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Dear neighbour,
In this, our last newsletter of the year, we bring you some important developments to a planning application in our neighbourhood, an invitation to let us know what you think about motorcycle use in the area, and a reminder about our doorstep carol singing this Saturday, and the festive walk on Christmas eve.
It's been a strange old year, and we're well aware how difficult things have been for so many people. And yet perhaps we have all been reminded of what truly enriches all our lives, especially our families, friends and communities.
We would all like to take the opportunity to wish everyone who lives in our estate a peaceful and enjoyable Christmas, and our sincere hope that 2021 proves to be much better than 2020!
With best wishes from your HPERA Team:
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Planning Application: 45 Highworth Avenue
You may remember that over a year ago a planning application was submitted to the council for a project that involved demolishing the bungalow at the above address, and building in its place a narrow two-storey house and no fewer than three more houses in the back garden, accessed by a private road. The reference number is 19/1408/FUL.
More than 40 objections were lodged, focusing on the impact 'infill' developments like this would have on the character of our neighbourhood, the design of the plan, residential amenity for the neighbouring and proposed new properties, reduction in green space, additional waste management, parking and so on. However no decision has been made, and there has been no change to the status of the application, until now.
We have now heard that the developers have submitted an amendment to the original plans, slightly reducing the height of the new buildings, which will still overlook houses in Hurst Park Avenue, and scarcely addressing any of the other concerns raised at the time.
We have been unable to discuss the matter with the planning department, but would suggest that even if you did object to the previous plans, it would be worthwhile making a new submission now, outlining the reasons why the amended plans are still unacceptable. You can find all the plans on the council's planning portal here. The deadline for comments is Christmas Eve, so time is short!
Our local city councillor has requested that this amended application should be considered by the planning committee in public session, rather than being decided by officers alone. We'll let you know of the outcome!
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Living Advent Calendar: Walkabout
We are enormously enjoying all the advent windows springing up around the estate - who knew Hurst Park residents were such a creative bunch?!
We hope you'll join us for a festive walk round the neighbourhood on Christmas Eve between 5pm and 7pm to admire all 70+ windows in their full glory. You may wish to bring a glass of something warm and seasonal with you! For obvious reasons, please keep your distance from other people, and try not to linger for too long on street corners.
You can find a list of all the houses taking part here and a map here (thanks to Jo Tunmer for the map!). All the windows should be lit between around 4pm and 9pm each evening and until 31 December.
Thanks to everyone who is taking part!
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Reminder: Doorstep carol singing
Don't forget that we are planning to attempt some socially-distanced carol-singing on our doorsteps this coming Saturday, 19th December, at 5pm, with the help of our neighbour, Robert Ziegler, who has volunteered to lead the singing with a live broadcast on the Hurst Park Community Facebook group. If you're on Facebook, make sure you're a member of the group (please say where you live and accept the rules when asking to join). If not, of course you can still join in anyway - just listen out for your neighbours and sing along with them.
You can print out the Christmas song-sheet here, and then just put on your favourite Christmas jumper, open your front door, and join in at 5pm!
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Highworth Avenue/Leys Road intersection
A number of residents, especially those living in Highworth Avenue and Leys Road, have expressed concern about the cut-through between the two streets. Motorbikes and mopeds are supposedly barred from using the route, but we know they sometimes do. These vehicles, as well as electric bikes and bicycles, do on occasion travel very fast, visibility is poor, and residents have observed clashes with pedestrians and with children playing in the area.
We would like to know if you think this is an issue, and if so, what you think might be done to improve matters. Please let us know what you think here. We are also hoping to undertake a survey in January to give a better picture of the issue, but we will need volunteers. Please let us know if you are willing to give an hour or two to help. Thanks!
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CRC Looked After students appeal
Our neighbours Jo Tunmer and Helen Druiff have asked us to pass on their thanks to to everyone who contributed to their recent collection fo looked-after students at CRC. Over 60 wonderful Christmas Care packages that included socks, drinks, toiletries, stationary and lots more were packed up by a team of volunteers at the college, and Tesco vouchers were provided for 11 students who have moved into accommodation that is not fully equipped. A member of staff reported that one student said "Is this for us? Are you for real?!"
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From our local churches
Two of the churches on our doorsteps, the Church of the Good Shepherd, and Arbury Road Baptist Church, have asked us to let you know that they will be streaming an alternative carol service this Sunday, 20 December, at 6pm. They plan to share good news from local charities and community groups. You can find out more and take part here.
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