LOCAL NEWS & ISSUES

New Developments at Kingsmead South.

As many of you will be aware, the Kingsmead South development is due to commence this year. An initial exhibition was held at Oxley Park School just before Christmas and a number of issues were raised. The most significant was the proposal to site a local centre adjacent to the roundabout at Bridgnorth Drive with shops, takeaway/chippy, possibly a pub and one or two story flats above. Understandably, many of those living close to this proposed development were less than enthusiastic, envisaging litter, graffiti, noise etc. It seems however, after considerable lobbying of local councillors, our MP and the consultants to the development, the proposed local centre is to be re-located to an area within the new Kingsmead South development adjacent to the proposed play area.

This draft plan gives an idea of the extent of Kingsmead South but as with Kingsmead North, no provision has been made for a significant area of community open space for cricket, football or community gatherings such as a Fête. Nor is there any mention of a community centre; don't forget that the community house in Picton Street is only a temporary arrangement. The Parish Council would welcome a substantial show of interest in these aspects of our community life but it is only by lobbying our local councillors that such an interest is going to become apparent. So if you want these facilities, don't sit back and wait for someone else to shout - the more noise we all make, the more likely it is that something will be done.

January 2007 and, as is plain to see, development of the site is under way. SUDS (Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems) are being dug to cope with the appalling waterlogging which afflicts the area, paths are being laid (future redways?) and roads are appearing. At last the dead end under the V1 bridge is going to join up with the Bridgnorth roundabout ! and traffic calming is soon to be installed on the Whaddon Road. How long will it be before houses start to appear?

Sadly, any hope of open space or a community centre have faded. Perhaps we didn't want one, or maybe we thought 'someone else' would do something about it!

July 2007 The first parcel of land has been put up for sale (see hot topics) and Kingsmead Wood is accessible. However the last few yards of what is now part of Cranborne Avenue have yet to be completed due to a lack of the necessary legal agreement! fortunately access to the unfinished stretch has been blocked at the Westcroft end thus stopping drivers using it and getting stuck at the other end!

January 2008 Notification of the planning application on behalf of Lagan Homes was received. This resulted in a concerted campaign by local residents in opposition to the radical designs. For more details click here.

Tattenhoe Park
Details are now available for the next development which will be Tattenhoe Park. The outline plan appears to be very extensive with a "high street", school, leisure centre, cricket pitch, hotel, allotments and much more.
However with the economic downturn everything has come to a halt, except for the school (Priory Rise) which is now open

Click here for the school website

Click here for more information

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