Ruth attended a liaison meeting arranged by the Trust on 22 December along with some local residents, the Trust, a representative from OXTRAG (transport and access matters for the disabled) and the contractors.

Some matters are becoming clearer. Letters from the contractors to residents in affected areas two weeks in advance of the works will show a map of where the works will be, will specify the house numbers affected, will indicate the date when works will be happening, and will indicate where alternative parking might be found. There will be collection points either end of the works where those with mobility issues can alight or be picked up by car. Footpaths will be accessible throughout the works and there is a process for emergency vehicles to gain access to properties at all times. The contractors are aware of the need to retain access to Latimer Grange, McMaster House, St. Luke’s and The Brambles and have made a specific plan for the Latimer Road phase.

Some elements of the project are not so clear, and we have been in daily contact with City and County Council officers and others for further information on the following:

• Has process been followed correctly?
• Does this sort of scheme definitely not need planning permission?
• Does this sort of scheme require lengthier consultation?

In the meantime there are further unanswered questions:

Parking

It appears that the Trust and the contractors are doing as much as they can to identify alternative parking spaces for those in affected roads either on private or Trust land. A temporary replacement car park may be set up on the area of grass at one corner of the JR’s site off Sandfield Road near Cuckoo Lane for use by those displaced from Sandfield Road and Latimer Road, this is being investigated but couldn’t be operational till February at the earliest. They are also talking to pubs and the universities about making additional parking space available.

There is a further option being explored that may mean that residents who have to park elsewhere may be given visitor permits; funding for this is as yet unclear and it would be done via the Parking Shop in Speedwell Street.

Insurance

Anyone who will have to temporarily park their car on-street, as opposed to off street, may be in breach of their insurance contract in the unlikely event that the vehicle should sustain damage. Advice is that owners should ring their insurance companies and let them know they will be parking on-street for a temporary period – it is possible that some insurance companies might charge for this temporary change to the contract and others won’t but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Further action

We are awaiting legal advice from both Councils. We would encourage the submission of planning applications if at all possible; while it is likely that such applications would get permission, this would provide an opportunity for residents to give their comments and enable planning officers to ensure that tight conditions are placed on the works on issues important to local people, including:

• alternative parking
• disabled access
• communication with residents and councillors
• traffic management
• start and finish times for working
• construction access plan

The County’s view is that the need for planning permission is overridden by the section 50 licence which has apparently been obtained by the Trust and the contractor, but we have asked for clarification on this.

The next liaison group meeting will take place during the second week of January. Our next Focus leaflet will be produced w/b 11 January and delivered during the weekend of 16/17 January by our volunteers, but we shall try and update you on the blog in between. Our next Ward Focus meeting will take place on Tuesday 26 January from 6:00-7:30pm, venue to be arranged.