| Topic: | Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:THE OAKS SHOPPING CENTRE - new planning application | |
| Posted by: | Chantelle Arneaud | |
| Date/Time: | 03/08/13 11:03:00 |
| Hi Everyone I was under the impression the close date for comments was last Wednesday. That is what is written on the council website. I have also written an email to Angie Bray requesting help in getting an extension to the comment period. No response for over a week now. In terms of raising awareness, something as simple as putting flyers through doors could be a very good start. Particularly so if we are able to highlight concerns unique to different areas in Acton. I've copied below what I have submitted. I did not have ample time to read through all 106 documents, so I could not comment as thoroughly as I wanted to regarding the traffic flow - for some streets including Grove road this is estimated to increase by up to 31%. The plans state they will assess changes to junctions after completion of the project. I did spend quite a bit of time reading the visual impact study, which made me rather angry. Here are my comments, please feel free to copy and amend and reuse. http://www.pam.ealing.gov.uk/portal/servlets/PlanningComments?REFNO=PP/2012/3154 *** The revised development proposal remains unsuitable for the following reasons: · The height, mass and style of the development is out of context with the surrounding area. The mass of the development will infringe upon open spaces · The increase in traffic levels as a result of the retail and residential space will have a significant negative impact on surrounding residential streets · The proposed development fails to create a ‘town centre’ but rather creates a closed and gated community The height, mass and style of the development is out of context with the surrounding area The proposed development, despite most recent revision continues to be entirely out of keeping with local context. The scale of the development is inappropriate while the proposed 11 story tower block (what is effectively a 3 storey ground floor) protrudes so much above surrounding context as to make it completely inappropriate for the residential, Victorian area in which it would sit. The design itself is neither in keeping with nor sympathetic to the character of the surrounding buildings, particularly those within the conservation area. Claims that the modern design creates a ‘beautiful juxtaposition’ to the Victorian architecture are the subjective views of the developer and inconsistent with the expressed opinion of local residents. Acton, while being an urban area, currently enjoys open spaces as a result of the existing architecture, which in the area in question features buildings no more than 4 stories in height. The exception, to this being St. Mary’s Church, which serves as a focal point for the town centre and is in keeping with existing architecture. These open spaces are enjoyed by residents. As a resident and home owner I do not seek to create a contrast to open spaces by way of large, ungainly and out of context architecture as so proposed. Response the Visual Impact Study 2.4. The photographs here are misleading in terms of the scale of the proposed development. The actual development would not be ‘peripheral’ as so claimed but would dominate the landscape from this view. 2.7. The claim that ‘proposals step up and away from this [St. Mary’s Church] historic fabric so that the tower - removed by some distance – appears an integrated neighbour whilst nevertheless avoiding any overbearing or ill-effect.’ is not correct. The proposed tower by no way is integrated into any existing architecture. Nor is it complimentary. In fact, contrary to claims, the tower is exactly what it claims not to be: over-bearing and creating an ill-effect. 2.10 Were the proposed development to be constructed as planned, the view from Derwentwater Road would be mal-affected. The claim that it would fill: ‘Yet another incongruous gap in the streetscape’ and that this area, which currently enjoys a clear and unobstructed view, is ‘requiring closure and visual stoppage… ‘ is completely out of keeping with the views of local residents. This statement makes a strong assumption that local residents desire to have any open area which currently offers a clear view to be blocked. In any urban area access to clear and unobstructed views of the natural landscape is something which is sought after and does not benefit from ‘stoppage’. Furthermore, the proposal, if developed, would as claimed create ‘a striking visual impact’, however not a welcome one as it is entirely out of keeping with the current character of the area. 2.14 As a resident of Grove Road I am in complete disagreement with the assessment made in section 2.14 of the visual impact study. The open area offered by St. Mary’s Burial ground is a welcome one. It is not one that is in any way incongruous. Such a statement ignores the need for open spaces in any urban area. Furthermore, the claim that the visual impact of the proposed tower block would be ‘so negligible as to be virtually non-existent’ is not only untrue but ridiculous. This tower block would be an obstruction; unavoidable and an interruption in the views currently enjoyed from my home as well as St. Mary’s Burial Ground. The increase in traffic levels as a result of the retail and residential space will have a significant negative impact on surrounding residential streets The additional residential units and retail space will create an increase in traffic flows. As a resident of Grove Road we already have a growing issue with drivers using the road as a through-road from the high street to Churchfield Road. A reflection of this trend is the addition of a roundabout at Grove Road/Acton High Street last year. The impact study indicates a likely increase in traffic at junctions surrounding Grove Road in the double-digits as a result of the development. The proposed development would turn the residential Grove Road into a through-road with high levels of traffic. This would be a major and continuous disruption to the residents on Grove Road, who when they chose to move onto the road did so with the expectation of low traffic levels. The proposed development fails to create a ‘town centre’ but rather creates a closed and gated community The proposed site represents a fantastic regeneration opportunity for Acton. However, the proposed development is commercially motivated and does not meet the needs of the community. The proposed development closes access between Churchfield Road and Acton High Street when it should focus on opening the area up in order to create a functional community space. Such a design would encourage custom in the area as well as working to create a community feel. The proposed designs will have the opposite effect, reducing community interaction and increases the separation of Churchfield Road and Acton High Street. |