We have recently received several emails from non-members, and are aware of various Facebook posts, regarding our letter of objection to the planning application for a proposed Aldi store in London Road. The letter is a public document and can be seen on the Buckinghamshire Council website. It would seem, however, that most of the people making the recent comments had not, in fact, read our letter. For the avoidance of doubt, we would like to confirm that we do not object to the proposal in principle. We have some concerns about traffic, but our main concern is the very unattractive design, which takes no account of the sensitive setting. We are aware that many members and other local residents welcome the Aldi proposal but that does not mean that it should be accepted without any effort being made to improve the plans. Amersham deserves better than the design as submitted.
Liz Jones leaving ADRA committee
We are very sorry that Liz Jones, who was ADRA’s Planning Officer for several years and who has been our Environment Officer for the last year, will be leaving the committee after the June meeting, as she and her family are moving to Wales. Liz has worked very hard in both roles and will be much missed. We wish her well in her new home.
Amersham on the Hill survey
We encourage our members to complete a survey aimed at understanding the nature of shops and services that local residents would like to be available in Amersham on the Hill once the pandemic has passed. This survey is being led by the Amersham Action Group in partnership with Buckinghamshire Council. All responses are anonymous. The information collected will be processed by Buckinghamshire Council for research purposes.
Click here for survey: Amersham on the Hill survey
Step free access at Amersham station
Transport for London has announced that Amersham Underground station has become step-free, helping those with accessibility needs to access the station and the wider transport network, significantly improving their journeys.
The accessibility scheme includes two new lifts, a bridge linking the platforms and improved signage giving customers step-free access within the station. Level access between the train platform for Metropolitan line services and a manual boarding ramp will be available to assist customers wishing to access National Rail trains that stop at Amersham.
Full details of the new facilities are contained in the Press Release issued by TfL on this link
Chesham and District Transport Users Group and the Amersham Action Group are to be congratulated for all the effort they have put into ensuring that this long-awaited facility has been created.
Misbourne Restoration project
Work was carried out in October and November 2020 to create a more meandering course for the Misbourne together with a wetland area, in the stretch between the A413 bypass and Quarrendon Mill. The aim is to restore the Misbourne to have more natural chalk stream characteristics and improve the habitat for wildlife. Currently the new river course is bedding in and there is some flooding due to high groundwater water levels and the channel not yet establishing itself. Around April time work will resume to seed the grazing field area and plant the berms (river banks) to green up the currently bare soil. Two cattle crossing points have been constructed and when ground conditions permit, stock fencing will be installed along the river banks to prevent livestock eroding the river banks while still having full access to the field. The straight stretch of river in the arable fields before Quarrendon Mill will not be fenced and will continue to be a water source for wildlife in the area. We look forward to seeing, by Summer, an attractive setting and the ‘new’ Misbourne providing a habitat for plants and invertebrates which do not establish in a faster flowing channel.
More information on this project can be found here