Community News & Events

20/11/2006 - Successful Residents Meeting at Cedars Park Primary School

Meeting of the Cedars Park Residents Association held at Cedars Park Primary School on Friday, 17^th November 2006 at 7.30pm

The meeting was attended by over 100 residents.

Also present were:

Apologies received:

Alan Tanner, Treasurer
Tim Passmore, MSDC
Karl Frances, Suffolk Fire Officer

Chairman, Roger Willison-Gray opened the meeting with full and detailed resume to residents of the aims, concerns and achievements of Association.  He also described the difficulties and frustrations found in opening useful dialogue with authorities and developers, although we have a good working relationship with Stowmarket Council.  He stated that we had no intention of being deterred or diverted from our objectives of getting done what is right for residents of Cedars Park.  Past communication with MSDC had been difficult but under their new structure we had been assured this will change.  A useful dialogue should now take place.

He also stated that we have to accept that most of the road network is not yet adopted and as such is under the Developer which curtails power of local authorities.

Members of the Association had met with Suffolk County Council officials in May to iron out safety issues on the Distributor Road and after a forceful meeting got agreement in writing for some 15 improvements, ie crossing, safety barriers, signs, speed etc.  So far these have not been implemented and David Ruffley, MP, was contacted to put some weight behind it.  Communication has now started to flow.

A further contentious planning application was the construction of a large, conspicuous warehouse on the south side of the Distributor Road; a meeting with officials and architects of  the company concerned was held on site, and again we have secured alterations to the proposal in terms of height, elevation, landscaping, making it a less obvious construction.  We have to understand however that the land to the south of this road has always been designated for light industrial use and warehousing.

Village Centre phase 2 development - Application No:2141/06

The general view is one of both anger and dismay at this proposal.  This application is viewed as out of keeping with the Cedars Park development in density, height, parking, position, locality of school, and differs widely with Strategic Plan (on Website) - nowhere can we find anything relating to five storeys.  Over 150 objections have been lodged with MSDC.  There has been adverse comment about its suitability from Suffolk County Council, Stowmarket Society, Stowmarket Town Council etc.  These objections can be seen at MSDC offices.  The case officer is Phillipa Kelly who, along with Peter Burroughs, have assured us they will give serious consideration to this matter from now on and do not support this application.  They will undertake continuous thorough audit of all development to ensure compliance with stated agreements - something missing in the past.  Mr Burroughs and  MSDC have a planned meeting Tuesday 21^st November with Crest.  Mr Burroughs stated any issues that crop up  will be taken up with Crest and report back to CPRA. 

Section 106 will undergo a thorough review.

Policing

Issues were raised about vandalism in play areas, anti-social behaviour, speeding and police presence.  The general feeling is that getting rid of play areas will not stop the problem.  Chief Inspector Sharpe stated his objective is to overcome these difficulties and ensure that it should be safe and secure for all. He has stepped up patrols, mobile and foot on the Estate and this presence has been noted by residents.  He confirmed that people should use the 999 system if they see crimes committed.  There is also a crime reporting telephone number: 01284 774029.    Information assists in the solution of crime.

Our MP

David Ruffley addressed the meeting - outlining how he saw his part and commitment to us.  He stated clearly that a Residents Association is essential; all public services are necessary and there is a need for dialogue with all services.  Bring problems to him and he will follow them up.  He did not pull any punches and stated he would not allow any authority or developer, whoever they are, to push his constituents around; he will give 110% to this. He will be arranging a meeting with the Chief Executive of Crest.  He will arrange a meeting with all MSDC departments and Chairman of the Association.  He will also look into the bus services.

Other Business

The Chairman took up comments and letters from residents in a Q & A session.  These included:

Youth Club - being pursued in conjunction with Community Centre

Aerials - people will have to refer to their Deeds

Bus Services - David Ruffley is to take this up

Pumping Station Odour - have discussed this with Anglian Water; have received assurance that if the operation of the removal of sludge by tankers is carried out correctly, the problem will be solved.  We shall see!

A14 - Eleanor Ramsey has taken comments and specific questions to be answered and will reply

Residents expressed concern about the police being unable to quickly locate areas on and around the Distributor Road.  Will this also apply to the Fire Brigade?  In turn, this has raised fears about access and finding the school in similar emergencies.

The Chairman informed the meeting of our Website and invited people to contribute and use it for our benefit.

Thanks were extended to David Cole for his website work (free); Teaching Staff and Governor for allowing use of the school who also offered help with the Residents Association.  Fred Hillyer for his tireless ferreting for information. 

Membership of the Association is free, but we do have expenses and contributions are very welcome.

The meeting closed at approximately 9.30 p.m.

NB. Should we have missed any points we apologise.  Bear in mind this was a 2 hour plus meeting and these tasks are taken on voluntarily.