New Building Works...
Benedict has been noticing a load of new building - he points out that the next phase of the Peninsula works has been given the go-ahead - no surprise there - but has also pointed out another, more mysterious build...
"Next to Greenwich mainline station down the lovely named Prince of Orange Lane behind the Cigar Warehouse there seems to be some construction work starting and being the nosey bugger I am was wondering if you knew anything about it. I am now overlooked by a load of plant and double decker blue shipping containers.
As much as a fan I am of the inventiveness of container living, NO! Not in my back yard son! I cant find any permissions granted on the council website ( but it just lists stuff chronologically, ) I gave up after going back just three months ( a mere 1000 or so entrys) I am hoping you and your super sleuthing abilities will save me a trip to the fantasticly fun, yawn, planning office."
The Phantom is, sadly, similarly time-strapped just now so a trip to the planning offices is a bit out for me too. Hopefully in a couple of weeks I should be a bit less pressed but for now - does anyone have any clues here? BTW The Prince of Orange Road almost certainly comes from the original moniker of the pub now the naffly-named Beluccis. Such is Progress.
"Next to Greenwich mainline station down the lovely named Prince of Orange Lane behind the Cigar Warehouse there seems to be some construction work starting and being the nosey bugger I am was wondering if you knew anything about it. I am now overlooked by a load of plant and double decker blue shipping containers.
As much as a fan I am of the inventiveness of container living, NO! Not in my back yard son! I cant find any permissions granted on the council website ( but it just lists stuff chronologically, ) I gave up after going back just three months ( a mere 1000 or so entrys) I am hoping you and your super sleuthing abilities will save me a trip to the fantasticly fun, yawn, planning office."
The Phantom is, sadly, similarly time-strapped just now so a trip to the planning offices is a bit out for me too. Hopefully in a couple of weeks I should be a bit less pressed but for now - does anyone have any clues here? BTW The Prince of Orange Road almost certainly comes from the original moniker of the pub now the naffly-named Beluccis. Such is Progress.
Labels: Ask The Phantom
posted by The Greenwich Phantom at
09:51
15 Comments:
Hmmmm.... have you tried going to the planning offices? If you want to feel like a third class citizen: ignored, treated with contempt, humiliated and ripped off by staff not wearing their name badges, then try it. Who needs a basement in Chelsea?
Furthermore, the photocopy charges are extortionate! They charge £12 a sheet of A4 and £35 for an A3 plan from any planning file. No, I have not mistaken GBP for pennies! Four years ago I wanted to study a planning application at home and to take the plans to the planning meeting. It cost me well over £200 for a few sheets of paper that were unobtainable any other way than through this state monopoly. On complaining to my local Councillor, I had a mail from the council saying that it was all a misunderstanding and refunding me BUT when I visited again two years later, the very same thing happened.
Has anyone been there more recently? Have things changed?
...a case for the phantom.
Benedict
It looks like we're getting a new "dental spa" (whatever that is).
Although why they would need double decker shipping containers to convert the existing offices into a a "dental spa" is beyond me...
From the minutes of the 21 November 2007 planning committee meeting:
1 Prince of Orange Lane, Greenwich, SE10
The Area Planning Manager (West) gave an illustrated presentation of the report.
In response to questions from the Committee, the Area Planning Manager (West) replied:
• There were no external changes.
• Its current use was that of an office, not that of a flat.
Resolved -
That full planning permission for the change of use of unit from B1 (Office) to (D1) dental spa is granted.
M. Half-Bond
I've never had problems seeing ot copying local planning applications. There are usually copies of (significant) planning applications kept on file at the library local to the application - the Greenwich West library in this case - and you can photocopy them there for pennies...
The planning department are a joke. If you want to be lied to, have your time and money wasted then the LB Greenwich planning department are the muppets for you.
Thanks Franklin, I did know about the "Dental Spa" (I dont know how Greenwich has survived without one) but was not concerned because as you point out there were no external changes. Its the land that is between that and the railway. Over the last year various suits with clipboards turn up, nod their heads, then bugger off. Now they have put in hard standing, big electic mains boxes, generators, as I write they are now up to 5 double storey containers.Planning enforcement have been informed although as yet no action. I just worry that once all this gubbins is in, it will be hard to remove. While I recognise the need for change and the chance to use derelict land, its the process of large companies bulldozing the system that is supposed to protect us and the conservation areas the council set up in the first place that I find galling to say the least! Will post again when Head of Enforcement (theres a great title)John Lloyd Stevenson replies (hopefully)
Meanwhile its put me right of my Astract Colour Theory and have resorted to playing with glue!
I'm sorry - I may be really thick or just not at all with it here, but what the hell is a Dental Spa? I had a snigger to start with but then got to thinking that I actually don't know what the hell it could possibly be? Maybe fizzy mouthwash for a jacuzzi? A nice gum massage? I understand essence of cloves makes a good aroma therapy oil.
But seriously. I really don't know what one is.
Benedict
Sorry to hear that it's more than just the (clearly, much-needed) "dental spa" works that are spoiling your views.
And I totally sympathise with and share your frustration. The Planning Department - indeed, the entire Council - can be completely USELESS when it comes to dealing with aggressive developers and related filth. Sigh...
I'll have to pop by this evening to see the construction site - afraid I haven't noticed it yet.
But do let us know when and if you hear back from The Enforcer.
This really is a mystery.
I can usually run these things to earth but have spent a good two hours now and nada online.
It's a big site - I hadn't realised how big it is - so if it was going to be a major development, we all should have heard something by now...
Anxiety...
Well at Franklins good suggestion I pootled round to West Greenwich library , I had some returns anyway, and asked them if they they had any applications for the site. After much rummaging.....no 'fraid not, "but" the helpful lady said "we do have these" indicating to several shelves of green box files, all to do with the DLR (or de leur, as a tourist called it) "the thing is unless you have a referance number you could be here for weeks!"
You know I think she maybe right all the guys working over there have a "trainy" look about them.
The Council are apparently working on improvements to the planning website - such that it will be possible to search for planning applications by address, which should be more helpful than the current chronological list
Ahhh, maybe that's it Benedict - the HQ for the DLR platform extension works?
But if so, it's an odd location...
I'm going mad here, construction going on for god knows how long on the humongus development by the station, this lot by the station, gas works now at both ends of the road, dump trucks, diggers, jack hammers, skip trucks,up and down the road. Grrrrr!!!
Planning , what F*****G planning.
Sorry, I feel better now.
My better half is working on the DLR extension project and she says that apparently Greenwich is in the 'site setup' stage at the moment - putting up hoardings and so on.
If the trainy looking people are wearing Taylor Woodrow jackets then that's probably what it is.
She doesn't know when exactly they're due to finish in Greenwich but the whole project should be finished by the end of next year :/
Maybe you could write to the planning office and ask them to provide you with a pair of earplugs.
Hooray!!! A little success! The double decker containers have been removed from their lofty aspect and are forced onto ground level with teir compatriots.
Well done everyone!
I spoke to the workmen today on the site (amazing what a smile and friendly banter will get you) and the containers ARE part of the DLR extension project. They are temporary, and will be there for 10 to 12 months, the men said.
Post a Comment
Links to this post:
Create a Link
<< Home