51 replies to this topic

[Fran]

The application by Clearview Homes to build nine homes was unanimously rejected by the planning committee: http://www.bucksfree...s_unacceptable/
Apparently, they should have given 28 days' notice before demolishing the Red Lion, so that may not have helped their case.

None of which precludes the possibility of an appeal...

[Eaton]

It would be rather ironic, although sadly unfeasible, if they were made to rebuild the Red Lion...

[Amersham Resident]

Good to see it turned down as currently planned, but they'll make the changes they need to and will appeal no doubt, and eventually just take it above the council, where they'll get permission irrespective of local planning decisions. Sorry if that sounds cynical, but it's what happens almost everytime without fail on this fill-in developments.

[Fran]

The Examiner clarifies an important aspect of the benefits (to the developer) of hasty demolition:

"if the building has been bulldozed then it has no use. However, if the building is not knocked down then the building needs to keep its existing use, which in this case would be a community use."

There is some good news from the chairman of the planning committee:

“The council will be pursuing the applicant as they did not give enough notice in knocking the building down. There will be a plea hearing in February... A change of policy is a matter to be considered. Any change of policy is subject to a public consultation and government inspection.”

But he also conceded:

“Inevitably I think there will be housing”

See http://www.buckingha...4018-32415089/.

[Bluegrass]

Yes, housing is inevitable. However I think in this situation there should be a compulsory purchase made by the council of the land at cost minus a penalty. The council could then control the development and the rogue developer would lose money. Their directors should also be banned from making any property purchases for a fixed period of time.

It is just galling to know that they will ultimately make money out of this.

[Amersham Resident]

The fact that the head of the planning committee thinks that residential housing on the site is inevitable pretty much confirms why developers treat local councils and their regulations with such disdain. It also confirms how little influence lobbying our councillors actually has. It really is a layer of utterly pointless costly bureaucracy, perhaps we should simply do away with them once and for all and save ourselves a small fortune!?

[hjb]

In Greenford Broadway there used to be a pub called The Red Lion. Last year it was sold, knocked down and Im assuming that planning will be/has been submitted for flats by.....Clearview Homes in partnership with W.E.Black.

[Matthew (Admin/MPJ)]

The Bucks Free Press have an interesting report about the demolition with the companies involved being fined. http://www.bucksfree...m___1_500_fine/

[Fran]

Hmm. £1,500 fine for a property developer. That won't make a dent in the balance sheet. 

 

Is that worse than nothing, or does the fact they were fined send an important message?

[roob_the_doob]

Hmm. £1,500 fine for a property developer. That won't make a dent in the balance sheet. 
 
Is that worse than nothing, or does the fact they were fined send an important message?

Worse than nothing.

Surely an appropriate fine for demolition without permission is the rebuild cost of the building that was demolished?

[Amersham Resident]

Oh well at least we know now why they felt contravening the building regs and simply bypassing the local council was an easy decision for them, their defence was of course pretty insulting to everyone's intelligence and borne out of a lie.

 

Just a question of time now before they get everything else they want at the site.

 

they must be laughing their heads off at the impotency of Chiltern council.

[Matthew (MPJ/Admin)]

the Bucks ex headline describes the fine as "hefty"

 

http://www.buckingha...14018-32803565/

[Fran]

the Bucks ex headline describes the fine as "hefty"

 

http://www.buckingha...14018-32803565/

 

Even if there was an extra zero on the end, I wouldn't call that "hefty" in relation to the number of homes they hope to build there!

[wooddies]

I have noticed that clearview has been made to remove its signage.

[Alan]

Clearview are back with W.E.Black on signage.

[Matthew (MPJ/Admin)]

It seems  a new plan has been submitted for four 4 bedroom houses with access road.  4 houses apparently was the number Chiltern DC recommended, original plan was for 9 houses.

[Amersham Resident]

Smart move by the developers, this will get nodded through now.

[PeterC]

Four beds - probably posh enough to keep the nimbys quiet.

[Amersham Resident]

Four beds - probably posh enough to keep the nimbys quiet.

 What should they have been then?

[Bondi2026]

£3k fine is a joke. Profit from this site would be nearer to £1m (4x £750k houses = £3m less £2m costs), so anything under £100k isn't going to change a thing. Its a shame to lose a nice period building from this area of town. Developers should be encouraged to keep older buildings, even if they change the use, eg the building could have been turned into flats, or a big posh period house and still have room for a number of other houses on the site. The premium of older houses in the old town of Amersham shows that people like buildings with a history and are willing to pay extra for them.

[wooddies]

I totally agree with the last post. We live in a community with very little social outposts to meet of an evening wether it be for a real ale or a game of crib, pool, bingo, dominoes, cards, or to watch a sporting event on the box. Why do we as a community allow this to happen and moan about it after the event!!

[Amersham Resident]

I totally agree with the last post. We live in a community with very little social outposts to meet of an evening wether it be for a real ale or a game of crib, pool, bingo, dominoes, cards, or to watch a sporting event on the box. Why do we as a community allow this to happen and moan about it after the event!!

 

The basic problem appears to be a lack of paying customers with facilities like these, although I'm told that the Polish Club is thriving not too far away.

 

It's also fair to observe that for many the Red Lion wasn't a particulary family friendly pub and everything about the place smacked of long term under investment and a general lack of care as the reported turnover continued to decline. Of course, the fine that the developer 'suffered' was laughable, but then I guess they knew that this would be the case when they acted the way they did.