Heybridge Basin Timber Site

In response to:Basin Timber Site Consultation

2005-11-28T14:47:12+01:00

There are many points to consider here. In it's current state, I agree that it is a bit of an eyesore but should not be considered dangerous to children as they shouldn't be here - it's private fenced land! My house backs onto the site, no not Chapel Lane but Blackwater Close and I would prefer to look at the quiet derelict building than to see/hear the new neighbours in their low cost housing. Wildlife having a free range I am all for, the mammals and birds it support is fantastic at present - the only neighbours I dislike are those using it as the local tip!
The access to/from the site both via Basin road and Blackwater Close are too narrow. If the Blackwater Close link was the original plan in the 1980's this would have been based on the current density of the Timber Yard Phase 1. Most afternoons/evening the road and paths are littered with vehicles leaving one very narrow track. At worst case maybe the third option of routing the road behind Burrswood would be the option, this at least is 'greenfield' land and easier to manage.
Yes I agree with others on the strain of the local services, power, water and gas, we get enough power cuts now! Also the added strain on Goldhanger road which is diabolical now most mornings. This will get even worse when the Hall road (Heybridge) development kicks in.
The council need also have to consider schooling, doctors and dentists. The current Heybridge school is too small and access is becoming impossible. We cannot even think about any further development in Heybridge until this is sorted out. The council failed miserably in gaining a new school on the Elms Farm development on the bypass. Doctor surgeries and dental care are stretched to breaking. At present you have more chance of winning the lottery than getting an appointment.
Certain people in the Basin have gripes that we don't have enough low cost housing. Most low cost housing is usually offered to housing associations, again look to the Elms development, so the offspring in the village still won't have the choice.
Housing design - no three storeys is a no no. This was in the last plan and apart from being outside of the character of the village it is unfair on the existing residents to be overlooked in this way. Should this ever go ahead consideration should be given to parking. Once again look to Elms farm, cars everywhere, why? - because the garages are too small to get a car in. Why not use a car-port system, this way the occupants cannot just fill them with junk - only cars. Strict covenants could be used to police this.
This brings me to my last point. Has anyone considered the disruption and for both clearing the site and construction of the new buildings? The hazards are possible asbestos and the concrete in the existing structures which is reportedly approx 4ft+ thick in places. Just think of the noise, dust, the amount of lorries coming down Basin road etc.
I could go on but I'll save the rest for the next time!

In response to:Basin Timber Site Consultation

2005-11-26T13:47:49+01:00

The suggestion by the architect of three storey houses and high walkways to the canal bank seem to be (literally) over the top. Surely the flooding the Basin suffered in 1953 came from the ditch alongside the Daisy Maeadow carrying flood water from further afield and not from a direct sea wall breach.The sea wall has been raised and strengthened since 1953 and our main risk of flood is caused by unwise infilling and piping of ditches and increased run off from previous developments. I for one will retreat upstairs in the case of flood rather than heading for the canal bank.
Whether the main access to any development on the timber yard were to be via the old yard entrance or via Blackwater Close I would hope the number of units of whatever type would be limited to keep the amount of extra traffic to a minimum. As the Daisy Meadow carpark is now often over full parking issues must also be addressed.
In order to prevent the Basin becoming a dormitory suburb I would prefer to see a mix of small business units and affordable housing. Surely the Basin now has enough large expensive houses and the time has come to ensure some of the youngsters who have grown up here have the prospect of affording a home in the village.
Although I realise the Chapel/Reading room site is not owned by this developer it would be good to see the council consider the fate of both together. The village is surely large enough to again support a village shop - how about a shop on the chapel site and a meeting room as part of the timber yard development?

In response to:Basin Timber Site Consultation

2005-11-25T23:50:58+01:00

The suggestion of 3 storey buildings for this site because of the remote risk of flooding is fanciful and misses the point. They would be wholly out of keeping with the rest of the village and particularly the older conservation area end.

As much as we dislike the idea in principle, housing is probably the only commercially viable option for this site. If the developer could show low density, good quality design, we would support this in principle. The shame about so much residential development these days is that it is built with no creativity or immagination but to a commercial formula which works only for the developers bank balance and rarely gives any lasting long term aesthetic value to neighbouring parties or the wider community. If the development was designed in a way that would add something of real interest and character to the village, this would be commercially very successful for the developer and something we would welcome. (Use immaginative architects chaps and leave a legacy!) But I am afraid we are not holding our breath on this. Any scheme should certainly not impinge on the rights of light enjoyed by the cottages of Chapel Lane and should provide them with direct vehicular access and parking. There is no need to divert the bus service through the development but the idea of an 'in-out' flow between Blackwater Close and the Basin Road entrance could be viable. Some open spaces abd proper planting of trees (not the token bushes to keep the planners happy) would also help.

In response to:Basin Timber Site Consultation

2005-11-24T13:26:53+01:00

The idea of three storey homes being built on the site is patently ridiculous. Our current infrastructure is incapable of sustaining further development. The logical conclusion is to go for lower density more expensive housing. We all know that quality housing will sell and that there are a lot of people that would love to live down here. A condition of the development should be that the developer has to provide a village hall, which could also serve as a village museum/heritage centre. The architectural integrity of Chappel Lane should also be respected. Access is a major problem with neither enterance road being adequate for the development stage. This must also be taken into consideration. I sugest a temporary slip road will have to be built prior to constuction, otherwise we will all be subject to disruption and delay in our everyday journeys.

Cheers
Mac and Chrys

In response to:Basin Timber Site Consultation

2005-11-23T14:14:14+01:00

I wish to express more or less the same opinions as already mentioned by previous posted comments. I have resided in the Basin for three years and this is my first home in the UK. I believe that the Basin has an atmosphere that can not be found elsewhere.

It would be a shame to change any of the landscape found here apart from cleaning up the dangerous timberyard site. But seeing that the proposed multi-use of the grounds can not be dismissed it would seem to me that housing should be allowed as long as it is inkeeping with the bordering conservation area and kept to a minimal. Any housing or businesses that are to be built on the site should reflect the nautical history of the village. I can't imagine how the proposed three-level homes could possibly fill this criteria. Also, it would be great to have enough green space on the site to be made into allotments for resident use.

As to the bus route, I agree with previous comments that the route should remain the same. The access road to the timber site is abit problematic as no one wishes to see Basin Road more busy nor do they wish for Blackwater Close to be used (of which I am one of these people).

I am curious as to if there has been a wildlife report of the area conducted recently. Perhaps the RSPB or other wildlife conservation societies would be interested in the timber site.

Many thanks.

In response to:Basin Timber Site Consultation

2005-11-22T00:02:30+01:00

Thank you to the Conservation Society and other stakeholder groups for their time and effort in preparing the information for this consultation. I wish to make the following points:

Vehicular access via Blackwater Close should not be considered. This is a narrow road with much on-street parking already evident and children frequently playing in the road. Pedestrian access to the proposed development may be acceptable to most residents. For these same reasons a bus route through Basin Road and Blackwater Close is neither appropriate nor necessary. The present bus route and turning area are sufficient to meet the needs of the village, although renovation of the bus stop and surrounding area would be welcomed. Basin Road is already busy and considering the existing parking difficulties and poor sight lines could not cope safely with the additional traffic that will result from a development of the scale proposed. A separate access road similar to St George’s Close would be a safer solution all round, although this may lead to further development of the surrounding area in the future and would compound existing infrastructure problems and flood risk. A footpath between Goldhanger Road and St George’s Close should most definitely be provided.

If the site is to be mixed use, it would be good to see businesses associated with the river being approached. I am not sure if this has already been investigated or if it would be viable for these businesses given the restrictions of the site in terms of road frontage; access to the water could be from the canal side. A reasonable proportion of the land should be designated for community use including the building of a community hall.

If the site is to be mainly for residential use, then I would prefer to see low density housing in keeping with other developments in the village. I appreciate also the need to have affordable housing in the village and feel that both aims can be achieved with a mix of property types and sizes. The consultation suggests that as many as 40 properties could be built on the site, this is far too many to be supported by the present infrastructure; water pressure is already low and more properties would make this situation worse. The suggested three storey design of properties would be unsympathetic with the rest of the village and would affect the privacy of some existing residents.

If the risk of fluvial flooding increases with additional housing development, then surely Maldon District Council and Essex County Council have a duty to ensure that existing and new properties are adequately protected. Residents are aware of the flood risks associated with living in the Basin, however, if those risks are increased by new developments then appropriate measures must be taken to protect existing properties before permission is granted for additional building.

In response to:Basin Timber Site Consultation

2005-11-21T23:12:09+01:00

We'd like to echo Peter's concerns regarding preservation of the conservation area.

Would it not be better for Dolphin Developments to build fewer, higher spec houses with designs more in tune with the local area ie barn conversion style rather than yet another modern development?

This mixed with small cottage indsutrial units in the same style (ie potters, artists, jewellers) would provide some extra character to the local area whilst not overloading the already burdened infrastructure.

The potential impact of 40 new homes on utility services to the village could be disasterous - I have experienced this in central Chelmsford where a lack of investment in water and electricity services led to a significant loss in water pressure and regular interruptions in power availability. In addition the houses were built on top of the water table which in turn caused severe flooding in other parts of the town (Army & Navy up to Miami Hotel)

Perhaps this is an opportunity to also consider the future of the reading room/chapel - how wonderful it would be to bring back a general stores and bakery to the village whilst keeping its character in tact.

In response to:Basin Timber Site Consultation

2005-11-21T20:10:49+01:00

Re – Proposed Timber Yard Development
Dear Sir,
The residents of Chapel Lane are concerned about the above development. A resume’ of these concerns has been sent to you, on behalf of us all, by Mr. Mark Crocker. There are, however, concerns that are particular to us at Holly Cottage which I would like to expand upon.
The Timber Yard boundary follows two sides of our garden before turning and running alongside the single storey side of our property. There is a six foot strip between the wall and the boundary at this point.
All the other sides of our property are bordered by cottages that are between three and eight feet away so the only aspect that allows light to enter our property comes from the Timber Yard side.
A previous Proposal from Dolphin Developments showed a mixture of two and three storey houses. They chose, on that plan, to put the backs of two three storey houses 25 feet from the back wall of the single storey part of our cottage. I know that this was a previous plan but the likelihood is that all the houses on the next will be three storey due to the Environment agencies reaction to the flood risk assessment. These houses will be hugely out of scale when in such close proximity to our ancient little cottages as well as plunging Holly Cottage into perpetual twilight.
One of the biggest worries that we at Holly share with everyone else in Chapel Lane is the one of access. As you undoubtedly know, before and after the Timber Yard closed, we had informal access to our property through the yard. This has been vital over the years for the delivery of building materials, removals and anything else that can’t be maneuvered up the footpaths and this is without the access afforded to paramedics, firefighters and all the rest. I suppose we have taken this access for granted over the years but it will cost us in terms of peace of mind if we lose it.
There is, however, a simple solution that would address the concerns of Chapel Lane and shouldn’t adversely affect the developers of the site. An access road along the boundary of the Chapel Lane properties terminating at the garden of Holly Cottage would serve the new houses as well as providing continuity of access for Chapel Lane. The houses on the previous plan would only need to be turned around so they faced the cottages and the new road. In the event that the Environment agency got their way and three storey flood protected properties were built at least they would be a road and front garden away and subsequently less overbearing as a result of it.
In conclusion I would like to say that in view of the quirky and charismatic nature of the cottages of Chapel Lane it would be a great shame to eclipse their character and charm irrevocably by building so close and so high, effectively land-locking them so that no one can see what lies within their own conservation area. After all what is the point of a conservation area if you can’t see what’s being preserved.

Yours Sincerely Peter J.L.Moore

In response to:Basin Timber Site Consultation

2005-11-20T18:32:40+01:00

We feel that these proposal are being carefully considered, which is very much appreciated. We also are aware that our own home was originally the site of a timber yard. Our thoughts/comments include the following: - Prefer residential in preference to industrial, with minimal density of housing ie approx 10 houses to the acre if possible. - Disagree with the argument by the Environment Agency that 3 storey properties are needed (in view of floood risk etc). We suggest that 2-storey properties are significantly more appropriate, in view of the risk of overlooking other houses and potential impact on the character of the area. - We feel that the Basin is a wonderful place to live as is so unspoilt and the jewel in the crown of the Maldon area. Many thanks for inviting feedback. We are both interested to join the Conservation Society.

In response to:Basin Timber Site Consultation

2005-11-14T22:18:22+01:00

I'm pleased to see that there is now some sort of action regarding the site - it has for many years been a dangerous eyesore. There is a problem with children playing in the old factory grounds (I know, I used to be one of them) so therefore the removal of the risk that is posed by the site will be seen as a good thing. The buildings themselves are structurally unsound, even 6 years ago I remember a main supporting beam being snapped. The consequences of the rest of the structure failing do not bear thinking about.

With regards to the buildings being of an elevated nature, this idea must be quashed - it is totally out of character for the village. I do not consider the risk of flooding to be great enough to consider the escape route to the canal tow path - in a flooding scenario most of the towpath will be underwater anyway.

Access to the site should be restricted to Basin Road. This road is already protected by parking regulations (which should be more rigorously enforced) which could provide a clear path to the new development. The access via Blackwater Close should be kept to a footpath only, this would enable access whilst removing the risk of additional traffic on what is only a small road - which more often than not has children playing at the end of it.

This also removes the possibility of having a bus route running through the development - the existing bus stop is more than good enough for the village (would be even better if the concrete shelter was replaced with something more "open" but that's for another discussion..) and provides a safe turning area for the buses. The thought of buses going further down Basin Road (or even through Blackwater Close) is totally unrealistic.

The infrastructure WILL have to be upgraded if any properties are built in the village; the gas pressure is currently woeful and there is still no safe means of pedestrian access to the village - a footpath must be built between Goldhanger Road and St. Georges Close, It's simply unsafe (especially at night) - I am unaware of the capacity constraints on the other utilities.

The idea of offices/work studios being built there is a possibility - this has worked at other riverside villages, and the bonus is that the extra traffic this would generate would be confined mainly to weekdays when things are quieter on the roads in the Basin. The entrance in Basin Road is more than wide enough to accommodate the vehicular access required. It would be good to see some ground level offices/workshops with apartments on the first floor level. This would also have the advantage of providing younger people like myself and opportunity to purchase property in the village, as the houses are now simply too expensive for a first time buyer. It would be a disgrace to see Holiday homes being built there - there are more than enough of these in the area, and this would be contrary to the village's community feel!

With regards to the community facilities, a village hall must be included in any development that takes place. I cannot see the need for any other facilities, except for a small playground for the village's growing younger population?

In response to:Basin Timber Site Consultation

2005-11-14T14:51:53+01:00

just a test

In response to:Basin Timber Site Consultation

2005-11-13T23:40:28+01:00

Site looks Ok to me