Some weeks ago we were contacted by a group of residents from the area around the Cod on the Rocks chip shop in Broad Road in Blackhall Rocks regarding works intended to extend the business.
We met with the residents and listened to their concerns about the potential development. These included parking, traffic and access issues along with potential problems associated with noise and effluence emissions which could affect the streets around the takeaway. Residents were also quite alarmed that the owners had begun internal and external renovation works without the benefit of planning consent.
We immediately contacted the planning enforcement team at county hall and asked them to visit the site to assess the impact of any proposed development. We also asked them to advise the owner to cease works immediately pending planning consent.
Once a formal planning application for the extension had been submitted we met with residents to agree a way forward in opposing it on detailed planning grounds as identified above. Along with people living in the area who would be adversely affected by the development we wrote to the planning officers at county hall setting out our opposition to the applicant's plans.
Yesterday we received notification from the planning team that the application had been refused on the issues we had raised along with residents. While we feel some sympathy for the applicant we note that these works could well have gone ahead without planning consent had we not become involved with residents. Ultimately though we are pleased for the residents nearby who will not now have to suffer the consequences of an unwanted development. This also illustrates the benefit of residents working closely together with their local councillors to express their concerns on local issues.
Saturday 23 November 2013
Wednesday 20 November 2013
Breathless demolition under way
The demolition of the former Breathless and Blackhall Royal British Legion club has begun today.
Although it is sad to see the demise of these buildings it is acknowledged that they had become derelict over recent years, causing a number of problems with fly-tipping and trespass. It is hoped that future development at this site will eventually improve the area for the benefit of all residents, shoppers and visitors to the village (see post dated 11 April 2013 for background details).
Although it is sad to see the demise of these buildings it is acknowledged that they had become derelict over recent years, causing a number of problems with fly-tipping and trespass. It is hoped that future development at this site will eventually improve the area for the benefit of all residents, shoppers and visitors to the village (see post dated 11 April 2013 for background details).
Improvements to the 206 bus service
We met recently with representatives from the county council's transport planning team to discuss ways of improving the existing 206 bus service through most of our villages. This was as a result of complaints made to us by residents concerned at frequent delays and other issues related to the service operated by Go North-East.
We have now received an initial progress report from the transport team setting out the first stages of proposed improvements. This is reproduced in full below:
With reference to our meeting on 19 September, following discussion with Simon Day and myself Go North East have agreed to make some adjustments to the service 206 timetable.
We will continue to monitor progress and keep residents up to date but in the meantime please let us know if you have any comments to make with regard to this matter.
We have now received an initial progress report from the transport team setting out the first stages of proposed improvements. This is reproduced in full below:
With reference to our meeting on 19 September, following discussion with Simon Day and myself Go North East have agreed to make some adjustments to the service 206 timetable.
From the 27 January (8 weeks notice is required) there will
be an additional journey commencing Peterlee 0915 which will give a 1015
arrival back into Peterlee filling an otherwise quite large gap that was
referred to in the meeting, and the afternoon journey commencing 1515 from
Peterlee will operate the complete round trip to Peterlee instead of
terminating Hutton Henry as now.
The rest of the timetable will be adjusted by a few minutes
to enable the timetable to work and this will include reassigning the running
time to take the perceived stress out the timetable in the Hesleden/Castle
Eden area. Connections with service 201 to the Industrial Estates will also be
improved.
These changes come at a modest cost of £16 per day, but, by
reassigning a similar payment for journeys recently cancelled in Durham, the
overall payment to Go North East does not increase.
We do not yet have the definitive timetable but as soon as
we have something we will share it with you.
Meanwhile, I hope you agree that these modest changes do
address a number of the concerns raised at the meeting.
How to serve the lower part of Castle Eden has been
considered but a viable solution that uses the 206 does not exist. We will
continue to look for other opportunities to address that specific concern.
We will continue to monitor progress and keep residents up to date but in the meantime please let us know if you have any comments to make with regard to this matter.
Monday 18 November 2013
Accent Housing in Blackhall Colliery
We met last week with senior representatives from the Accent Housing group to discuss in greater detail their stated plans to withdraw from their role as a social housing landlord in Blackhall and Horden (see post dated 6 November 2013 for further information).
Our main concern was to ensure that, as far as possible, all avenues for any proposed transfer of Accent's housing stock are explored, with the key aim of retaining the existing stock for social housing. Our greatest concern is that Accent may ultimately opt to sell off its housing stock to the private sector which stands largely out of the control of the housing authority and other agencies. Whilst we recognise that there are good private landlords we also note that many issues arise from the sector which are difficult to tackle, especially when the landlord is based away from the area with little knowledge or interest in our community.
We were advised that Accent has been forced into considering long-term withdrawal as a result of funding issues and also because demand for housing in the sector has fallen as a result of government legislation - mainly the additional bedroom subsidy, or bedroom tax as it's better known.
A number of options have already been considered in addressing these problems, with Accent's preferred route being the transfer of its stock to another social landlord and we have asked that all options be left open pending a decision. We believe that this should include the option of Accent transferring its properties to the public sector.
We have specifically asked that Accent considers selective demolition and rebuild in parts of the village where there may be significant voids in any particular location. Although there will be a cost implication to the company we feel that Accent has fared well from its time in Blackhall and that they should leave an attractive legacy rather than empty properties when they pull out of the village. We have also asked that tenants and other interested parties be kept regularly up to date with progress.
In order to monitor events we intend to hold regular meetings with Accent staff in future and we will endeavour to keep you informed of progress. Ultimately though we are forced to accept that Accent's houses in the village belong to the company and the final decision on disposal will be theirs to make.
Our main concern was to ensure that, as far as possible, all avenues for any proposed transfer of Accent's housing stock are explored, with the key aim of retaining the existing stock for social housing. Our greatest concern is that Accent may ultimately opt to sell off its housing stock to the private sector which stands largely out of the control of the housing authority and other agencies. Whilst we recognise that there are good private landlords we also note that many issues arise from the sector which are difficult to tackle, especially when the landlord is based away from the area with little knowledge or interest in our community.
We were advised that Accent has been forced into considering long-term withdrawal as a result of funding issues and also because demand for housing in the sector has fallen as a result of government legislation - mainly the additional bedroom subsidy, or bedroom tax as it's better known.
A number of options have already been considered in addressing these problems, with Accent's preferred route being the transfer of its stock to another social landlord and we have asked that all options be left open pending a decision. We believe that this should include the option of Accent transferring its properties to the public sector.
We have specifically asked that Accent considers selective demolition and rebuild in parts of the village where there may be significant voids in any particular location. Although there will be a cost implication to the company we feel that Accent has fared well from its time in Blackhall and that they should leave an attractive legacy rather than empty properties when they pull out of the village. We have also asked that tenants and other interested parties be kept regularly up to date with progress.
In order to monitor events we intend to hold regular meetings with Accent staff in future and we will endeavour to keep you informed of progress. Ultimately though we are forced to accept that Accent's houses in the village belong to the company and the final decision on disposal will be theirs to make.
Sunday 17 November 2013
Landslip roadworks between Blackhall and Horden
Following further queries from residents and road users lately with regard to the near-permanent road-works on Blackhall bank we have asked the highways department at county hall for a progress report (previous updates are recorded elsewhere on this site).
Last month we also asked them to consider a realignment of the traffic lights to allow for two-way traffic to be reinstalled.
We received a reply from the highways engineer this morning and we have reproduced it below. We will seek a further update after the review meeting due to be held next week and continue to press for a reinstatement of two-way traffic in this location.
There are two issues here. There is the landslip and a collapsed culvert in the dene. To compound matters, there were problems with gas mains and leakages. The permanent works to resolve the landslip and repair the culvert will not take place until next springtime.
We held a meeting last week to look at ways of amending the traffic management arrangements to open the road to two way traffic, in the interim.
I'll get an update on the TM arrangements tomorrow.
Last month we also asked them to consider a realignment of the traffic lights to allow for two-way traffic to be reinstalled.
We received a reply from the highways engineer this morning and we have reproduced it below. We will seek a further update after the review meeting due to be held next week and continue to press for a reinstatement of two-way traffic in this location.
There are two issues here. There is the landslip and a collapsed culvert in the dene. To compound matters, there were problems with gas mains and leakages. The permanent works to resolve the landslip and repair the culvert will not take place until next springtime.
We held a meeting last week to look at ways of amending the traffic management arrangements to open the road to two way traffic, in the interim.
I'll get an update on the TM arrangements tomorrow.
Fly-tipping at Deneholme - your views matter
Following incidents of fly-tipping in the area around Deneholme over recent years we have approached the Durham Heritage Coast Partnership with a request that they consult the public on possible methods of dealing with this problem.
We have now received a response detailing a number of consultation events to be held in Blackhall over the next week or so.
We have reproduced this response below for your information:
Following on from our meeting in the summer and subsequent flytipping incidents, we have now arranged dates for community consultation on the options for Deneholme/Denemouth area.
Friday 22nd November
10.00 a.m. – 12.30
p.m.
Blackhall Community Centre Morning
Session
I will also be asking the Hartlepool Mail and the Peterlee Star to publish information about the events along with a current image.
If you cannot attend any of the above events please forward your comments to the Heritage Coast Partnership manager, Niall Benson, on:
03000 268 130 or at niall.benson@durham.gov.uk
We have now received a response detailing a number of consultation events to be held in Blackhall over the next week or so.
We have reproduced this response below for your information:
Following on from our meeting in the summer and subsequent flytipping incidents, we have now arranged dates for community consultation on the options for Deneholme/Denemouth area.
This is an informal consultation.
These will be as follows:
We will have a story board of the area including images of
its current state with the preferred option of the Durham Heritage Coast
Partnership and seek comments and ideas for alternatives. Present at each
of the sessions will be representatives of the Heritage Coast, Police, Street
Wardens and Natural England.
I will be passing this information on to the Parish Clerk,
others who we know have an interest locally including the Horden councillors
and Horden Parish.
I will also be asking the Hartlepool Mail and the Peterlee Star to publish information about the events along with a current image.
If you cannot attend any of the above events please forward your comments to the Heritage Coast Partnership manager, Niall Benson, on:
03000 268 130 or at niall.benson@durham.gov.uk
Friday 8 November 2013
Crematorium consultation in Castle Eden
We have been made aware of a public consultation exercise to be held next week regarding an initial proposal to build a crematorium on land to the North of the former brewery in Castle Eden.
The public consultation event will be held at The Old Brewery in Castle Eden on Wednesday 13 November 2013 between 3pm and 6.30pm.
Whilst this proposal is at the early stages of development we think it is essential that members of the public have their say now prior to any possible planning application being submitted in future (although there will be a full public consultation exercise carried out as part of the planning process if a planning application is eventually submitted).
We tend to keep an open mind on planning issues until the developer has had the opportunity to tell us how they think a particular proposal will directly benefit the community and its residents.
Most importantly though, as local councillors, we want to hear what the people of Castle Eden think of this proposal so if you have any comments please don't hesitate to contact us:
rob.crute@durham.gov.uk or lynn.pounder@durham.gov.uk
The public consultation event will be held at The Old Brewery in Castle Eden on Wednesday 13 November 2013 between 3pm and 6.30pm.
Whilst this proposal is at the early stages of development we think it is essential that members of the public have their say now prior to any possible planning application being submitted in future (although there will be a full public consultation exercise carried out as part of the planning process if a planning application is eventually submitted).
We tend to keep an open mind on planning issues until the developer has had the opportunity to tell us how they think a particular proposal will directly benefit the community and its residents.
Most importantly though, as local councillors, we want to hear what the people of Castle Eden think of this proposal so if you have any comments please don't hesitate to contact us:
rob.crute@durham.gov.uk or lynn.pounder@durham.gov.uk
The Miners' Hymns - a free event at Blackhall Welfare
Blackhall Welfare (better known to some as the Community Centre) on Hesleden Road will be hosting a free event on Friday 22 November at 6pm.
The Miners Hymns is a film by the American artist Bill Morrison and is focused on the former coalmining communities of North-East England. It depicts the hardship of pit work, the role of the trade unions and also the world renowned Durham Miners Gala.
The show is entirely free and there is no need to obtain a ticket beforehand.
For further details contact: 0191 586 7396 or visit www.theminershymns.com
The Miners Hymns is a film by the American artist Bill Morrison and is focused on the former coalmining communities of North-East England. It depicts the hardship of pit work, the role of the trade unions and also the world renowned Durham Miners Gala.
The show is entirely free and there is no need to obtain a ticket beforehand.
For further details contact: 0191 586 7396 or visit www.theminershymns.com
Thursday 7 November 2013
Coastal fly-tipping continues
Once again, unfortunately, we have further incidents of fly-tipping to report. On this occasion the neighbourhood wardens took this image of discarded rubbish at the bottom of Deneholme and reported it to the coastal partnership for clearance. This is the same section of the coast targeted by fly-tippers over the past year or so and the cost of clearance is a heavy burden for the authorities in these cash-strapped times.
Incidentally, the Durham Heritage Coast partnership is currently consulting on plans to close the top of Deneholme bank to non-emergency vehicles in an attempt to prevent further fly-tipping in this area. It is vital that you let the partnership know of your views with regard to this proposal.
If you are aware of any other incidents of fly-tipping in our area please contact us so that we can arrange clearance.
Incidentally, the Durham Heritage Coast partnership is currently consulting on plans to close the top of Deneholme bank to non-emergency vehicles in an attempt to prevent further fly-tipping in this area. It is vital that you let the partnership know of your views with regard to this proposal.
If you are aware of any other incidents of fly-tipping in our area please contact us so that we can arrange clearance.
Wednesday 6 November 2013
Accent Housing in Blackhall
We have been made aware recently that the Accent Housing group is seeking to transfer a number of its properties in Blackhall and Horden to an alternative housing provider.
Details are rather sketchy at the moment but later this week we will talk to the Head of Housing at Durham County Council to try to identify which options may be available to Accent and, more importantly, what the implications may be for residents and the wider community.
Along with the parish clerk we then intend to seek a meeting with officers from Accent and other interested parties to discuss with them the issues around any potential ownership changes to their housing stock.
We will update on progress in due course but in the meantime please get in touch if you have any particular concerns about this matter.
Details are rather sketchy at the moment but later this week we will talk to the Head of Housing at Durham County Council to try to identify which options may be available to Accent and, more importantly, what the implications may be for residents and the wider community.
Along with the parish clerk we then intend to seek a meeting with officers from Accent and other interested parties to discuss with them the issues around any potential ownership changes to their housing stock.
We will update on progress in due course but in the meantime please get in touch if you have any particular concerns about this matter.
Sunday 3 November 2013
Damaged road signs at Chicken's Green
The road direction signs on the A1086 at the Dene Road side of Chicken's Green have again been reported as presenting a danger to the public.
The image below, taken this afternoon, shows that the supporting poles are severely corroded and are in imminent danger of collapse so we have asked the highways department to deal with our request for replacement signs with urgency.
Please let us know if you are aware of any other similarly damaged street furniture in need of repair or replacement.
The image below, taken this afternoon, shows that the supporting poles are severely corroded and are in imminent danger of collapse so we have asked the highways department to deal with our request for replacement signs with urgency.
Please let us know if you are aware of any other similarly damaged street furniture in need of repair or replacement.
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