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DENMEAD NEIGHBOURS FACE THE FUTURE
Now that the Council has published the details of the Planning Committee’s decision, here is a summary of the outcome and some considerations as to how our association of neighbours will proceed
What have we achieved?
We were all disappointed by the December decision, but it is important to recognise what we have achieved together. If the residents had not taken collective action via the DNA, and had not made their views known by their individual efforts, we would already have a school with 176 pupils (or close to that) with no restraint on future increase of numbers.
Our activities have helped secure the following:
Click for a summary of the planning conditions, and for the Council's decision document
We were all disappointed by the December decision, but it is important to recognise what we have achieved together. If the residents had not taken collective action via the DNA, and had not made their views known by their individual efforts, we would already have a school with 176 pupils (or close to that) with no restraint on future increase of numbers.
Our activities have helped secure the following:
- Pupil numbers are limited to 144 and the school must apply for planning permission to increase that number – which would mean looking at the traffic situation.
- Conditions on other aspects such as lighting, hours of use, and use of the Wensleydale Gardens access, which will help residents. Whilst we campaigned for more we have achieved a great deal.
- DNA's role has been recognised. The Planning Committee agreed that the DNA should have a consultative role on the school’s Travel Plan.
Click for a summary of the planning conditions, and for the Council's decision document
Protecting our achievements
The ongoing support and collaboration of our local community is vital to ensure that the planning conditions are abided by and that traffic and other problems are regularly reported to the Council. We do need your support and involvement if the DNA is to continue to do its job of representing the local community and working with the Council and the school.
The ongoing support and collaboration of our local community is vital to ensure that the planning conditions are abided by and that traffic and other problems are regularly reported to the Council. We do need your support and involvement if the DNA is to continue to do its job of representing the local community and working with the Council and the school.
Moving forward - continued help needed
With the immediate tension surrounding the latest decision over, and after three years of effort, it will be tempting for neighbours to relax. Unfortunately, the need for those concerned about the future to act together is greater than ever. Within 2-3 years we could be facing a further application to increase numbers! Our response then will only be credible if we have solid evidence on what has happened - particularly by developing a picture of traffic, parking and noise and disturbance. Every little contribution has helped, and will continue to help, we need to widen and sustain the active involvement of neighbours in the affected area.
With the immediate tension surrounding the latest decision over, and after three years of effort, it will be tempting for neighbours to relax. Unfortunately, the need for those concerned about the future to act together is greater than ever. Within 2-3 years we could be facing a further application to increase numbers! Our response then will only be credible if we have solid evidence on what has happened - particularly by developing a picture of traffic, parking and noise and disturbance. Every little contribution has helped, and will continue to help, we need to widen and sustain the active involvement of neighbours in the affected area.