Subject: Seabrook Orchards Residents’ Group Mailing
To: Andrew Sails <rev.andrew.sails@gmail.com>
To all on the Seabrook Orchards Residents’ Group Mailing List
Hello everyone – here is an update following our latest SORG Executive meeting.
1. The Fish Street/Vernon Crescent Barrier
We are continuing to explore options, and are awaiting further responses from Exeter City Council planners.
We are also contacting HOLAW’s solicitors about the possibility of agreeing a limited licence for pedestrian access across the ransom strip.
At this stage we have stopped short of formally engaging a solicitor. Should we get to the point where we feel this might be advisable,
there would be financial implications, and we will obviously put this to SORG membership before any action is taken.
Meanwhile the barrier remains damaged, and pedestrians are currently able to get between Fish Street and Vernon Crescent.
We ask that photos etc are not put on social media, as this might serve to encourage the reinstatement of the original barrier!
Various members have commented on the alternative route to the station via the Millennium Woods.
Whilst this is clearly a useful path for some dog walkers etc, it is unlit,
and is not felt to meet the needs of those coming and going to work, particularly in the winter months.
We have not ruled out the possibility of a PR campaign in the media about this issue,
but at this stage we recommend we continue to pursue negotiations with other stakeholders.
2. Millennium Wood and Undergrounding of Cables
Thanks to those who have taken this issue up with local Councillors and others.
We were aware that plans for the next Phase of the Seabrook development were on hold pending Secretary of State approval
for undergrounding of the overhead power cable line closest to Trinity School. It would appear that this approval has now been given,
and hence the extensive engineering work conducted between Phase 1 and Phase 2, and in the Millennium Wood.
There are currently three lines of cables crossing the corridor north of Ronald Gardens.
The two lines closest to Phase 1 will remain, with the land beneath them earmarked for community use.
The third line of cables, closest to Phase 2, is to be undergrounded, emerging in the middle of the Millennium Woods.
The existing overhead cables will be rerouted under the remaining two overhead lines, as shown in the attached diagram.
This will enable the next phases of the Seabrook development to be undertaken in due course.
The undergrounded line will revert to an overhead cable in the Millennium Woods.
There has been considerable disappointment that so much mature woodland has had to be felled in this process.
It is arguable that the work done was in some degree excessive,
but it does not seem profitable to pursue this argument at this stage – the work has been done.
What we are keen to ensure is that appropriate and effective restitution/replanting/rewilding in the damaged areas is undertaken.
We have discussed this with local Councillors, and are seeking reassurances.
3. M5 Noise Barrier
Following further discussions with City Planners, we now understand that the recent delay
in overdue tree planting on the berm next to the M5 is due to a shortage of appropriate trees.
There is also a question as to whether such planting (as agreed with the planners)
would actually deliver the sound reduction intended.
It has been suggested that as and when the agreed planting does take place,
it might be more effective to plant the trees immediately adjacent to the road
along the edge of sections of Savoy Street and Harvest Lane facing towards the M5.
Were we able to negotiate such a change, we would need to ensure that this had the support of local residents.
We would particularly value the thoughts of those residents whose properties face the M5.
We might consider a poll of those affected to check their views. Advice would be welcome.
4. HighwaysWe are continuing to liaise with Bloor regarding on-going highways issues including concerns about lighting. We hope we may be able to send a SORG representative to join a future site walkover to review.
5. Michael Dart
We are grateful to Michael Dart for agreeing to meet with two SORG members in April
6. SORG Website
Development of the SORG website continues, and we hope to launch this formally at our AGM.
7. AGM
We will be leafleting all households in Seabrook Orchards to invite them to attend this summer’s SORG AGM.
Local Councillors and other key stakeholders in the development will also be invited. We hope you will be able to attend.
The date is yet to be confirmed, but provisionally this will be on the evening of Thursday 29 June.
with best wishes
Nat, Gordon, Jon, Annabel, Ed and Andrew
Nat Baker, Gordon Edwards, Jon Goldsworthy, Annabel Harris, Ed Rushbrooke and Andrew Sails
Seabrook Orchards Residents Group Executive
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Andrew Sails3 Bosun Close, Exeter, EX2 7GXrev.andrew.sails@gmail.com077 666 565 71
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Andrew Sails3 Bosun Close, Exeter, EX2 7GXrev.andrew.sails@gmail.com077 666 565 71
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