My Road’s Parking.

Hmmm.   I’ve just been emailing Karen Chilvers, my local councillor — locally elected by local people — about my streets parking.

Which, to be frank, is ridiculous, even to a non driver.

Let me give you a quick bit of backstory, here, as it’s a bit of a first.

I – along with my neighbour, Lynn – moved into our rented flats about 18 months ago, and both of us were told by the housing association we were renting from that there’d be enough parking for everyone.

Which was a bit inaccurate, to say the least.

Due to planning regulations that Orwell would call bureaucratic, assorted crossed lines, and outright balls ups, our street — which is roughly 140-odd socially rented flats and houses — have roughly three quarters of a parking space, each.   Well, 0.79th, anyway.

Not good.

On top of that, we’re near Brentwood railway station, and its rather extortionate carpark. It didn’t take long for its users – like the owner of the car pictured above – to work out there was easily available space to put their motors in, at no cost.

As you can imagine, my neighbours who own cars are fairly hacked off about it, and those who don’t can’t have their friends and family who drive over.

Mostly where drivers are scrabbling for parking.

But, here, here’s the text of the recent batch of emails; —

“From: "karen.chilvers@brentwood-ongarlibdems.org.uk"

Date: 8 January 2009 12:28:05 GMT

To:

Subject: Re: Rollason Way’s on, and off street parking

Reply-To: karen.chilvers@brentwood-ongarlibdems.org.uk"

Of course, no problem.  I've also emailed Ade about the issue you raised.  Don't hesitate to call me if there's anything else I can help you with - first and foremost I was elected to help the people of Brentwood West. 

Also, I put regular updates on my website, www.karenchilvers.mycouncillor.org.uk about the local area as it takes a while to get leaflets out!

All the best, Karen

----Original Message----

From: 

Date: 08/01/2009 12:21 

To: "katzatbrackens@tiscali.co.uk"

Subj: Re: Rollason Way’s on, and off street parking

I hope he does; — like I say, I’ve forwarded that to him, and I’ll be forwarding your reply, if that’s ok.

On 8 Jan 2009, at 12:08,  karen.chilvers@brentwood-ongarlibdems.org.uk wrote:

Dear Paul

Thanks for getting in touch following receipt of the letters I delivered to residents, personally, on Sunday. 

I can understand your frustration, as expressed to Cllr Payne, and felt similarly frustrated when the same response was given to me at Planning Committee in May 2007.  As your ward councillor, this was one of the very first things I had the chance to vote on and it has remained an important issue to me.  Now that the predicted parking issues have come to the fore, I feel it is important that you have the facts and understand why the Liberal Democrats voted against the latter phases.  One of the things that I specifically highlighted was the lack of parking for the social housing areas in the final phase. 

I am concerned that you were told there was plenty of parking as clearly, this is not the case and the reason that I am highlighting the facts to residents.  I know that when moving you are not given every detail unless you specifically ask something so I will be taking this issue up with Circle Anglia (was this verbal or do you have it in writing?).

With regards to the Residents Parking scheme, I am referring to the Brentwood-wide scheme, divided into zones, which you will not be allowed to participate in.

The fact is that this development does, I am told, meet the government's guidelines on parking and it is also a fact that the local Conservatives voted the development to the high number of properties that you see today, with the lack of parking that goes with it.  The facts are outlined in my letter. 

This isn't political point scoring, this is about being honest with my residents, representing you properly and speaking up for you...which I can categorically say I have on this issue, alas to no avail.  Unfortunately, due to the political imbalance on Brentwood Council (28 Con, 6 LD, 2Lab, 1 Ind) our two planning committee members could not win a vote against their twelve.  

Finally, I have also been talking to a resident called David regarding this issue - I assume it is the same one (Botham House?) and we have been in regular contact since last month.  I'm sure he will update you on our conversations too.

Kind regards.

Karen 

----Original Message----

From: 

Date: 08/01/2009 11:37 

To: <karen.chilvers@brentwood-ongarlibdems.org.uk>

Cc: "Piers - ECS Meyler"<Piers.Meyler@essexchronicle.co.uk>, "Ade Gbadamosi"<Ade.Gbadamosi@circleanglia.org>

Subj: Rollason Way’s on, and off street parking

Ms Chilvers, 

I just thought I’d response to you party’s newsletter, that came through my door, this morning.

Allow me to quote, here, briefly …

“As residents, you would have been informed that there is limited or no parking available before you went ahead with your rental or purchase, but this may have been in the small print.”

I’ll be honest, and admit I didn’t read any of the print about it, being more concerned with how to pay my rent, who the housing officer was, and who to pay the utilities bills to.   Things like that.

But I, and Ms Vanhinsberg, my neighbour in Number 3 Damon House*, were both told by Eunice, the Circle Anglia agent who showed us around our respective flats, that there was “…plenty of parking for everyone.”

I’m a non driver, I should point out, but I was reassured that any of my friends or family who choose to visit would be able to park somewhere.

I think we can definitely say that idea was inaccurate, wasn’t it?

As for the various government policies covering the mess that is Rollason Way’s on and off street parking, and Residents Parking Scheme … 

WHAT Residents Parking Scheme?

And I’ve already personally had hints this is turning into something of a political football.

I used to work in a local pub, The Hutton, which was the one favoured at the time by former deputy mayor, Dudley Payne.   I cornered him, to have a quick informal chat about the parking, about 18 months ago.

His response was to blame central government’s planning restrictions.

As you can no doubt imagine, Ms Chilvers, that didn’t exactly encourage anything other than a deeply cynical reply …

Along the lines of “Ye Motherin’ Gods”, but I’m digressing.

Either way, I think I, and most of my neighbours would love to hear what you, and Ade Gbadamosi, our rep from Circle Anglia, are planning about this.

But I, for one, don’t see it being anything other than a political point scoring exercise.

Yours,

Paul Downie

PS I should add, I’ve forwarded this email to Lynn and David, who are the two residents spearheading the local campaign to try and do something about the parking here, and to Brentwood Gazette journalist, Piers Meyler, as he’s expressed an interest.   I should add, though, that the last time I spoke to him, he was waiting to hear from Circle Anglia, about their planned consultation, something which I, and everyone else is still waiting to hear about.   From Ade Gbadamosi, our housing officer, who I’ve also forwarded this email to.”

Feel Free to comment, neighbours!   And that includes Dudley, Karen, and Dave, if your reading.

Well, FINALLY!!!

At long Bloody Last!!!

Rollason Way NOW has a Parking Scheme chosen!!

I’ve just had a very nice chat with Sara, our area’s Neighbourhood Officer; to follow up the hand delivered letter that every one got.

Putting it bluntly, everyone went for Option 4, the wheel clamping scheme. Which has been adopted.

With the twist that it isn’t going to be charged for, something I know I had a gripe with!!

Anyway, here’s the text of the letter we had …

“IMPORTANT INFORMATION ENCLOSED

Dear Resident

Parking Scheme Update

Further to my last letter dated the 21st April 2009, I have now received and counted all the voting forms. The majority of the responses that have been received from residents, have voted for Option 4 to be implemented which is Parking Control Services, who clamp and ticket offending vehicles .

I have met with Parking Control Services who have given details of the service they provide. I have enclosed a question and answer sheet which will hopefully answer any queries you may have about this scheme.

South Anglia Housing will not be adding an additional service charge to rent accounts for implementing or maintaining this. I will be issuing every household with 2 permits, One resident, ONE visitor (as voted for).

THE PERMIT MUST BE DISPLAYED AT ALL TIMES, ANY VEHICLES NOT DISPLAYING WILL BE CLAMPED AND TICKETED WITHOUT EXCEPTION.

VEHICLES WILL BE CLAMPED AND TICKETED IF THEY ARE NOT IN A PARKING BAY.

The permits will be hand delivered; you will have to sign to say you have received them, I will be notifying you with dates that the permits need to be displayed from.

South Anglia Housing will be signing an annual contract, which will be reviewed after 9 months to see whether the residents are happy for this scheme to continue.

Please note, there is still limited parking on this development. This system will stop non-residents parking and you still may have difficultly finding a space. The parking bays will be first come first serve for authorised vehicles.

A residents meeting has been arranged for 2nd July 2009 at Kings Bowls Club, Kings Chase, Brentwood, starting from 7pm. This is an ideal opportunity to discuss any queries you may have with the parking scheme or any other tenancy issues.

If you wish to discuss this matter further please do not hesitate to contact us.

Yours sincerely

Sara Bartleman Neighborhood Officer”

Sara also reiterated that she be hand delivering the residents permits, and getting people to sign them; that way the scheme can go ahead, without a resident being clamped, accidently!

•••••

Just as a follow up point, I do know I’ve had a couple of neighbours ask if the actual voting results were available.

I’ve got to admit, if they are, I’ve not seen them. And wouldn’t mind, just so we can see how fair the vote was; it’d probably be reassuring.

I also know that Adrian was wondering about cars parked on the actual pavement, which doesn’t seem to be covered; judging by the FAQ we were given with this letter, if a car is is parked — with or without a permit — outside of a bay, it’ll be clamped, which seems to address it, but …

I’m also know that the cost of replacement permits is quite a lot. £50 is quite a chunk of cash of money!

Rollason Way Parking Returneth …

Hmmm …

Well, finally, the voting forms have been delivered …

And I’ve got to confess, they look like a badly done —  and rushed, uncosted — job.   With all but two of the options having associated services charges.

And, being a non driver on a very low income, I’ve gone for one of the (free) 

council run options.   And even that’s not perfect.

Mostly because it’s all very dependant on the Council actually adopting the road!

Frankly, I’ve liked to have a parking permit.   While I don’t drive, I’ve friends who do, and it would have been nice to have them over.

But — and here’s the BUT — I’d’ve had no problem with an extra few pence on the service charge for a permit … had it been present when I’d originally moved in, eighteen months ago, and had we all received some sort of parking permit,  from the very start.

Especially as I — and one or two others of my neighbours — were explicitly told by Eunice, the Southern Anglia agent who showed us round, that there was enough parking for everyone.

Having a parking service charge retroactively added onto my rent, after I’ve moved in?

That strikes me as an extra — and needless — premium  for something I’m not getting.

And frankly reeks of Southern Anglia trying to profiteer*.

••••

As you can imagine, I’m not really happy about the options presented to us.

And, while I’ve heard that option four is probably going to cost around 15p a week, I’d’ve liked to have seen that on the voting forms sent to us; if you look at the photo, above, you’ll see they’re not.   That’s what’s got me, if anything.

There’s no actual prices attached.

Now I’ll apologise to anyone that’s got their heart on one of the other choices available.

But I’m going for Number Five, here.

•••••

And, just as a final thought, I’ve already sent off the form by email.

Here’s what I told Sara Bartleman, the Housing Officer for the area; 

Subject: Rollason Way Parking

Date: 28 April 2009 17:24:27 BST

To: sara.bartleman@circleanglia.org

Dear Ms Bartleman

I received the voting forms, today, for the seven options for Rollason Way’s parking, and must confess that none seem satisfactory.   As I was unable to attend the Resident’s Meeting on this issue, it’s nice to have them finally arrive.

Or, at least, none of the options with-out associated service charges, seem satisfactory, nor do they have any associated costings; something that I — being on a very low income — would have appreciated seeing.   

Which leaves me personally voting for Option Five, amongst the seven; the one that allows for Rollason Way being adopted by Brentwood Council.

And may I add that this seems the lesser — and cheapest — of seven evils, given that the option as presented states that this is “… to be managed by Brentwood Council IF the road is adopted”.   (Option Three, the other council option, says that the signs will be “… a deterrent”.   May I say, this seems to be very unconvincing.)

May I also ask why — in view of the fact I feel someone from your organisation must have known that there was little parking available, in the immediate area, given the development’s proximity to both Brentwood High Street and Brentwood Station — nothing was done sooner, to resolve this issue sooner?   I know one or two of my neighbours have told me explicitly that they would not have moved into their flat, had they realised that this would be such a huge issue.

It seems to be badly and hurriedly done; it’s had time, after all, to head this off.

•••••

Well, as you can imagine …

But, at any rate, there’ll probably be hell to pay, when whatever option is chosen.

Rollason Way’s Parking Saga … Is Not Over!

* That’s just an opinion; I may well be wrong, but …

More Complications …

You know, it sounds like Councillor Chilvers has some more work cut out for her, as I’ve been hearing a few things.

It seems the the Great Rollason Way Parking Saga has some more complications being added.

Or extra runes.

Or more fuel to the fire: as the Arsonist Said to the Bishop … !!

But, at any rate, there’s more going on than I’d thought. Seemingly, there’s plans afoot to turn the small patch of greenery at the end of Saint James Rod to get turned into more flats.

Not that I mind, but I do know a lot of my fellow residents are wondering about how much more of a burden this is going to be on the local parking.

I can’t help but think it’ll be more!

Purely and simply because, as one neighbour pointed out to me, because the actual plans are for something like seventy-one flats.

And forty or so actual parking spaces.

All for the relatively minor loss of some obviously unused* and unappreciated green space. (Feel free to insert as much irony as you need.)

Nothing new, there, then, given the planning history of the areaº!

Now, it’s no foregone conclusion that it’ll pass: absolutely not.

My personal hope is that the application doesn’t.

The neighbours and me will at least get some greenery to look at … …

‹‹‹•›››

Just as a footnote, I got alerted to this by Piers Meyler, one of the Gazettes reporters, sending me this email:

Hi Paul,

We spoke some time ago about the development situation in and around Rollason Way.

I write following the announcement that Taylor Wimpey want to build 71 flats in Station Approach.

Obviously these are in addition to the 53 approved last month which were themselves in addition to 350 approved some time ago

It would bring the total homes in the area to well over 500.

Please could I have your comments on the situation down there

Piers Meyler | Reporter | 01245 603427| www.thisistotalessex.co.uk

Here’s my reply:

Well, where exactly do I /start,/ Piers?

From what I’ve been able to pick up, from talking to my fellow resident’s, the actual plans include 71 one and two bedroom flats, with 40 or so parking spaces.

Which means our oh so wonderfully efficient council has make another planning mistake.

And trust me, I’m seriously resisting the urge to get vernacular, there!

After all, as you probably know, residents here on Rollason Way have something like ¾ of a parking space each.

Now, as I’ve always maintained, while I don’t actually drive, it is nice to be able to tell visiting friends and family members where they can park: and give the the parking permit that tells the clampers in our street NOT to clamp their cars.

So the news that there’s more flats being built in the area — AGAIN, with insufficient parking — isn’t good.

Especially as residents in the area have been arguing for some months with both Crest Nicholson, AND SouthAnglia Housing Trust, about the availability of the parking in the area.

What’s more, the planned flats are to go on what’s — so far — been the only bit of greenery in the area: a small piece of garden that could so easily be opened to the public.

It strikes me that Brentwood Council, in the rush to make for any money lost in council taxes in today’s budget, are desperately trying to get MORE residents in the area to make up for the loss.

And ruin everyone elses lives in the process.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I owe my reading public a blog post about that …

And here’s the one Joan Holmes sent me …

Its very obvious that you have missed the point and Piers if you look into it you will see that the developer has only just submitted an application.

As you well know that does not mean that it will get passed. A report has to be done which with major development takes about three months or so then they make a recommendation which goes to Panel. If the panel decides it’s a good idea they might pass it and if they don't then they won't but they will take everything into consideration and if residents write in with their objections then they will be listened to.

This application has not come from the council although you seem to think it has so I don't know where you are getting your information from or are you just supposing.

It would be rather nice if you got the facts right and stop scaremongering.

Regards

Joan Holmes

Cllr Joan Holmes

Councillor for Brentwood West

Deputy Mayor of Brentwood

T: 01277 224953

E: joan.holmes@brentwood.gov.uk

Nice and polite!

I think that definitely means I’m not voting Conservative at the next elections … !

Get objecting, folks … !!

‹‹‹@›››

* Mostly unused because no-one’s allowed to get to it. Shame, really, it would’ve made for a great bit of mini-park for the local kids to play in!

º And, my word, there’s a lot of phrases I could use, there! ‘Oncoming Complete and Utter bureaucratic mess’ is just the mildest … !