“Meet on the bridge” plan as Councillors seek residents views on Green Lane trees

A few weeks ago Westfield Councillors asked residents to fill out a short survey. The survey asked about attitudes to the height and width of the trees which grow in the verges in (little) Green Lane.

While there was a mixed response, the vast majority of residents asked for at least some maintenance work to undertaken on the trees.

There were complaints that the trees blocked both natural and street lighting or interfered with communications wires.

Some residents pointed to excessive leaf fall in the autumn. Some felt that this was responsible for blockages on the street drainage  systems.

To make progress on the matter local Councillors have organised a public “on site” meeting.

It will take place on the bridge near the school entrance at 5:45pm on Tuesday 26th September.  The results will be discussed at the meeting which is taking place later the same day at which a tree expert will be present.

The Council will be undertaking some work on trees on the west of the City during the autumn and the Ward committee has a small budget available which could be used to supplement this programme

 

Latest Newbury Avenue bungalow plans to be discussed on Tuesday

The Council has published several development plan proposals for the Newbury Avenue garage area site over the last few years. LibDem Councillors successfully resisted the plan to erect a block of flats feeling that this would simply add to existing traffic and parking problems in the area.

The design also interfered with open views of Hob Moor.

The Council has now come up with, what they hope will be, a final design for the area. The number of bungalows has been reduced to 5. Any plans will be put before the planning committee. Residents will be able to formally object to (or support) the proposals.

The plans will be on display at the Indoor Bowls Club on Thanet Road before the Ward meeting which is taking place on Tuesday at 6:30pm. Affected residents are being invited to come along to view them and ask questions.

At the moment the project is suspended as  existing parking problems need to be addressed before any more traffic is introduced into the area. Sites for additional parking have been identified and Councillors await proposals from Council officials on timescales, funding etc.

One of the possibilities is a lay-by outside the existing flats in Newbury Avenue (10 –16)

It is unlikely that the plans will be progressed to the planning stage much before next year.