabinet on 28th February 2006 and the Council Leaders
visitted the BCA to hear our concerns on 22nd March 2006 After the Cabinet meeting 27th March 2006
proposals were re-tendered to meet Borough guidelines, the BCA were invited
to a Roundtable with the chosen Developer to comment on this stage of the
plans, which we were also able to take to residents consultation 18th July
2006.
Further comments including some particular to Victory
Hill were listed out, all submitted prior to the David Wilson Homes
Developer Planning Proposal Submission deadline of 24th July 2006. These comments included relationship
with Brookvale/Victory Hill, scale, appearance, access, linkages, social
housing, amenities and infrastructure.
We have not approved these plans as they are lacking in detail when
additional sectional views were requested to understand the visual impact
of this development on the surrounding areas and landscape.
There are also difficult issues that need ongoing
community engagement and attention like a bus stop/bridge/pedestrian
crossing instead of car right hand turn, residents gate between Victory
Hill and Old Allotments to Brookvale, Brook House redevelopment/refurb,
Victory Roundabout disabled access, building sustainable energy saving
measures incorporated into this new development and spending Section 106
money to provide amenity value not mediocre art , when existing infrastructure issues will
become further exacerbated!
After the deadline, there will be further opportunity
for us to comment and to develop the detail as follows:
* Hall user comments and residents feedback - Chris
Hall
* Energy Saving Sustainable technology Return On
Investment Proposal - Ted Blackmore-Squires
* Open Space Amenities and Design - Malcolm MacInnes
Our thanks to the time and effort our Borough
Councillors and Officers have given the BCA in working with us on this
hopefully prestige and attractive development to the benefit of Brookvale
AND the wider town!
Malcolm
Chair, BCA,
Development Subcommittee
Public
meeting on Crime
News item added
on 9th September 2005
We are pleased to announce a public meeting on crime
and safety.
We have managed to gather together our local beat bobby
(PC Lee Stanbrook), the Hampshire County Council ACSOs (or Accredited
Community Safety Officers), representatives from Basingstoke & Deane’s
Community Safety team and representatives from the Basingstoke
Neighbourhood Watch Association.
Each of our guests will give a short presentation on
how they perceive the current situation, and suggest ways in which we can
help.
We hope to establish a Neighbourhood Watch scheme
following this meeting, and it is essential you come along to show your
support. There will be plenty of
opportunities to have your points of view aired, and to have questions
answered.
Please put Wednesday 14th September in your diary now.
The meeting will commence at 7:30pm promptly. Join us at 7:15 for welcome
drinks and nibbles.
Reminders from the July issue of Blurb
Please keep this number for Hampshire Police close to
your telephone, and store it in your mobile phone’s address book: 0845 045
45 45. It is essential that every
incidence of crime or anti-social behaviour is reported to Hampshire
Police. We will not get the resources our area deserves and requires if
crimes are not reported. Even if nothing has actually been stolen, but
there is evidence of a break-in, please report it. Even if the incident is
no longer in progress. You are not wasting police time by reporting
incidents – you could be helping police to collect intelligence into when
these crimes occur and who might be perpetrating them.
Also, don’t forget to keep an eye out for anyone you
see acting suspiciously, or anyone that shouldn’t be wherever they are –
kids or adults. If you discover kids loitering around the back of your
home, tell them that they are trespassing on private property. If, for
example, you find someone posing as a tradesperson in a neighbour’s back
garden when you’re not aware of any work being carried out, challenge them.
Make a note of their vehicle registration numbers. You never know when
information like that might be required by the police.
One thing is for certain; the crime situation has got
worse in recent months and it is up to every single one of us to pull
together to fight it.
Further
development at site west of Victory Hill
News item added
on 9th September 2005
We have been informed by the new Head of Property
Services at Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council, Helen Harbour,
that the council has now completed its feasibility
studies on the land west of the current Victory Hill development. It’s
early days yet, there are no firm plans for any development at the site
yet, but the council is actively looking for developers who are interested
in the site.
They expect to receive tenders back from suitable
developers within the next few months and will then meet with BCA
representatives to discuss the proposals. We will keep you updated with any
information provided to us.
Planning
issues
News item added
on 9th September 2005
Please remember that if you wish to undertake ANY work
to the front of your property, most of the buildings in Brookvale are
covered by the Conservation Order which came into effect in 1999. Work must
be preceeded by an approved planning application. Contact Basingstoke &
Deane Borough Council (844844) for further information.
Here are a couple of local planning issues you should
be aware of:
Queens Road Post Office
Work had started at Queens Road Post Office to turn
this commercial unit into a residential property. No planning application
had been submitted and so the council advised the owner that permission
would be required before any further development took place. A yellow
planning application poster has suddenly turned up on the door of the old
Post Office!
We strongly believe that this is a commercially viable
unit, and should stay that way. We are rapidly losing the local street
corner businesses that once flourished in our neighbourhood. We urge you
write in to object to the conversion of the old Post Office. You can view
the application on the council’s website at:
www.basingstoke.gov.uk/planning » and following the links to the “Planning
Applications Register”. The application number is BDB/61428. Please write
to: Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council, Development Control, Civic
Offices, London Road,
Basingstoke, RG21
4AH. Don’t forget to quote the application
number in your letter.
May Street
Building
You may have noticed quite a bit of work taking place
to the old DriveTime building on the corner of May Street and Lower Brook
Street, including new signage for another business. Whilst we are keen to
see this building get a new lease of life and
encourage new businesses into the area, it is important
to note that no planning application or change of use has been filed with
the council for this development. We are purely concerned about
representing local residents on any change of use. There was some talk on
the grapevine of a business owner opening a bistro/takeaway at this site.
We are concerned that there might be an increase in noise, food smells,
traffic etc. The council is keeping a close eye on this development and
will step in if any breach takes place. We also have the full support of
our local councillors, both for encouraging local businesses into the area
and for ensuring applications are properly filed.
Upcoming enforcement action
Everyone residing in the the Conservation Area has received
a letter from the council, advising that a major enforcement campaign is
about to take place. We would like to stress the point that the council has
the power to force property owners to undo work that has not had full
planning consent. Satellite dishes on front elevations, replaced walls,
windows and doors and
removal of period features will all be up for scrutiny
by the enforcement team. We advise that, if you have undertaken work
without getting prior planning permission, that you file a retrospective
application. Satellite dishes must be relocated so that they are not
visible from the street.
Pride
of Place grants
News item added
on 9th September 2005
A new grant scheme has been announced by the council.
The Pride of Place Partnership Initiative (POPPI) might be able to provide
the Brookvale area with a grant for regeneration. If you have any ideas for
suggestions, we would love to hear from you. please email info@brookvale.org.uk
We will be meeting with council representatives at our
August Committee Meeting to discuss the scheme.
Proposals
to alter Deep Lane
junctions and traffic priorities
News item added
on 9th September 2005
Cllr Doris Jones has advised us that the council has plans
to alter portions of Deep Lane.
We will keep you updated as soon as we have further information.
Older articles can be found in our News Archive section.
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