Borough Councillor’s Report – Cllr Houlbrook 13.03.23
Members, this is my last report before the coming May elections as our April meeting will be within the purdah period. I remain of course happy to answer questions from members and our community.
Planning Applications
Some time ago following many complaints and concerns about safety on the pavements and incidents of ASB, Sanctuary Housing applied to remove and replace eight crab apple trees at Arderne House. This application has been refused by planning. The reference is 22/038350/TPO. I realise residents will be disappointed. I hope the local authority will be vigilant in keeping the pavements swept and clear during fruiting season.
Recently I was contacted by members of our community concerned about the ASB taking place on and the condition of the old Gamekeeper site on Newhall Road.
Now that planning permission has been granted, I hoped, foolishly it appears, that work would begin imminently.
Like everyone who has contacted me and those who have not, I have come to the end of my patience. I am frankly sick of chasing the planning officers to take enforcement action. I sent this email to the case officer and the head of planning, but I have not yet received a reply.
Gamekeeper Site
This site continues to be an eyesore and to attract ASB including drug taking and remains a dumping ground for fly tipping and general rubbish. I receive frequent complaints and I feel that our community has put up with this for far too long.
I am therefore asking you to take action against the landowners using the Town and Country Planning act 1990 section 215:
Section (1)
If it appears to the local planning authority that the amenity of part of their area, or of an adjoining area, is adversely affected by the condition of land in their area, they may serve on the owner and occupier of the land a notice under this section.’
And
Section (2)
the notice shall require such steps for remedying the condition of the land as may be specified in the notice to be taken within such period as may be so specified.
The amenity of the whole community and specifically the neighbouring properties and households are most definitely adversely affected by the condition of the land.
A reminder that community groups can apply for money from my £500 ward coronation pot. To date I have received one expression of interest.
Deadline is 22nd March.
Local groups wanting information or to discuss a potential application should email chesterlocality@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
Rubbish left near on Countess Way
Thank you to the resident who alerted me to the rubbish in the dip on Countess Way. On investigation I discovered there was a tent so I contacted the rough sleeper hotline to ask them to attend. There was no one living in the area. I also requested a thorough clear up on Countess Way which is strewn with rubbish of all kinds.
It appears grass cutting has already begun in Upton which has exposed the litter in many areas. Such a shame that there is no coordination of the two services.
Cycle Safety
I would like to remind cyclists/ parents/careers about keeping safe and being visible on a bike. As the weather improves more of our young people are out and about on bikes in Upton. Being seen keeps us all safe.
Unadopted Roads - Parking in Upton Dene
At the request of many residents who live on Upton Dene I have contacted both the management company and Morris Homes about the parking. As the roads are unadopted they are not the responsibility of the local authority.
The management company is not responsible and Morris Homes feel that there is no solution they can or will offer to residents. Some of the problems are caused by overflow hospital parking and I hope this will be addressed as part of the ongoing community discussions with CoCH. Some of the issues are due to dog walkers who chose not to use the car park for the country park. This is just plain selfish and anti-social.
Congratulations Barbara Owen
I am pleased to share the news that on Friday 3rd March our Upton resident Mrs Barbara Owen became an Honorary Freeman of the Borough of Cheshire West and Chester. Barbara is a long-time resident and community champion supporting tenants of Sanctuary Housing. I was delighted to propose her.
Community Pride Projects
Recently each councillor was given £6400 to spend on community pride projects in their ward or wider. This is how I have allocated mine to support Upton.
• £1,382 towards planting in Lodge Garden
• £250 towards a litter bin in Lodge Garden
• £250 towards one bench hardstanding from slabs in Lodge Garden
• £276 towards Upton Lane bus stop tidy-up
• £380 towards wildflower planting on Cotebrook Drive and
• Alpraham Crescent and Gatesheath Drive
• £434 towards wildflower planting on the corner of Newhall Road and Handford Road
• £416 towards wildflower planting on Acres Lane
• £385 towards wildflower planting on Wealstone Lane verges - 2 locations • £280 towards wildflower planting on the central reservation and wide verges on Liverpool Road (A5116) at 2 locations
• £618 towards wildflower planting opposite the Countess of Chester hospital (A5116)
• £559 towards wildflower planting on St Columba's grassed areas
• £352 towards wildflower planting on Shocklach Road grassed areas
• £635 towards wildflower planting on Halton Road and
• Newhall Road grassed areas
• £183 towards additional planting in Lodge Gardens
Weston Grove Speeding
Many residents on Weston Grove have contacted me as they are hugely concerned by the speed which many drivers chose to use on Weston Grove. It is absolutely unacceptable. This is a 20 mph zone.
I have contacted Cheshire Police and Crime Commission and also CWaC highways, again, to ask for enforcement and speed controls.
Given the speed which I witnessed it is only a matter of time before there is a serious accident. A thank you to our local Officers who have arranged for the Police SID to be utilised in Upton.
I have also been in touch with the Clerk at Great Boughton Parish Council to make enquiries about the SID they have purchased and which is currently in use on Green Lane. This may be something the Parish Council would like to consider later in the year.
Jill Houlbrook
