Perhaps the headline should read, 'The urgent need for HBC Planning Services to properly qualify planning applications submitted for validation'. The amount of time wasted by elected representatives and the general public, attempting to clear up the mess caused by inadequate qualification at the pre-planning stage, is significant. The amount of time wasted by the … Continue reading The urgent need for the Planning Committee to challenge unsound planning applications
Category: Traffic
Havant’s town centre traffic gears up for another surge
The planning application at the former Dunham Bush manufacturing site is shortly up for approval by the HBC Planning Committee. The development will further strain the profile of traffic generated by the Havant North industrial estate without providing the quality and security of employment that the residents of the borough need. It is worth taking … Continue reading Havant’s town centre traffic gears up for another surge
Amazon DPO1 – Another traffic ‘incident’
Early this morning, right outside the NHS Elmleigh Hospital, New Lane was completely blocked by a stranded Amazon 'line-haul' truck. With its trailer parked right across the road and its driving wheels embedded in what used to be a grass verge, it wasn't going anywhere without some serious haulage heft. Meanwhile, the grass verges on … Continue reading Amazon DPO1 – Another traffic ‘incident’
Development proposal for 8 Downley Road – formerly Dunham Bush
A planning application like this wouldn't normally generate much interest. However since this one is fronted by the same planning agent as the Amazon development in New Lane, it's caught our attention. When the planning application for 8 Downley Road is published, we'll be looking closely at the supporting documentation for signs that lessons from … Continue reading Development proposal for 8 Downley Road – formerly Dunham Bush
Level crossing wait times going up from Sunday
We're indebted to Ralph Cousins for the following cutting from the current issue of 'Rail' magazine: While this is good news for rail commuters, particularly those from all the new housing developments approved by Chichester District Council (CDC) along the A259 to the east of Emsworth, it's going to mean longer wait times for traffic … Continue reading Level crossing wait times going up from Sunday
Traffic – Havant’s ticking timebomb
This year, we're going to put the spotlight on traffic, given the evident disconnect between Hampshire County Council, Havant Borough Council and reality as far as traffic planning goes. This first of a series of posts sets out the background and provides context for the ones which will follow. Understanding why Havant town has a traffic … Continue reading Traffic – Havant’s ticking timebomb
Amazon. So who got the best deal here?
We've been wondering why 32 New Lane, perhaps more aptly named 'Little Luxembourg', has yet to appear on Havant Borough Council's published record of business rates. A chart of the income received by Havant Borough Council from the 32 New Lane site over the past four years might cause one or two raised eyebrows. During … Continue reading Amazon. So who got the best deal here?
The story behind those yellow ‘Roadworks until December’ signs
In case you wondered why the council's contractors were digging up mature hedges and rehoming nesting birds outside the Civic Plaza today, here is a summary: Unable to use the ringfenced 'Transforming Cities Fund' to fill in some of the increasingly dangerous potholes in the borough's local roads, Hampshire County Council is about to embark … Continue reading The story behind those yellow ‘Roadworks until December’ signs
The impact on residents of the absence of effective traffic management
Last week marked a significant anniversary of Dr Richard Beeching's report on 'The Reshaping of British Railways', a study which resulted in the loss of many of Britain's rural railway services. The Transport Users Consultative Committee had already condemned our own 'Hayling Billy' at a meeting in Havant Town Hall, now 'The Spring', in Dec … Continue reading The impact on residents of the absence of effective traffic management
Could ‘citizen science’ keep Amazon’s traffic in check?
Stop Press - the signs are up. When the new Chief Executive takes the helm of the HBC management organisation in April, he's going to have a few challenges to confront. His elected opposite number might also have a few lessons to learn following the May elections. High on the agenda of both leaders should … Continue reading Could ‘citizen science’ keep Amazon’s traffic in check?