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• LATEST CHINEHAM NEWS
Despite being rebuffed in the past, Fuller Smith & Turner PLC, the owners of the Chineham Arms, are intent on expanding the accommodation at their Chineham premises. "But where?" [13.10.08]
Read MoreFox's Return !!
Disappointingly, but not exactly surprisingly, the tenacious would-be developers at Hillacre have come back for a further bite of the cherry.
The house plots have shifted slightly compared with the previous proposals, but the basic impact on Fox's Furlong remains unchanged. One might even think that there was some interest in the welfare of existing residents, if the applicants had at least moved the position of the access road to a point where the existing open space did not become totally decimated.
It looks like many residents will be sharpening their pencils for another face-to-face on this inappropriate application. [13.09.08]
Cycling in a Circle
Well - the weather was something of a challenge for the annual Chineham Neighbourhood Watch Cycle Treasure Hunt on Saturday 6 September. The rain eased for the event, but was pretty vigorous both before and after. Neighbourhood Watch obviously has influence in high places.Read More
[12.09.08]Park Art
From a developer fund of £35,000, works of art are to be created in Binfields Woodland Park. The borough council is to engage artists who will produce a series of artworks which form a trail through the space. It is expected that the artworks will be located within clearings adjacent to natural pathways, although they could also be incorporated into trees/canopies in some way. Both permanent and semi-permanent works of art will be considered, although it is expected that the creations will be endure for a reasonable period. [10.09.08]Heaven or Hell on Hanmore?
A Road Traffic Regulation Order came into force on 25 August 2008 which significantly restricts parking on roads in the vicinity of the Chineham Arms pub.
This is a new departure for Chineham as double yellow lines have been resisted on adopted roads elsewhere in Chineham. It could, however, be a pre-curser of other such schemes, like, for instance, around the Four Lanes schools site. The main question as regards the new Chineham Arms paint job, is wether the punters will now move further into Ajax and Achilles Close and thus cause residents even more stress.
Either way, it must be recognised that the road junctions should now be much safer, so long as there is meaningful enforcement of the parking restrictions. [9.09.08]View The Traffic Regulation Order
In the Dark
Despite the fact that Hampshire County Council recently appointed new contractors to maintain street lights, the blackout at the Binfields Roundabout and adjacent stretches of the A33 persisted for several weeks. Bearing in mind the the problem was merely "a burnt out 63 amp fuse and holder", this performance is little short of disgraceful.
The contractors have been engaged for many years ahead. Have HCC adopted an appropriate termination clause? [8.09.08]Helicopter Hell
Staff from RAF Odiham have agreed to make a presentation regarding their flying activities particularly in the way they impact upon Taylor's Farm. This is taking place in the Liddell Hall at Sherfield Village Hall on Monday 8 th September, commencing 7.30pm.
The RAF have asked that the meeting should not be used as a forum for specific complaints which should be directed through the MOD complaints procedures. Whilst it would be unrealistic to expect total cessation of low flying exercises, previous debates of a similar nature have resulted in an easing of the problem for a limited period.
If you are concerned about this problem, it might be worth popping in.Not so Much a Safer Route
Seemingly the contractors carrying out work on behalf of Hampshire County Council's Safer Routes to School team cannot read drawings properly.
If this is not so, how come that the railings across the path leading from Forest Drive to the main entrance of the Four Lanes schools site have not been placed at the kerbside (as shown on the published drawing)?
The railings and bollards are located about a third of the path width in, causing even more congestion at this pinch point than has historically been the case. It also exacerbates the impact of the blind corner at this location at the busy start and finish of school hours.
The Spotlight Team is hoping to get the railings re-positioned, or better still the footpath widened at this location. [23.06.08]
Snail Mail to arrive at Binfields and Taylor's Farm?
After months, nay years, of pestering Royal Mail about post box provision in North Binfields and Taylor's Farm, there is at last, a smidgen of progress. Martin Biermann has received a written communication with a promise to take the issue forward. Whilst this does not provide an opportunity to relax, it does hold out the prospect that the serious lack of sensible provision in these two areas may be overcome in time for Christmas posting!!!!!! We shall see [22.06.08]
Binfields Leisure Park Latest
This is somewhat surprising since there had been much prior discussion about the events and the particular attraction of plans showing a revised layout was a significant milestone. Read More [20.06.08]Allotment Seeds Planted
As is sadly too often the case, reaching a satisfactory conclusion on the issue of allotment provision behind Ajax Close is turning out to be unduly long-winded. There is however now, a glimpse of hope on the horizon. That said, whilst there is very great enthusiasm from throughout Chineham for the establishment of the allotments, and general support from the surrounding households, this support is not universal.
Once a scheme has been formally drawn up, it will be particularly important to consult with neighbouring householders and then, seek to address any objections. Thereafter, it is likely that some aspects of the scheme will require a planning application. The current intention is to clarify the funding sources, tidy up the legal aspects of the land use and then establish costs. It had been hoped that the project might be completed before the end of the year, but that is now beginning to look less likely.
The various interested parties also now have the challenge of developing a fair means of allocating the plots to the applicants who are currently over-subscribed by at least ten enthusiasts. [19.06.08]Chineham Business Park Shows the Way
The owners of the Chineham Business Park, MEPC, are amongst the more enlightened of the commercial property landlords. “Perhaps their initials stand for Motoring and Energy Pollution Control”? Of particular interest to Chineham residents is their ongoing campaign to reduce the volume of cars travelling in and out of the business park, all of which can only help to reduce the excessive volume of rat-running through Chineham.
They have long provided a mini bus service from the business parks to Basingstoke railway station and have now developed a very welcoming website to encourage staff to engage in car sharing. Spotlight wishes them every success and will endeavour to find how well the system works in practice. [17.6.08]Chineham Park Car Share Website
!! Update of the Youth Zone !!
An update from the poorly attended drop-in sessions, including the amended layout, will follow during this week.Child of Chineham in the Chilly Arctic
Following stiff competition from throughout the UK, Chineham resident, Emma Biermann, (currently studying at Warwick University), was one of two people from the UK to be chosen by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to become a part of a “Voyage for the Future”.
This is an expedition to the Arctic, set up by WWF to introduce 18 young people from 9 countries to personally witness the current massive impact of climate change. Apart from keeping in touch with the rest of the world via blogs and the like whilst on their voyage, once back in their home countries the participants are tasked with engaging politicians and decision-takers at national and international level to help drive home the message of the need for serious action NOW to address the increasingly serious consequences of climate change.
View a Fuller Explanation of the expedition or keep track with Emma's progress by logging onto her blog Emma In The Arctic where the reports of all the other “ambassadors” can also be followed.
Spotlight hopes that this massive investment by WWF will eventually make a contribution to helping our politicians understand the climate problems ahead of us and the fact that meaningful (and possibly painful) steps need to be taken now if the future of Emma and her peers is to be worthwhile. [16.06.08]Chineham Disconnected – Almost
You may have noticed from some recent press reports that it is recognised that Chineham is suffering even worse than most other parts of the borough in terms of slow broadband connections. It is quite clear that the UK is falling behind in broadband speeds, and to be faced with links falling way below even the poorly rated levels being sold to us is little short of a disgrace.
We are led to believe that – in recognition of the importance of good broadband communications for a thriving economy and general wellbeing – Hampshire County Council e-government officer is keen to have some feedback in order that he can put pressure on BT Openworld. So if you – in common with the Spotlight team – are fed up with dropouts and speed hardly faster than dial up, please do register via this link www.ehampshire.org/notspots
You may also wish to highlight your views and experiences on the Spotlight forum pages under the Chineham Broadband Thread.
If you wish to test your speed and keep in touch with the national situation, try this link http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7416471.stm [15.06.08]Chineham Leisure Survey
Have all members of your household yet completed the survey form included with the last edition of Chineham Chat? Do remember that you can either copy blanks of your existing form or download further copies from the Chineham Parish Council website which is at www.chineham.gov.uk .
If neither of these are possible, then the Spotlight team can provide with additional copies. There is a steady trickle of responses. If you wish your views to be included, it is important to get them in by the end of May). The borough council will be using the information to prepare future scheme and expenditure allocations. [18.05.08]! Binfields Leisure Latest. !
As previously reported, the Chineham Annual Parish Assembly (APA) on Monday 19 May will include further discussion about possible leisure provision on the former "Sports Barn" site. Discussions will benefit from the presence of the Basingstoke and Deane lead officer on this topic. HOWEVER, there will after all now be NO new formal proposal or plan to put before the meeting. (We apologise for the misleading information given in good faith in the earlier news posting).
The intention is merely to sweep up all the still outstanding thoughts in advance of preparing a revised plan which will be the one available for consultation at drop-in sessions in early June; (watch this space). It is hoped that thereafter the required modifications will be modest so that final architectural drawings can be prepared with the intention of moving forward to a formal planning application at the tail end of June.
Officers have already concluded that the boundary to the site must be significantly strengthened with three (or possibly two) formal access points only. The siting of the previous indicated access near Elvetham Rise would be moved further south. The potential noise arising from the skate area is cited by Environmental Health as likely to be unsatisfactory and this could be addressed by one of three approaches, namely a mechanical acoustic barrier, removal to the southern perimeter of the site, or location elsewhere altogether, such as Tollhouse Meadow.
The i-play zone is perhaps rather different from what has been previously understood and does not provide any on site direct access to the internet and is more of a physical "exercise" facility with home-based website monitoring and overview capabilities.
The 9 meter high Richter pyramid tower probably looks something like this illustration found on the web by the Spotlight team. More explicit information is anticipated at the APA meeting.
It is not too late for you to come forward with further suggestions for enhancement or alternatives, so please share your ideas whilst there is still a chance to influence the outcome! [17.05.08]
Lit up Link
Chineham Parish Council has supported Martin Biermann in his plea for lighting to be included in the scheme for a new formal footpath link between Taylor's Farm and Chineham. The current application seeks to remove the already installed lighting. Instead the parish council has suggested that the exiting lighting be retained and that it, together with additional lighting through the copse, be movement activated in order to have minimal impact on surrounding wildlife. Most people seem to agree that lack of lighting will seriously reduce the use and thus effectiveness of the proposed link. [13.05.08]
Another Successful Re-election
The Chineham Parish Council 2008 Annual Statutory Meeting saw the re-election of Chris Tomblin to the post of Chairman and David Thornton as Vice-Chairman. [13.05.08]!!! Youth Zone !!!
There has been much discussion about both the location and equipping of the Binfields Leisure Area. That a leisure facility of some nature would be located in the area at the end of Binfields Farm Lane has been established since the time that the county council first submitted a outline planning application for the Binfields Development Area at large. Read More
View Proposed Youth Zone Layout
As notified previously in this column, a borough officer will be bringing a revised plan to the Annual Parish Assembly which will be held in Christ Church on Monday 19 May, commencing at 2000. Additionally, the borough council has arranged for a further two drop-in sessions to take place at Christ Church between the hours of 1800 and 2100 on both 10th and 11th of June. Furthermore, an electronic consultation opportunity will exist on the borough council's website.
Hopefully, with all this further public engagement, it will be possible to reach a compromise to the satisfaction of most – if not all – residents, both close to the facility and further afield. [12.05.08] !!!No Change in Chineham
The whole council elections this year resulted in a significant shift into a clear Conservative majority on the borough council. The overall seat allocation was Conservative 35; LibDem 14; Labour 9 and Independent 2.
The following link holds Full Basingstoke Election Results, including Chineham Ward. [2.05.08]You can also view more about the Chineham Ward on our own Local Government Page.
Travellers Still Trying
Thanks to lack of diligence by the company collecting waste from Great Binfields School, the ‘goal post' barrier across Binfields Close Lane which forms part of the Maginot Line, was left unlocked. It did not take long for enthusiastic scouts from the travelling community to become aware of this mishap.
Fortunately, the Hampshire Highways team were also made aware that the road was now exposed to another encampment and quickly purchased a substantial padlock and put it into immediate service. This proved to be a truly prudent act since the school's staff soon after spotted would-be ‘campers' showing some annoyance at the fact that the barrier to their intrusion had been reinstated.
This was a close call and underlines the fact that continued diligence will be critical at this location. [30.4.08]Even More Likeable Link
It is now anticipated that if approval is given to the footpath link through from Taylor's Farm to Chineham, the existing footpath from the Petty's Copse Play Area to Thornhill Way will be enhanced.
Plans are in preparation for widening the existing path together with the possibility of reducing the rather steep gradient in the vicinity of Thornhill Way. [28.4.08]Leisure Facilities in Chineham – What do you think?
The next issue of the Chineham Chat should contain a questionnaire to all Chineham residents concerning how leisure provision might be enhanced within the parish. A list of possible projects is presented, but a write-in box is also provided for additional ideas. This box is at least as important as the list created by the parish council since the "brain storming" session held by councillors in drawing up the list might well have overlooked or not even contemplated other good ideas.
Do please take part in this survey as the parish will shortly be in serious discussion with the borough council concerning how existing funds might well be allocated in the months and years ahead. It is important to have your say. [24.4.08]Link Set to Improve
The much-discussed proposal for a proper footpath link between Taylor's Farm and Chineham is now much closer. A planning application (number BDB/68499) has been submitted and details an unlit route through Petty's Copse and linking with the footpath to the north of the Petty's Copse play area in Chineham.
A debate is ongoing as to whether the semi-constructed footpath through the conifer woodland to the north of Petty's Copse should be lit. Either way, some landscaping improvements are intended on either side of this stretch of path. The details of the applications should shortly appear on the borough's website. [22.4.08]Eco Development Update
After creating generally favourable murmurs in many quarters, the application for 24 low and zero carbon dwellings on Taylor's Farm has promoted in excess of 10 objections. As a result, the application now automatically goes to the borough's Development Control Committee. This takes place on Wednesday 7 May 2008.
Despite the aforementioned favorable comments, so far no member of the public has written to the borough, supporting the application. It would seem that the majority of the objections are to the appearance of the proposed dwellings. It might reasonably argued that if we are to achieve radical improvement to the sustainability of new dwellings, a measure of change in appearance is almost inevitable. Hopefully it will be possible to achieve a positive way forward for this project. [20.04.08]
VIEW APPLICATIONElection Ahoy
Nominations have now closed for the forthcoming round of borough elections on 1 st May. There are three vacancies to be filled in the Chineham Ward with one Independent, one Labour, two Lib-Dem and three Conservatives seeking to fill the places. [14.04.08]Bungalows for Reading Road ?
The controversial application recently refused for a compact development at 17 Reading Road may yet be taken to appeal by the applicant. However, informal discussions are proceeding with neighbours for a re-arranged layout with lower profile dwellings. Such a proposal would be potentially more sympathetic to the type of housing in the immediate vicinity and certainly be more acceptable to neighbouring householders. [13.04.08]Eco-development
Revised plans have been submitted for the proposed eco-development in Taylor 's Farm. So far there appears to be a good deal of public sympathy for this proposal. For those interested in seeing the latest submission, the application number is BDB/67785. [12.04.08]Growing Chineham
After a fairly sluggish start, enthusiasm for provision of allotments in Chineham has now surged ahead. The stage has even been reached where – if plans were to proceed on the Ajax Close site – there would be over subscription.
Clearly it is time for the parish and borough councils to move this project forward. It is not often a situation where residents adjoining a potential public facility are so supportive and the public demand is so clear.
It would be really nice to see something happening before the year is over. [11.04.08]Fox's Victory
The planning inspector has dismissed the appeal launched by the wood-be Hillacre developers.
This is truly good news, although the inspector is content about access going through the open space via Fox's Furlong. His main concern was the impact on residents of 94 Fox's Furlong. Doubtless the applicants will now have another go but hopefully with a revised access point. [8.04.08].Safer Chineham Panel First Meeting
The first meeting took place on 3rd March at Chineham Village Hall. The panel will meet quarterly to review what is occurring in Chineham, and to decide what the 3 priorities are with regards to community safety.. The priorities for this quarter are:
● Continue to reduce ASB in the Simons Road area and at Hartswood bus stop.
● To reduce burglary and vehicle crime.
● To increase provision of activities for children and teenagers in Chineham.
Any member of the panel would welcome to hear from you regarding any input or comments you would like to make and we also have a discussion thread here on the forum.
More Travellers at Great Binfields Farm Lane
Yet another group of travellers have encamped on Great Binfields Farm Lane. This is a sensitive site as it is so close to Great Binfields Primary School and despite several unauthorised encampments over the past year there seems to have been no adequate deterrents put in place to discourage travellers from returning, indeed some chalk mounds in the area were actually removed allowing easier entry.
A height restriction was placed across Great Binfields Farm Lane but this did nothing to hinder access via the path/cycle ways and the very recent placement of two concrete bollards again proved no problem for the travellers who just drive pass them.
Parents pass the encampment with their children on school days with both walking and parking made more difficult. There are also the enevitable clean ups that follow.
If you have any thoughts on this topic then take a look at this traveller thread on our forum or you can view our previous Binfield Travellers Article.*Update* - concrete bollards have now been installed in number across footpaths on both sides of the lane!
