I know a few people round the street are very unhappy at the moment because of the vibrations and the amount of dust and dirt coming from the building site. We have had our [...]]]> A resident of Priestly Road has been in contact, living conditions for some of the residents there sound a bit grim.

I know a few people round the street are very unhappy at the moment because of the vibrations and the amount of dust and dirt coming from the building site. We have had our windows cleaned twice in the last three weeks because they are getting so dirty. We are also unable to have the windows open because the dirt gets in on the window sills in the house. The car is a state and can’t put washing out.

The vibrations start at half 7 in the morning and stop between half 5-6 ish. It shakes the glades cups and plates in the kitchen and the floor and rads shake. Sorry I keep on but it’s getting annoying now. I know the a lot of people feel the same. I know some of the have got in touch with environmental health to see what they can do.

Of note is the answer to the question as to why was it not possible to delay part of the Lonsdale construction to allow demolition [...]]]> Counciller Robin Parker has sent me a copy of the minutes of the meeting of “of Development Control Committee spokespersons and local members”. This meeting was closed to the public.

Of note is the answer to the question as to why was it not possible to delay part of the Lonsdale construction to allow demolition of the old Marriotts school and demolition traffic to access via the much wider and usually uncluttered Brittain Way?

1) The extra cost.
2) The head teachers wanted to open both the schools together.

Minutes of Meeting of presentation of information about demolition access at Marriotts School, Telford Avenue, Stevenage.

Date: 11 March 2011, 10:00am at County Hall, Hertford

Attendees:

• Bryan Hammond, Chair, Development Control Committee
• Bill Storey, Development Control Committee
• Robin Parker, Local County Councillor
• John Usher, Vice Chair, Development Control Committee
• Vetti Vettivelu, Team Leader, Highways Development Management
• Tony Shepherd
• Melanie Kilminster
• Nigel Dickens
• Andrew Baker
• Chay Dempster, Principal Planning Officer
• Brian Owen, Team Leader, Development Management
• Bob Meadows, Assistant Network Manager, Herts Highways

1 Apologies:

• Sharon Taylor, Development Control Committee
• Geoff Churchard, Development Control Committee

Bryan Hammond agreed to chair the meeting.

2. Purpose of the meeting:
Chay Dempster outlined the purpose of the meeting which was to look at issues relating to plans for access for the demolition traffic and details of noise attenuation associated with the construction of the new school at Marriotts and Lonsdale.

(i) Demolition access:
The demolition access was part of a phase of works at Marriotts to take place from September 2012 to March 2013. All other traffic would now be making use of the new access formed off of Brittain Way.

Nigel Dickens outlined the proposals for managing traffic. The old school was to be demolished and was roughly in the footprint of the new all weather sports pitch. The old school was to be demolished after the new Marriotts community school had been constructed and pupils have moved to the new school. However the position of the new school meant that there was not room for demolition traffic to move around the new schools to get to the access at Brittain Way. He explained that they had approached Veolia Water about crossing the two main pipelines which ran through the site. The pipes are sensitive as they are constructed with cast metal and lead joints. In addition at the point where they change direction south west of the new school building they are major constructions thrusts joints to cope with pressure along the pipeline which are particularly sensitive. Veolia advised against any building over the pipelines and would not provide a construction standard for any works over the pipeline. They had investigated the line of the pipe with trial pits and now had the route accurately plotted. This meant that access along the west of the school was not possible.

Robin Parker asked a number of questions about the proposal.

Robin – why was it not possible to delay part of the Lonsdale construction to allow demolition of the old Marriotts school and demolition traffic to access via Brittain Way?

Nigel replied that as the project was a PFI and public funded costs were very strictly controlled, the delay in construction of Lonsdale would cost a lot more and could not be justified.

Melanie Kilminster added that the head teachers had said that they wished to open both the schools together to aid integration and help manage the change.

Robin asked why the route across Fairlands Valley Park had been discounted.

Melanie replied that a route had been discussed with Aidan Sanderson, who had briefed Nick Parry of Stevenage Borough Council. SBC had said they had major concerns about the route, which was along the boundary of Fairlands Valley and across to the buildings that include the changing rooms and facilities at the water sports centre and then south to Six Hills Way.

Robin asked if compensation had been offered to SBC.

Melanie confirmed that compensation had been offered in the form of offers to undertake any works in the Park and offer of compensation from PFI funds was not available.

Robin asked about the proposed hours and why there were exclusions from the proposals between 8-9am and 5-6pm.

Nigel replied that the exclusion was put forward in order to avoid times when people would be going to and from work, and clarified that this did not relate to the school as its access was separate.

Bryan Hammond asked if any visual inspection had taken place to verify the hours were right.
It was confirmed that an inspection had taken place and photographic records were available.

Bob Meadows summarised that it was hoped to avoid the use of TRO. Consultation should be carried out by letter drops asking people to park on one side of the road.

Robin asked if there would be more than one traffic marshal.

Andrew confirmed that there would be more than one traffic marshal and they would be in contact with each other via radio to co-ordinate lorry movements including crossing points.

Robin asked for clarification.

Andrew clarified that this was at the site entrance.

Bryan asked if deliveries would be turned away.

Andrew said they would probably accept the deliveries once arrived but not allow the driver back again.

Bryan asked for clarification on whether the table of lorries related to movements or number of vehicles.
It was clarified that this was number of lorries and movements would therefore be double the number shown in the table.

Chay asked what certainty could be applied to the predictions.

Andrew replied that the calculations had been carried out for all vehicle types. The movements would be 30 at peak. The timetable would exclude Saturdays and Sundays for vehicle movements, though contractors may work on site over this time. Over Christmas they would close but probably not for whole 2 weeks.

John Usher asked if there would be a weight limit, whether a vehicle wash would be used and if vehicles would be sheeted.

Andrew, there would not be weight limit imposed. It would follow national limits though many of the vehicles would be rigid 8 wheel tippers. There would be a vehicle wash and sheeting of vehicles.

Bob said that there were some evidences of over run and road damage and the demolition traffic may bring failure of the road forward.

Vetti Vettivelu suggested that an extraordinary survey of the road condition should be carried out before the demolition route was used.

Bob suggested that it might be best to ‘patch out’ in key places prior to the start of the contract. A key area was the junction of Telford Avenue and Newton Road. He suggested notices on lamp posts would be a good way increasing awareness of issues.

Robin asked if a meeting could be held to explain what would be happening.
It was confirmed that this would happen.

Bob informed the meeting of the proposal by Stevenage Borough to introduce a parking scheme. This should be in place by the time the demolition works start.

Bob asked if the lorries can be identified.

Andrew said that lorries will be identified by cards and numbered.

Bob, there will be the need to hold vehicles away from Chells Way.

Andrew said that a holding bay would be found and radios would be used to hold vehicles. Contact details for questions about vehicles would be provided.

(ii) Acoustic Fencing:

Andrew – A plan was tabled giving the location of acoustic fencing. Along the eastern boundary the fencing was to be 2m high.

Robin asked if fencing could be considered along the northern boundary. Also boundary treatment along Priestly Road needs to take accounts of concerns to maintain views.

John asked if the lighting plans would be considered in details.

Chay confirmed lighting plans would be sent to the Environment and Commercial Services Lighting Engineer.

Chay would liaise with Robin Parker over details of fencing on the northern boundary and further treatment would be considered here.

Bill Storey said that the plans relied upon voluntary compliance with parking along Telford Avenue and Newton Road what would happen if this did not occur.

Bob said that the police had powers and emergency TROs could be considered.

Members considered that the proposals represented the best option available and awaited further details of the proposals following points raised.

Minutes of Meeting of Development Control Committee spokespersons and local member

Dear Mr Clampton

Marriotts and Lonsdale School, Telford Avenue, Stevenage

I refer to your email of 8 March to County Councillor Bryan Hammond. This email was [...]]]> More on Tony Clampton’s complaint regarding the planning application process. He received a reply from Brian Owen on April 13. The minutes were not attached to the letter.

Dear Mr Clampton

Marriotts and Lonsdale School, Telford Avenue, Stevenage

I refer to your email of 8 March to County Councillor Bryan Hammond. This email was forwarded to me and I wish to provide a response to this email because of the issues you raise.

Planning permission for the construction of a new school was given planning permission at the development control committee meeting of 7 December 2010. One of the conditions attached to that permission was that access should be restricted to Brittain Way for construction traffic, which would include vehicles taking demolition spoil away.

The contractors are now proposing that access for removal of demolition material will need to be along Telford Avenue. In your email you say that members were lead to believe at the development control committee that any permission would only allow Telford Avenue to be used for a small number of specialist loads. You further say that if the request to use this route were approved it could be seen as collusion between officers and members.

The discussion at the development control committee did raise concerns about traffic using Telford Avenue and it was for this reason that members were asked to participate in any further decisions on this issue. The proposal for use of Telford Avenue has now been made to the county council as planning authority and we are considering this proposal.

A meeting was set up for the developers to brief the spokesperson about the proposals for alternative access. I enclose a copy of the minutes of that meeting for you to consider. However not all the members invited were able to attend on the day and we have considered that this may not have met the wishes of the committee to involve all the spokespersons. We have therefore written further to the spokesperson to gain their view.

I am sorry my reply to you was delayed this was due to the consideration of the need to further consult the spokespersons before making a decision on this matter. Also the minutes needed clarification over the height of the acoustic fencing.

In terms of reaching a decision on the matter we will need to wait to receive the views of all those members consulted before making a decision.

I hope that this deals with the point that you raise and if you require any further clarification please let me know.

Yours sincerely

Brian Owen
Team Leader Development Management

Read a PDF file of the letter here (23 kb)

Related Articles
Stage 1 Complaint – Update April 2011
It’s All Gone Quiet Over There

If anyone can get a snap with their camera-phone if they are spotted again we might get to the bottom of the mystery.

He is at present at Stage 1 complaint. He sent me this update and asked me to point out that the matter is not an to appeal [...]]]> Earlier I had reported on Tony Clampton’s complaint regarding the planning application process. He is following the procedure set out in Complaints Procedure January 2010 – Version 1.

He is at present at Stage 1 complaint. He sent me this update and asked me to point out that the matter is not an to appeal to the ombudsman, but a complaint following Herts County Council procedures.

In an email sent to Alison Short on 4 April 2011 he said

Dear Ms Short

As the concerns I have expressed relate to the way the report was presented to Members, I am surprised that you feel it appropriate for the matter to be investigated by the Officer responsible for presenting the report.

Despite the fact that you set Mr Owen a deadline of 23rd March 2011 for responding to my concerns, I have heard nothing from him to date (4th April 2011 ), not even an apology for failing to meet the deadline.

I would be grateful if you could let me know why Mr.Owen has failed to contact me by the deadline you set, and advise if a new deadline has been agreed.

I am also concerned that the meeting held at County Hall on March 11th, where the final decisions regarding the Marriotts development were made, was a private meeting for the developer and members of Herts County Council. Members of the public were excluded. So far the minutes of the meeting appear not to have been made public, can you please advise when those minutes will be published.

Regards

A.A.Clampton

They tell me that they have spotted two lorries filled with earth travelling down Telford Avenue. They can not say where these lorries [...]]]> I have been contacted by the Clarks who live in Telford Avenue. They are currently engaged in a campaign to try and stop double yellow lines being painted outside their homes.

They tell me that they have spotted two lorries filled with earth travelling down Telford Avenue. They can not say where these lorries come from, but what other building sites other than the school development is there in the area?

Mrs Clark is keeping a look out and hopes to get some photos.

I have sent an email to Cllr Robin Parker County Councillor for Chells division, and copied it to Cllr Bryan Hammond, Chairman – Development Control Committee.

Dear Cllr Parker,
I have recently been informed by residents of Telford Avenue that there have been several large lorries spotted in Telford Avenue carrying earth. They could not say where these lorries are coming from but it seems likely that they were from the school development.

People are understandably anxious to know what was decided at the meeting between Herts CC and the developers on March 11, 2011.

When we last discussed the minutes of this meeting, there was some question as to whether these minutes were to be made public.

Are the minutes of this meeting available to the public? Are they likely to be made available to the public?

Regards
Tim Neale

“As from 30th March 2011 this access will be closed due to the commencement of the Marriotts and Lonsdale School construction works. We apologise for any inconvenience this will cause. Alternative pedestrian routes are shown on the plan below. ”

Marriotts Alternative Access Route [...]]]> Comming to a pedestrian access point near you this week

“As from 30th March 2011 this access will be closed due to the commencement of the Marriotts and Lonsdale School construction works. We apologise for any inconvenience this will cause. Alternative pedestrian routes are shown on the plan below. ”

Marriotts Alternative Access Route Plan

Councillor Robin [...]]]> On the March 11th a meeting was held at County Hall where the final decisions regarding the Marriotts development were made. This was a private meeting for the developer and members of Herts County Council. Members of the public were excluded, so far the minutes of the meeting have not been made public.

Councillor Robin Parker is the Herts County Councillor for Chells division which includes both Marriotts and Chells schools. He was present at the meeting. He tells me that:

• He has had lobbying emails regarding the route of the demolition spoils.
• Bryan Hammond raised at the meeting that he had had emails on the demolition route.
• That demolition spoils will be passing through Telford and Newton.
• There will be a high acoustic fence on the north boundary of the school (Telford).
• Priestly Road will have a low boundary fence.
• No mention was made of the appeal to the ombudsman.
• The minutes of the meeting might still be made public.

It will be interesting to see the minutes of the meeting.

It will also be interesting to see how the Tony Clampton is getting on with his appeal to the ombudsman.

It is worth noting that some people thought a wider view was appropriate, and that the improved school [...]]]> Well done and thanks to everyone who emailed, added comments or in one case wrote me a letter. If nothing else we have shown that we can not just be taken for granted and walked all over.

It is worth noting that some people thought a wider view was appropriate, and that the improved school justified the inconvenience.

I have not been able to find out what was actually said at the meeting yet. Councillor Robin Parker (the County Councillor for Chells) was scheduled to be at the meeting, but I have not been able to contact him. I am hoping to see him Thursday 17, 2011.

I did bump into Councillor Ron Tindall over the weekend. He is involved with the Building Schools for the Future in Hertfordshire. He did not know what had happened at this meeting either.

One possibility for the silence is this email to Bryan Hammond from Tony Clampton. Tony copied myself and I many others, including the Councillors who are on the Development Control Committee.

Dear Cllr. Hammond

I understand that on 11th March you will be attending a private meeting at County Hall to discuss the the route to be used for demolition and construction material from phase 2 of the Marriotts School Expansion.

I am advised that Balfour Beatty will be asking for approval to use a route via Telford Avenue and Newton Rd for all demolition and construction material, and would ask you to take the following points into consideration when considering that request:

1) At the development control committee meeting on the 7th December 2010 to consider the planning application, Members expressed concern that the roads around the Telford Avenue exit from the site were to narrow to accommodate construction/demolition traffic and their attention was drawn to the clause in the proposed approval which stated ” Construction/demolition traffic shall make no use of Telford Avenue unless otherwise agreed in writing.” Members were led to believe that “unless otherwise agreed in writing” needed to be included to to accommodate a small number of specialist loads if the need arose.

2) I believe that, if the Contractors request that all loads be given written agreement to use this route was approved it could be seen as collusion between Officers and Contractors to thwart Members intentions and the matter should be referred to the Ombudsman.

3) I have forwarded this email to the Secretary of State for Education to request that he consider witholding funding for the project while the possibility of illegal collusion is investigated.

A.A.Clampton

So maybe the silence is due to legal advice. When I learn more I will post on this site