Local Plan update

·       The draft local plan has been published. It states policies and sites that do will deliver 11,400 new homes to Epping Forest. The plan that runs from 2011 to 2033 has already had 4000 of its homes built that form part of the plan. A site in Palmerston Road and one in Station Way have already received planning permission and are being built in Buckhurst Hill. There are three future sites that are listed in the plan in Buckhurst Hill: St Just’s in Powell Road where 33 homes approximately could be built, 44 homes could be built on the car park at the bottom of Queens Road (we have been told extra parking provision will result), and 11 approximately where the shops are at the top of Lower Queens Road. St Just's is have its green belt status removed. The issues of congestion  and parking provision are problems for the car at bottom of Queens Road, and rehousing residents and shops as well as parking are issues for Lower Queens Road. The recent public meeting showed a strong strength of feeling against each proposed site,

    Buckhurst Hill is the most densely populated part of Epping Forest and local Greens have argued that the three sites listed are inappropriate, and considering we have already had some development built and considering the restrictions in the area no more should be built and we taken our fair share. We also feel there is not enough detail on how present and future infrastructure is going to be met with these new developments. You can take part in the consultation from 31^st October to 12^th December 2016. You can do this by going online: www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/planningourfuture, or go to the Parish Council Office at Buckhurst Hill Library.

Draft Local Plan out

The Draft Local Plans is out:

The proposed sites in Buckhurst Hill for development are:

St Just, Powell Road, 30 homes.
Car Park, bottom Queens Road 44 homes.
Stores, Lower Queens Road 11 homes.
For more details click on item 7 and go to page 239 for Buckhurst Hill: http://rds.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=295&MId=8649

Neighbourhood Plan

As you may know Buckhurst Hill Parish Council is beginning the early stages consultation on the Buckhurst Hill Neighbourhood Plan. This will set planning policy in Buckhurst Hill until 2033. We are asking for your initial views on what you would like to see in the plan. We are planning further consultations on specific areas of planning policy later on that will go deeper into the issues involved in the area. Please complete the consultation via this link: http://www.buckhursthillpc.gov.uk/survey/ or by the paper copy you should have had through your door with the parish magazine

If you have any questions please attend one of the following workshops:

Wednesday, August 31, Roding Valley Hall, 7 – 9 PM.

Friday, September 16, Buckhurst Hill library, 7 PM – 9 PM.

167: How you can help.

Residents have asked what they can do about the threat to cut  by Transport for London the167 in the section from Loughton Station to Debden Station. It will impact residents of Debden and those who need to get to Debden. This will especially affect people who don’t have cars and who depend on public transport including school children, elderly people, people with mobility issues and parents with young children.
To stop these proposals, you can:
1. Sign this petition set up by  Debden Resident Heidi Chung: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitio…/save-the-167-bus-route
2. Respond to the Tf...L consultation: https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/buses/167/consult_view
3. Write to Eleanor Laing MP: http://www.eleanorlaing.com/contact
4. Contact Transport Portfolio Holder Eddie Johnson: http://cmis.essexcc.gov.uk/essexcmis5/Councillors/tabid/62/ctl/ViewCMIS_Person/mid/480/id/73/ScreenMode/Ward/Default.aspx
4. Write to your County Councillor Valerie Metclafe: http://rds.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/mgMemberIndexMRP.aspx
5. Complain to the EFDC transport portfolio holder, Cllr Gary Waller.
Phone: 01279 739345
Email: gary.waller@which.net

167 update: Consultation to change of route and introduction of new School Bus Route.

Today Transport for London have revealed  a consultation on a change to the 167 Bus Route. They plan in future to run it along the same route except stop at Loughton instead of Debden. They also plan a new school bus route from Ilford to Debden the 677. Please take part in the consultation: https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/buses/167

There are no planned changes to the Number 20 Bus Route.

A Big Thank you from Simon and Steven: Your Green Team

The results are in: Simon Heap was elected onto the District Council,  as our 2nd District Councillor, and Steven Neville onto the Parish Council.

District Result

Simon Heap, Green Party, 656 votes Elected.

Neville Wright, Conservative, 593 votes not elected.

Simon Hearn,  UKIP, 201 votes, not elected.

 

Parish Result:

Steven Neville, Green, 931 votes Elected

Neville Wright, Con, 661 votes Elected

Sam Clark, Con, 531 votes Elected

Smruti Patel, Con, 502 votes Elected

Jane Forker Clark, Con, 477 votes Elected

Halle Wheeler, Con, 408 votes not elected

A big thank you to all those residents who voted for Simon. Also thanks to all the 931 residents who gave me one of their five votes. I am more than grateful and together we hope to be good public servants and campaigners for the people of Buckhurst Hill East. We now form a group on District Council.

 

Finally a special mention to Ellie Furlong who came within 96 votes of being Parish Councillor in Buckhurst Hill West but was a distant second in the District result.

Vote Simon and Steven Tomorrow

 

I hope you will vote Green in Both the District and Parish Elections tomorrow.

 

 

Simon Heap is trying to become our Second District Councillor. I am once again seeking to become our first Parish Councillor.

As Greens we come to your door in between elections and keep your regularly updated on our actions. We are the only party to do so. Many say they never see others Councillors in the area until elections are on.

 As Greens we work hard. I have had an attendance record of 88% at council meetings over the least year. I am the only District Councillor in Buckhurst Hill East with an attendance rate over 50%. Their are only two District Councillors in the ward. I always replies to emails and phone calls promptly.

Over the last year one of our big campaigns has come to fruition: the pedestrian crossing at Loughton Way/Palmerston Road/Albert Road/Roding Lane. Soon it will be completed.

We have got the Epping Forest District Council to look at areas missed off their litter tidying list and have organised Litter Picks .

We have fought for our precious bus services: 167 and 20 from cuts brought about the current governments cuts to local government.

We have defended the Green Belt from attack despite our rivals claims to the contrary such 1 Powell Road and being part of getting our Green Belt settlement status changed to ensure extra protection for the Green Belt.

We have fought on road safety and reducing speeds in the area such as 20 mph speed limits and campaigning on traffic calming measures on Loughton Way and plan to do the same Buckhurst Way.

 

We have successfully chased pot holes and dangerous pavements so that are made good.

If you elect Simon tomorrow you will be well served with a hard working independent Councillor who will put our interests first and not follow a party line. Together we can achieve more for our community.

In the District election you have just one vote, but in the Parish you have five possible votes, however you do not have to use all five and could just vote for one person. In just voting for me you will ensure my place on the Parish and every vote for the Tories means less chance of me getting on.

So whatever you do tomorrow Vote Green. We have a great chance of winning the District Seat but only with your help will we do so.

Loughton Way/Albert Road/Roding Lane/Palmerston Roan Junction closure up date

Ask and you get: For all those living in or near Buckhurst Hill and travel through the Loughton Way/Albert Road/Roding Lane/Palmerston Road Junction: the proposed junction closure for the week 25th to 30th April is now not taking place. Instead a nightime closure 8pm to 3am is now to take place from 2nd May for 4 days to complete lining and slotting work. Access/Pedestrians/Emergency Vehicles will be allowed through at these times.

Loughton Way/Albert Road/Palmerston Road/Roding Lane Junction update

Just to say this has been brought to my notice and that I have complained to the Cabinet Member for Smaller Highways Initiatives at Essex County Council about it. Why could they not do this at night via floodlight??


 The Essex County Council (Albert Road, B170 Palmerston Road, B170 Roding Lane & Loughton Way, Buckhurst Hill) (Temporary Prohibition of T...raffic) Order 2016

Notice is hereby given that the Essex County Council intends, not less than seven days from the date of this notice, to make the above Order under section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.
Effect of the order: To temporarily close the following length of Albert Road, B170 Palmerston Road, B170 Roding Lane & Loughton Way, Buckhurst Hill in the District of Epping Forest:

Albert Road, Buckhurst Hill
From its junction with B170 Palmerston Road to its junction with Yew Close.

B170 Palmerston Road, Buckhurst Hill
From its junction with Loughton Way to its junction with Victoria Road.

B170 Roding Lane, Buckhurst Hill
From its junction with Loughton Way to its junction with Alfred Road.

Loughton Way, Buckhurst Hill
From its junction with B170 Palmerston Road to its junction with Hurst Road.
The closures are scheduled to commence on 25 April 2016 for 5 days or where appropriate signs are showing and weather permitting, and are required for the safety of the public and workforce while slot cutting and white lining is undertaken.
The alternative routes will be as follows:
B170 Palmerston Road to B170 Roding Lane - B170 Palmerston Road, A121 High Road, High Road (Woodford Green), A1009 Broadmead Road, A113 High Road, B173 Manor Road, A123 Hainault Road, A113 High Road, Chigwell Rise, B170 Roding Lane and vice versa.
B170 Roding Lane to Loughton Way – B170 Roding Lane, Rous Road, River Road, Loughton Way and vice versa.
B170 Palmerston Road to Albert Road – A121 High Road, High Road (Woodford Green), A1009 Broadmead Road, St Barnabas Road, Hillside Avenue, Buckhurst Way, Albert Road and vice versa.
Access for emergency service vehicles and pedestrians will be maintained at all times during the closure.
The Order will come into effect on 25 April 2016 and may continue in force for 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier

Help Simon Heaps Campaign.

The Green Team for Buckhurst Hill East: District Candidate Simon Heap and District Councillor Steven Neville

One of the ways of helping Simon and me is to give money. With your donation it will help us reach more people by election day 5th May. Follow the link: https://www.gofundme.com/e3w5v8zw

Simon Heap: Green District Councillor Candidate 2016

It is my very great pleasure to introduce the Green Party candidate for Buckhurst Hill East for the forthcoming District council elections on 5 May 2016. Simon is an events organizer by profession, currently working in the theater world. He's run his own businesses in the past. He was born and brought up in Buckhurst Hill and although you moved away for a number of years he is now back in the area. I have every confidence that Simon, if elected, will make an excellent Councillor. He will be dedicated and diligent. He will be an independent voice, representing his constituents rather than toeing the party line. He will also help share the load for me, and mean together we can get more done for Buckhurst Hill East than I can by myself. As in recent years the fight will be between ourselves and the Conservatives.

EFDC Budget Meeting

Last night I voted to freeze council tax at Epping Forest District Council. Essex, Police and Crime Commissioner; and Fire Authority are all putting their share up. Luckily the work of officers and councillors as well having a better settlement than Essex has meant we can freeze the tax for now. No major cuts came our way so we were fortunate. I fear what is coming our way in terms of cuts to budgets at Essex and we have heard Police plans as well the Fire Service plans to cut a fire engine from Loughton. Be prepared for a bumpy ride ahead.

Council house building update

According to a report to the Cabinet Council House building committee the planned houses that were to be built on the demolished garages around the back of the shops in Loughton Way will not be going ahead after discussions with EFDC's planning department. The new plan is to demolish the garages and replace them with a parking scheme for residents. If you can let me know what you think of this please contact me on cllrstevenjsneville@gmail.com.