Oakley Green, Fifield & District Community Association
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site updated -
There has been much concern recently about the rather incompetent construction works that have begun on Fifield Road. Here are one or two items of information concerning this.
1 - RBWM Highways have confirmed that the Traffic Lights System has had no permission granted and they are pursuing to remove them.

Email from RBWM Highways ...

Dear Mrs ----------

Thank you for your email. After finally finding out who these lights belong to we have raised urgent communication with this company as the lights have not been agreed. We are endeavouring to get these removed as soon as possible.

Regards

Lisa Morgan
Senior Streetworks Officer
2 - OGAFCA Environment has asked for information from Ward Councillor David Coppinger concerning compliance with Planning Conditions and approved drawings.

Email from OGAFCA Environment ...

Hi David

You may be aware that there is a bit of a hornet's nest stirring around here to do with the work that has been going on for the Phoenix Gym site. There were clearly some really clunky shenanigans going on in the early days with the ditch being filled and then a digger falling over sideways as it tried to cross it.

There are many queries about temporary building permission and traffic lights etc etc. My immediate concern with my OGAFCA drainage hat on is that they have now dumped a 90 cm ridged pipe into the existing ditch and covered it with soil. That's all very fine if it is only a temporary access measure but I need to point out that if they intend to leave it like that for any extended period it bears no relationship to the Planning Application drawings from the approval. I attach the particular drawing in question from the RBWM Planning records.

Could you tell me please who the Planning Officer is who is now responsible for monitoring the SUDS compliance and inspecting the work. It has been suggested that this would now not be a Planning issue but rather an Enforcement one.

Can you enlighten me on this please and if necessary let me have the contact details for a responsible individual in Enforcement who might expect to deal with this ?

I think this is probably pretty urgent as I cannot believe that they would install pipe etc in ditch if they intend to dig it all up again to carry out the "proper" work.

I look forward to hearing from you asap.

Many thanks,

Rod

Email reply from David Coppinger ...

Re: Phoenix Gym construction and planning conformity

It is now a live case and I will forward your email. As far as I can establish, they are working in accordance with their existing PP. They need PP for the temporary building and I do not believe they have authority for the lights.

Cllr David Coppinger
3 - As a result of Cllr Coppinger raising the issue of compliance a Planning Enforcement Officer is due to visit the site on Thursday June 10 2021.

Email from RBWM Planning Enforcement ...

Dear Cllr Coppinger,

I am scheduled to visit the site tomorrow to look at what works have taken place, if this implements the planning permission, and if so, if there is any breach of planning control. I am also looking at the possible temporary structure that may be erected during the building works. I have made contact with the planning agent and will be meeting with him early next week to discuss my findings.

As you will be aware, drainage and ditches outside of the planning unit may fall to the Project Team to look at, but I will liaise with them my findings.

I shall update you and your Residents during the course of next week.

Kind regards

Arron

Arron Hitchen
Senior Planning Enforcement Officer