onionbagblog

It looks like as you were with regards the on / off, opening / closing of Queens Road. @WivenhoeQRRA is carrying a story that comes out of a site meeting last week involving various local politicians and representation from Essex County Council:

“Following a number of recent comments and concerns over the closure of Queens Road, a site meeting was held on Friday 7th January 2011. The meeting involved Essex County Councillor - Julie Young: Deputy Wivenhoe Town Mayor - Councillor Robert Needham and Mr Adam Garland - Development Management Engineer from Essex County Council.”

It seems that the reason for the continued debate regarding the closure of Queens Road is related to the amendment of the original planning application submitted by the developer for Cook’s Shipyard, Phase Three:

“Prior to viewing the roads in lower Wivenhoe, Mr Garland outlined the original Planning Application conditions attached to the development of Cook’s Yard. This was granted conditional on the closure of Queens Road and involved a legal cost incurred by the developer.

After viewing the area, Mr Garland reported. “It would appear illogical from the developer’s point of view to be required to close the road for one application, only to be required to open it again for a minor amendment. I believe the developer would be in their rights to appeal the imposition of the condition on the grounds of costs and I do not feel it could be sustained in front of an Inspector.

Having regard to all, I do not feel that the requirement of the condition on this current planning application would fall within the tests for what is reasonable and would not be in the terms of the current legislation. In this regard and, as previously stated, Essex County Council cannot support the re-opening of Queens Road.”

As confirmed at the most recent Wivenhoe NAP, this is also the view of Wivenhoe Town Council. @Wivenhoe QRRA concludes by stating:

“On hearing of this meeting the Chair of QRRA, Pat Marsden also separately contacted Mr Garland who confirmed that Essex County Council Highway’s position regarding the re-opening of the road remained as previously stated.”

MAJOR disclaimer: I live *very* close to the QRRA footprint patch, but only just slightly outside of the boundary. The re-routed traffic arguably has an impact on my lifestyle.

I remain oblivious.

I do LOVE living in Wivenhoe [smiley smiley, etc, etc]