Neighbourhood Watch Warning

The police would like to make you aware of a spate of crime being carried out all over our area of breaks into sheds and garages.  Locks are being forced but many have been carried out to insecure buildings.  The items the offenders are most interested in are pedal cycles though some electrical equipment has been taken.  Your sheds and garages can hold some expensive items. Please make sure they are stored as securely as possible, that you know their serial numbers and have marked them with your postcode.  Thank you.

Please phone us with any information on 08452 777 444.

Red Cow Site - latest news from Percy Prowse

Percy has received a letter from the City Council about this site from Stacey Salter, the Senior Enforcement & Projects Officer:

"Further to previous correspondence I have carried out a site inspection and found that the Section 215 Notice has not been complied with.  There is a large pile of rubbish towards the rear of the site and all the vegetation has not been cut to 30 cm or less.  I have discussed this case and in particular my recent site photographs with the Development Control Manager, Andy Robbins, and it has been decided we will pursue legal action to secure compliance with the Section 215 Notice in the new year.  I have advised the developers that if they comply with the notice in the meantime they should obviously inform me so that I can withhold such action."

eMail: planning@exeter.gov.uk

Tel:     01392 265431

Neighbourhood Watch SCAMS

This message relates to police log 843 of the 4th December 2008.

Letters are being received in Exeter purporting to be from solicitors overseas reporting that someone believed to have no next of kin has died leaving a large sum of money.  They say that research has been carried out and that the person receiving the letter is in fact next of kin and can obtain the money if a claim is made by email.  This will eventually lead to the claimant incurring costs.  

This is a SCAM - have nothing to do with it.  The rule is that if it looks to good to be true it inevitably is.

Checking the Consumer Direct website will normally prove it.

Please phone us with any information on 08452 777 444

Garden Group Visit Sherwood

A small group went last Sunday and it was lovely (if very cold).  If you've never been do try it.  The garden is huge, varied and obviously developed with love and imagination.  I can't wait to take grandchildren to explore the woodland garden - even in winter.  If you are a plant lover it is a treasure trove.  If you're a general wanderer, go in azalea and magnolia season for an eyeful.

RED COW SITE Latest news from Percy Prowse

Percy reports that the Council is finally getting serious with the owners of the site.  If the owner does not comply by 27th November 2008, the Enforcement Officer will "be commencing legal proceedings which will include obtaining authorisation for an injunction from the County Court without further warning to the owners".

The full letter is on the noticeboard.

Neighbourhood Watch Burglaries

This message relates to police log 297 of the 18th November 2008.  A number of dwelling burglaries have been committed recently in the Exeter area.  The point of entry is often through patio doors.  Unfortunately several of these were insecure at the time.

Please be reminded that roughly 25% of burglaries are via insecurities of one type or another. Please do not get caught out.

Please phone us with any information on 08452 777 444.

Thank you for your continued support of the Community Messaging System.

Garden Group Update from Vivienne

• 
  

Apologies in the delay in going to press; life is just too complicated sometimes!

The cuttings session went very well and for those who really got stuck in, well done!  My ill-gotten gains of the day seem to be doing admirably.

Jeremy would still like to hear from anyone who would like to share a shredder/chipper.

Carole has done some great detective work on the trading shed and the results are attached.

I've got root trainer prices from Lynda.      [Sorry table layout problems encountered.M]

Description      Price £ Saving £

3" single tray - 32 cells 07.99

3" four trays - 128 cells 22.85 9.11

5" single tray - 32 cells 07.99

5: four trays - 128 cells 24.85 7.11

Mixed double tray - 64 cells- 1X5", 1X3" 13.45

Mixed four trays - 128 cells - 2x5", 2x3"    24.00 7.06

If you want more details... www.rootrainers.co.uk

So there you have it.  Anyone interested in bulk purchase, see you next meeting.

I'm not going to bang on about what to do in the garden in December.  Only to say that when the weather is clement, get out and do something!

As far as suggestions for the rest of the year, how about a trip on Sunday November 20th to Sherwood, Newton St. Cyres?  The garden is open under the National Garden Scheme every Sunday from 2 - 5.  It is a 15 acre garden spanning two wooded valleys.  Sounds good; admission is £3.  Try to let me know if you fancy going and perhaps we can arrange the minimum number of cars.

For December I would like to invite you all on Sunday 14th to have a glass of mulled wine and some nibbles (contribute if you like to the nibbles).  At that stage we ought to try and come up with a plan for next year, perhaps starting with a January trip to R.H.S. Rosemoor to see the winter garden.

We should come up with a calendar for next year so please start thinking about things you would like to do or discuss.

I have been asked to have our get-togethers on Sunday during the winter to allow those who work to come.  We can change to weekday evenings when there is enough light and the weather is better.

Attached:

FROM THE EXWICK ALLOTMENTS TRADING SHED - SOME SAMPLE PRICES.

• Potatoes - mainly £1.60 for 3kg bag, or £12.50 for 25kg (we could combine orders and split the latter). (See below for varieties).
  
• A brand new variety that appears to be much more blight resistant, bred in Hungary and in short supply so orders needed immediately: Sarpo Axona (maincrop I think) £3 for 3kg.
  
• Multi-purpose compost; £3.20 for quite a big bag.
  
• Growbags @ £1.20
  
• Mushroom compost @ £7.25 for 5 bags.
  
• Finer mushroom compost combined with horse manure @ £7.25 for 5 bags.
  
• Chicken pellets @ £8 for 20kg.
  
• "Groworganic" (also based on chicken pellets) @ £4.85 (similar sized bag but no weight given).
  
• Wormcasts at £1.10 per decent sized bag.
  
• Unwins seeds @ 40% below retail prices.
  

If people want to place orders with me and pay in advance, I'll place a combined order.  For the potatoes, we need to order NOW.  The full seed stock is not in yet so that can wait till later.  Some of the bagged compost will be more expensive when the new stock comes in and stocks are limited at the moment.

The shed also provides onion sets, shallots and pea and bean seeds (loose) at the appropriate season.

Carol Burgoyne - phone 274568

Neighbourhood Watch : Christmas Crime Prevention

This message relates to police log 586 of the 11th November 2008.

Every year there are burglars who do their Christmas shopping in other people's houses.  They steal presents and sell them to fund their own Christmas or just pass them on to family members.  

There are measures you can take to reduce the chances of this happening to you, some specific to Christmas, some not.  Always secure all doors and windows when leaving the property or retiring for the night.  Always keep keys to doors, windows and vehicles out of sight, but accessible in case of fire.  Now would be a good time to check burglar alarms and CCTV systems if fitted.  Never leave brightly wrapped presents where they can be seen from outside the property.  They are as attractive to the burglar as they are to you.  Leaving shopping on the back seat of your car could cost you the price of a new window as well as of replacing the shopping.  Please put it in the boot, or at least out of sight.  Each year a tremendous amount of effort goes into choosing appropriate presents.  Let's hope this year all yours reach the person they were intended for.

Please phone us with any information on 08452 777 444

RED COW SITE Latest news from Percy Prowse

Percy Prowse has written the following letter:

Dear Resident

Today I spoke with our enforcement officer who has been steering the above subject to resolve the Untidy Site Notice which, as a result of your concerns, was started by me quite some time ago.  This is the next stage.

As can be seen nothing has prompted the owner/developer to clear the site.  However I did notice last week that the fence was put back up.

Options for the City Council:

1. We employ our Direct Services department to clear the site and put a charge on the Freehold if the owner/developer does not pay the clearance charge,

2. We prosecute.

3. We go to the County Court to seek an injunction for the site to be cleared and apply for costs.

Our enforcement officer will visit the site this week to take further photos to confirm non-compliance.

At present I do no know which of the three options will be chosen.

Yours sincerely, 

Percy Prowse.

Taddyforde Targeted?

Another break-in

Last night the garage of Taddyforde House South was broken into.  This is the latest in a string of recent suspicious incidents and crime.  It suggests that some young, and not very successful, criminals are using us as practice territory because it is a quiet area.

Please do keep your eyes peeled for strangers and politely challenge anyone unfamiliar.  The more they feel spotted and identified the more likely they are to move away.

Burglars

Peter Brock came across another couple of lads on bikes apparently "casing" The Chalet today.  He challenged them politely and they went off.  However, it reinforces the feeling that we are in constant danger of being burgled.  Be extra careful about security.

Red Cow Path

Volunteers needed to help repair the path.

Could you tell Margaret or Jeremy at Hickling Cottage if you are up for it and if so which weekends between now and Christmas you could be available.

Would involve lots of carrying gravel (sculpings) up the path and spreading it out.  Bring own shovel and rake if possible, the odd extra wheelbarrow might be useful.

Dog Fouling

A resident reports that there have been several recent episodes of dog fouling in one (and maybe more) of the estate gardens. A passing stray may be to blame, but passing strays seem to be thin on the ground.  Before any more strolls round one's own property take an unpleasant turn, could we just ask any dog-owning residents who don't already do so to consider not allowing their pets free range on the estate, but rather taking them through it on a lead until the wide open spaces are reached and conventional poop-scooping activities can resume.

Neighbourhood Watch

This message relates to Police Log No.1050 11/10/08.

An elderly lady in Newtown had a call on Saturday evening from a man asking to read her meter.  She became suspicious and did not allow him to enter her home.

If you have a call from someone claiming to be from a company always ask for ID.  If you have any doubts do not allow anyone into your home you do not know.  

If you have any information about this incident please contact:

08452 777 444

and quote the Police Log No. above.

The Garden Group - Update

The Garden Group (see Download Documents) has met and it seems that it may be a valuable resource.

Two issues have come up:

• Do we want to explore joint renting of machinery, for example, heavy duty chipper/shredder and long reach hedge trimmers?
• What about bulk buying of consumables such as compost, perlite, grit etc. as well as seeds, bulbs and plug plants?
  

Please let Vivienne know when you could normally make a session, or when you regularly couldn't as she'd like to plan the next one.

Let's do some cuttings.  So, if you have a shrub or perennial or something you would like to try propagating bring along largeish pieces (8" maybe) in good nick, this year's growth and without flowers.  Cut it as late as you can before coming and keep it in a plastic bag with some wet paper towel till we need it.  No guarantees, depends on what you bring, but we'll give it a go.

Garden cuttings/hire of tools

Garden cuttings

Would whoever left pruned branches of laurel and beech on the bank opposite our kitchen window (Hickling Cottage) please not do it again? I'm trying to bring on some young shrubs and piles of dead wood don't help. Also they're not very pretty.

Hire of tools

I usually hire a chipper in the autumn to deal with prunings. Anyone like to share in this? If so let me know. Similarly I could do with hiring a petrol-driven extension hedge clipper: anyone else interested?

Jeremy Cushing

Hickling Cottage

Neighbourhood Watch

This message relates to Police Log No.1131 29/09/08.

There have been two incidents of a man visiting elderly people in the Exeter area claiming to be from the water authority and needing to check the water supply.  This claim is false.

Please warn people in properties around you not to allow anyone into their home they do not know and always check ID.

If you have any information please call 08452 777 444 quoting the log number and date above.

Focus on Liberal Democrats

Did you notice that one of the two things the Liberal Democrats seem to have achieved in Duryard since their last newsletter included getting an Untidy Site Notice issued about the Red Cow site?

Hum!!

Search this blog for Red Cow.  Is there a Sheila Holden or a Ben Noble anywhere here?  I'm not a Conservative voter, but Percy Prowse has been doing the job in a persistent, friendly and unassuming way.  That feels to me like local democracy.  He finds out what is going on and pulls any levers he can to sort it out.  

And if DCC takes over Exeter, do you really think a Roger Clotworthy is going to turn up in my dining room and hear what you are upset about, and climb up the bank behind Taddyforde House South's garage to look at the boundary with the Unite development?  Just read the Express & Echo about road maintenance in Exeter.

Sorry!  I'm a bit cross.

Neighbourhood Watch Site

This message relates to Police Log No. 295.

For your information there is now an official website for Neighbourhood Watch.  It is :

 http://www.mynhw.co.uk.

You can click on the title of this message to go there.

Boundary with Unite site

Peter Cobbold arranged for Exeter City Planning Officer, Roger Clotworthy, to visit Taddyforde today and look at the boundary with the development.  The Planning Office has to agree a landscaping plan with the developers, before they can go onto other projects.  A number of interested Taddyforde residents joined the lively debate!

It was finally agreed that our preference would be for the boundary fence to be a solid one and planted with climbing plants, on our side if necessary.

Because Keith and Todd are planning to have the old garage rebuilt, it was agreed that planting trees would not be sensible along the stretch of boundary between the two garages at the moment.  What we would like is for the council's tree specialist to assess the site and tell us how many trees, of what type and at what cost would be appropriate.  We would then ask the developers to provide a tree fund to provide for planting at a later date.

The Planning Officer then has to negotiate with the developers and see what he can get out of them.

We shall see....

RED COW LANE SITE

Jeremy has been sent a copy of the Planning Notice in respect of clearing this site.  It was issued on 22.08.08 and it takes effect on 02.10.08.  Within a month the owner of the site is required to:

1. Remove all litter, rubbish, waste material and waste items from the land.
2. Reduce the height of the vegetation to not more than 30 cm.
   

If it is not done the Council can take the owner to court, do the work themselves and charge the costs of doing so to the site owner.

Iris Responds

You may not have noticed Iris's comment below.  So here it is again:

Dear All

I am temporarily staying with my daughter in Kent (not living in a tent as the CAB consultant misheard when I phoned to explain my continued absence).  I am expecting to move into a flat on New North Road but at the moment this is proceeding very slowly.  I shall look forward to seeing you for coffee when this move has been successfully completed.  The Taddyforde folk have always been a supportive community and I have appreciated that very much.  I realise I should have arranged for a fanfare!

In the meantime I am sure you will welcome the new inhabitants of THS, Todd and Keith, who were most helpful to me with the move.  They really are very nice guys.

Best Wishes Iris.

Neighbourhood Watch - Bogus Collectors

This message relates to Police Log No. 444 05/09/08.

Two men have been collecting in the Exeter area for a children's charity.  They are using a bucket, and the charity has advised that these people are bogus.  Always check ID and that they are collecting with a sealed charity box.  If you have a call from these gentlemen please note any vehicle they are driving and contact:

08452 777 444, quoting police log 444 05/09/08.

Thank you.

Local Break-ins

Peter Cobbold has heard of a number of break-ins in Taddiford Road this week.  Electronic gear was stolen.

Please be extra careful about security.  Always lock doors and windows.

Red Cow: Jeremy's letter to Lisa Cocks

In addition to three earlier photographs taken on 27th August, this is one I took today.  It shows that the plastic bags left over by the recent deposit of scores of old shoes have now been joined by more garden rubbish.  It joins the other rubbish left outside the Red Cow site that we have been complaining about for the last two years, about which nothing has been done.

Stacey Salter said that she was sending this aspect of my complaint on to you since fly-tipping is not a planning issue.  I hope that you will not use the uncertain ownership of the unadopted Red Cow Lane as a reason for not doing anything about it.  We are resigned to the fact that litter deposited by the public in the lane is ignored by the council, but we are now in a situation where your colleagues' failure to do anything about the state of the demolition site is directly impacting the state of the lane.

I don't know whether your responsibilities also include litter but can I also direct your attention to the removal of the litter bin at the bottom of Red Cow Lane.  This used to provide some limited protection from littering in the lane, but shortly after the Red Cow Inn was demolished the bin disappeared.  The council then tried to say that it had never existed: actually it was moved up the hill to below The Imperial.  A new bin was provided, clamped to a lamp post across the road and therefore irrelevant to Red Cow Lane.  Can I urge that a new bin be provided?

While on the subject of the bin across the road, the other day my five-year-old granddaughter was unable to put litter in it because it is clamped halfway up the lamp post.  Is there any reason for this?

Generally I am deeply underwhelmed by your department's professionalism in dealing with the Red Cow Inn area.  In common with other marginal parts of Exeter you seem to have written it off.  This state of affairs would definitely not be allowed to persist in any more prosperous area of Exeter.  Could we possibly move to a less class-based strategy?

Red Cow Enforcement Notice

Stacey Salter, Exeter City Council's Senior Enforcement and Projects Officer has written to confirm that a notice of a breach of planning control regulations has been served on the site owner.  The notice takes effect on 2 October 2008 and the owner of the site must remove all litter, rubbish, waste material and waste items and reduce the height of the vegetation to no more than 30cm by this date.

She will check it after this date.

The fly-tipping problem has been passed to Lisa Cocks in Environmental Health Services.

Iris Sutton has left Taddyforde

With characteristic independence, Iris was seen today on her way to St. David's having left Taddyforde House without fanfare.  I remember her saying to me some time ago that she would like to live somewhere where "bits don't keep dropping off".

Any of you who have lived here for while will know that Iris, and her husband Bruce, brought up their family here and that Iris has spent an awesome amount of time, skill and persistence in researching the history of Taddyforde (in which she is now an expert) as well as researching the lives of many other people of Exeter when their relatives have tried to seek out their forebears through St. David's Church.

She warned the Residents' Association (as a committee member) that she might not be around much longer, but it's still a shock to find that she has gone.

Exeter's Dustbin on our Doorstep

To Exeter City Planning Department

These pictures (taken today) show the state you have allowed the site to get into, and also show that flytipping is spreading beyond the site up Red Cow lane.  The very public state of the site encourages passers-by to think that this is a good place to dispose of rubbish.  The latest deposit included three large plastic bags full of assorted footwear and several electrical items, deposited outside the electricity substation.  This morning the bags had been emptied and most of the footwear taken.  It is to be hoped that this does not presage Red Cow Lane becoming a kind of unofficial recycling centre.

You will know that Red Cow Lane has not been adopted and has no known owner.  Consequently disposing of rubbish has to be done by local residents.  They all pay the rates and wonder what exactly they are paying for?

Devon County Council's leaflet

You may have received this glossy leaflet on the proposal to abolish Exeter City Council.  If you haven't actually read the Boundary Committee's draft proposals you might find it all seeming very pleasant.  I still don't and have written to them accordingly.

If you are interested you can read my response (Boundary.doc) by clicking on the title of this message.

Neighbourhood Watch

The crime prevention officer for Exeter has had reports that there has been a man cold calling at people's doors trying to sell aerial photographs.  His description is : white male about 6ft tall and of average build.  He has dark hair and a northern accent.  He was carrying a black sports type holdall.

We remind residents to use our bogus caller advice - keep doors locked, use security chains and do not allow anyone into your home that you do not know.  If you have a call like this and are concerned about his selling tactics call:

08452 777 444.

A note of any vehicle he was driving would be useful.  Thank you.

Save the City Council

Did you know that the Boundary Committee has proposed the abolition of Exeter City Council?  They want us to be something like a Devon parish but with no local elections.  The City would be represented by a "board" appointed by Devon County Council.  The consultation period ends on September 26th 2008.

For details of their proposal visit:  www.electoralcommission.org.uk  and look at the Devon pages or click on the title of this message to get to the right page.  You can send your comments through this site or email: reviews@boundarycommittee.org.uk. 

Or send your views to:

Devon Review Manager

The Boundary Committee for England

Trevelyan House

Great Peter Street

London SW1P 2HW

Red Cow Site Gets Worse

As the litter accumulates and strange activity is evident, Exeter City Council officers are still dragging their feet.  Despite the persistence of Percy Prowse, the Council has STILL not issued the formal Untidy Site Notice.  The Senior Enforcement and Projects Officer, Stacey Salter, wrote to Percy Prowse on the 23rd July saying that "This matter will shortly be passed to the Council's Planning Solicitor to prepare and issue a notice."

How long is "shortly"?  And will the Planning Solicitor take as long to issue the notice as it has taken her to request it?

Neighbourhood Watch Again

This message relates to Police Log 389  30/07/08.

There has been an incident in the Pinhoe area where two males called on an elderly lady, told her they were working on her neighbour's and there had been a leak.  They asked the lady for several hundred pounds and gained access to her property.  She gave them the money and of course has found out that this is a scam.

Please do not make payments to anyone who claims they have worked on your property.  Do not allow anyone into your home you do not know.

If it happens to you ring 08452 777 444 quoting Police log 389.

Barbecue

Many thanks to the committee and all those who took so much trouble to make the barbecue the enjoyable occasion that it was, especially to Christine for lending her delightful garden to the event.

David and Gerda

Neighbourhood Watch

This message relates to Police Log No. 469  29/07/08.

A bogus caller has called on a resident in the Broadclyst area stating that he was from East Devon District Council and was there to paint the ceilings.  When asked for ID he left.  His description is:  a white male aged about 40, 5ft. 3ins., grey hair, wearing white overalls.

The Council has no knowledge of this man.

If you have a call from someone like this do not allow him into your property but call 999 while he is there.

Please phone us with any information on 08452 777 444

RED COW SITE Latest news from Percy Prowse

Dear Resident

On 18th July I made an inspection of the above site.  It was apparent that the developer/owner had made no effort to comply with the Untidy Site Notice.  I rang our enforcement officer, Stacey Salter, who told me that she had only just received a letter from the owner/developer confirming that the site had been tidied and made secure.  Clearly a vivid imagination has overtaken them.  She is to photograph the site and meet with our legal department to move to the next stage.  Another progress report will be made by me in due course.

Yours sincerely

Percy

Barbecue Pictures

Taddyforde Barbecue

It was a lovely day, great food and excellent company.  Many thanks to all involved.

Elmfield Error

Despite the flood of letters of protest he stimulated, it seems that the neighbour who first spotted the problem now accepts that there are no effective legal avenues to follow.  Instead he is arranging negotiation between the City Council, the developers and other residents' associations to determine what can be done to mitigate the effect of the high building on its surroundings. Our Chairman has been invited.

Neighbourhood Watch Again

Police Log 518  16th July 2008

In addition to the bogus caller incident yesterday, we have had a report of a pair of males offering guttering and roofing work.  They were thought to be suspicious by the reporting person.

It is rarely a good idea to employ callers at your door for any type of work.  The proportion who will do a proper job for a reasonable price is minute.  Please be warned.

Please phone us with any information on 08452 777 444

Neighbourhood Watch - Water Board

Police Log 492  16th July 2008.

Two males called at a property in Stoke Hill this morning pretending to be from the Waterboard. They gained access and stole cash from the elderly occupant.

One is described as white, aged 23 to 27, 5' 9" tall, slim build, fair short hair, wearing brown top and jeans.  Be aware that these people are around.  Check the identity of callers.  If you have a door chain, please use it.  Report any suspicious activity.

Please phone us with any information on 08452 777 444.

Elmfield Nursery Development

We've had a very polite letter of apology from the head of Planning Services at Exeter City Council, pointing out that one of the reasons they refused the application was the it represented over development of the site in terms of "the appearance of the development in relation to the scale and character of the area".

He apologises on behalf of the Council for it's "failure to address the incorrect scale".

He thinks it possible that the inspector from the Planning Inspectorate took into account the height of the original Cavanna homes application (which the Council approved) where the height was accurately plotted.

Neighbourhood Watch - Trading Standards

This message relates to Police Log No. 362 10/07/08

Trading Standards now have the means to track down who and where foreign lottery scam letters are coming from.

If you receive a letter like this, please send the letter and the envelope to:

Trading Standards, Devon County Hall, Topsham Road, Exeter.

Thank you.

Neighbourhood Watch - South West Water

This message relates to police log 183 of the 27th June 2008.  The police would like to let you know that South West Water now have a telephone number to call to check out any caller purporting to work for that company.  You should never call a number produced by a cold caller as it could be bogus.  This number only applies to South West Water and is:

0800 169 1144

Elmfield Nursery Development

Jeremy and I have both written to the Planning Inspectorate and Exeter City Council.  The Planning Inspectorate has replied to each of us, making points like:

- Our file has been destroyed.  So we can't check.

- The Inspector accepts the accuracy of drawings in good faith.

- If he had spotted an error he would have said so.

- Once the appeal decision has been issued it can only be overturned by the High Court.

- Since the Secretary of State's decision was taken in 2005, we no longer have jurisdiction.

- Contact the Council about this.

Exeter City Council has not responded.

If you have written and had any response from any one, please let me know and I'll put it up.

Hemlock Gone

The hemlock has now been uprooted.  Thanks to all who helped.

Some seedlings may emerge next year, but we will have to wait to see if they are hemlock or cow parsley before we uproot them again.

Elmfield: The Chairman's Letter

Dear Sir

The attention of the Taddyforde Residents' Association has been drawn to the substantial inaccuracy of certain building heights in the plans submitted for the Elmfield Nursery Development (05/0551/03).

It is clear that the height of Streatham Lodge has been misrepresented on the plans and that this has led our members and all other interested parties to believe that the overall height of the development would be considerably lower than is in fact the case.  This of course explains why the emerging buildings appear much higher to us all than was expected.

We feel most strongly that we have been denied the opportunity to make objections at the planning stage on grounds of height because we have been misled.  We have all been effectively disenfranchised by the misrepresentation.

We also feel that Exeter City Council and the Planning Inspectorate have failed in their duty to scrutinise and review the planning application.  Misleading information was presented to the public.

The whole application process, as a result of these issues was, it is clear, flawed.  The approval should be set aside now and building work stopped immediately to allow the re-opening of the application.

Yours faithfully

Peter Cobbold (Chair, Taddyforde Residents' Association).

10.06.08

Elmfield Error

Elmfield Development (05/0551/03)

A neighbour in Streatham Rise has noticed that the plans for the development include a cross section drawing which misrepresents the height of Block C (on New North Road opposite Streatham Lodge) in relation to Streatham Lodge.  The Lodge is shown as being 4 metres lower than Block C.  It is actually 8 metres lower.  The same might apply to The Chalet in Taddyforde.  Obviously the two existing dwellings were included for purposes of comparison and give a false impression of the development's relationship to the environment.

The Council Planning Department has confirmed this, but claims that the development does conform to the plans approved for the site and they can, therefore, take no further action.  In any case Exeter City Council did not approve the application.  It was approved by the Secretary of State after and investigation by the Planning Inspectorate.

However, this misrepresentation means that people who would have objected on the grounds of height were denied the opportunity to do so.

Exeter City Council is guilty of maladministration by failing to check the drawings made available to the public.  The same might be said of the Planning Inspectorate.

The application should now be set aside and all work on the development suspended while this discrepancy is investigated and corrected.

The more letters both parties receive the more likely they are to take notice.

Please send your views to:

Mr. Richard Short

Head of Planning Services

Exeter City Council

Civic Centre

Paris Street

Exeter

EX1 1NN

And:

Mr. Peter Robottom

Director of Operations

The Planning Inspectorate

Temple Quay

Bristol

BS1 6PN

Hemlock

It has been pointed out that we have a lot of poison hemlock in Taddyforde and that it's well named (three alkaline poisons, in all parts of the plant: LD50 for mice is 12mg per kg for the most potent of them). It is, of course, what they used to kill Socrates. It's tall (up to 10 feet), has reddish-purple streaks and spots on the stems and flowers around now.

The proposal is that we cut it down before the seeds mature. It's a biennial, which means that the individual plants won't grow up again. Please let me know if you object.

In the mean time, don't eat it and tell your children not to.

Cow parsley

Cow parsley (which we also have) is much smaller, doesn't have the reddish bits on the stems and flowers a month earlier. It's now setting seed. Personally I quite like it so if no-one objects I will leave the cow parsley alone. Unlike hemlock it's quite harmless.

Jeremy Cushing

Hickling Cottage

Red Cow Inn

Exeter City Council have finally sent a formal request to the owner of the site:

"In order to remedy the breach of planning control regulations I have advised that they remove all the refuse and debris from the site and cut down the weeds within 28 days of the date of this letter (23 May 2008).  Failure to comply with this request may result in further action being taken by the Council.  I have advised that an alternative option rather than tidy the site is to screen the site with secure solid hoardings rather than the existing fencing to ensure the site is adequately screened from public view."

Stacey Salter, Senior Enforcement & Projects Officer.

They get one more warning period.  Then the Council does the work and charges the site owner.

The full letter to Councillor Prowse, who has worked doggedly on this, is on the physical noticeboard by the arch.

Noticeboard - Why?

Mainly because I'm retired and wanted to find out how this worked. But also because it allows other Taddyforde residents to add notices, or ask for information. If I see a new message on this board, I can print it out and put it on the physical noticeboard by the arch.

To be able to add a notice, you will have to email me so that I can "invite" you to join the group. I then send you an email with a link which you can use to join by entering your email address and password on the Google web site. You only have to do this once. After that you can sign in when you want to add a notice or a comment.

There's also a mysterious Subscribe message at the bottom of this page. If you click on that you can get an automatic message to say that something new has been added to the board without having to go and visit it.

I hope someone else will want to use it!

Neighbourhood Policing

The police would like to work with residents on local crime issues. The names and contact number can be downloaded from Download Documents on the left.

You can find more detail on their website. Click on the title above to get to it.