We do our best to represent the views of members on local planning issues, but if we write to one of the local authorities about a particular matter, our letter is counted as only one comment, despite the fact that we have nearly a thousand members. If there is something which concerns you, please make sure that you write to the relevant council as well as raising it with us.
These are some of the planning matters on which we have made representations in recent months:
St Leonard’s Church, Chesham Bois
APP/X0415/W/21/3278072
Plans for a replacement rectory and a parish centre for St Leonard’s Church, Chesham Bois, have been refused after an inspector ruled that the proposal would harm the Chilterns Beechwoods Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
44 London Road West – former car showroom
PL/21/1309/FA
Demolition of existing buildings and erection of a food store, with servicing, access, car parking and landscaping.
This is the application for an Aldi store, about which a survey was recently carried out.
ADRA objected to the proposal on the grounds that the design of the proposed building was not appropriate to the setting. Buckinghamshire Council’s Heritage Consultee has made the same objection.
57 – 65 Sycamore Road, Amersham, HP6 5EQ
PL/20/3564/FA
(Premises currently occupied by Superdrug and Waterstones)
Proposal: Demolition of existing building and construction of building to front of site comprising 2 [much smaller] retail units (Use Class E) and 11 dwellings, and building to rear comprising 3 dwellings, with associated car parking, landscaping, refuse and bicycle storage.
ADRA objected on the grounds that the considerable reduction in retail space will have a negative impact on the range and variety of potential tenants; and that the size and scale of the development is too large for the location. [There have been over 500 other objections.]
HS2 Headhouse Building (adjacent to Amersham Hospital)
PL/21/3824/HS2 &PL/21/3825/HS2
ADRA wrote requesting preventative measures against graffiti and additional planting at perimeter to conceal ‘the crown’. We also welcomed comments from the Heritage consultee, who suggested other improvements. Historic England have been consulted and are happy to leave it to the local Heritage consultee who has proposed a number of improvements to the Headhouse design and security fence.
St Leonards Parish Centre, Glebe Way, Chesham Bois, HP6 5ND
APP/X0415/W/21/3278072
PL/20/0401/FA
Redevelopment of the site to create a new multifunctional Parish Centre with cafe, day nursery building, replacement rectory with detached garage, additional staff dwelling, 2 outbuildings to provide prayer room and substation/bin and bicycle store, associated parking and landscaping. ADRA objected to the original application, which was refused.
An appeal against Refusal has been lodged.