From the East West Rail website: 12th October 2012
Senior representatives from the East West Rail Consortium, Network Rail and the Department for Transport have formed a Joint Delivery Board to oversee and facilitate the development of a new, electric railway line between Bedford and Oxford with train services due to start operating in December 2017.
They met today at the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre together with Iain Stewart MP the Chairman of the East West Rail All Party Parliamentary Group and other representatives of the group, stakeholders and strategic partners.
The board has been formed as a result of the recent announcement by the Secretary of State for Transport of the Government’s support for the western section of the East West Rail scheme that also included a commitment to electrify part of the route.
The East West Railway re-opens ten miles of closed railway to create a new electric railway between Oxford and Bedford. It upgrades almost nine miles of railway to link in the diesel lines from Aylesbury to enable new diesel and electric train services.
The Board, chaired by Cllr Peter Hardy (Buckinghamshire County Council), met to agree the roles of the respective organisations who will work together with the joint goal of having the service operational by December 2017.
Guests had the opportunity to view a section of the route that is currently either mothballed or used only by freight trains, but which will become an important route for passenger services within the region and as part of the National Strategic Rail Network.
Councillor Hardy said:
Local authorities along this route formed The East West Rail Consortium in 1995, with a shared aim to introduce high quality train services to link centres of economic activity and to support economic development in the region. We are therefore delighted that this scheme is now going ahead. The economic, social and environmental benefits of this railway are considerable. It will enable more journeys by rail – that are fast, clean and efficient – and provide a real alternative to journeys on our congested roads. This in turn will make the region more attractive to existing and prospective businesses and we anticipate some additional 12,000 jobs will be created within the area as well as new housing developments. Businesses will have access to a wider and more mobile workforce, which is good news for businesses and workers alike.
“The Consortium’s attention is now focused on delivering the economic benefits presented by the opportunity this railway brings. To do this, we will work closely with the business and local communities and will keep people informed as plans progress.
Transport Minister Norman Baker said:
This is an excellent project of strategic importance. As part of the ‘Electric Spine’ from the South Coast through Reading, Oxford, Bedford and via the Midland Main Line to the East Midlands and South Yorkshire it will offer faster journey times, new route possibilities and low carbon reliable electric train services to cater for growing demand.
Graham Botham, Principal Strategic Planner at Network Rail, said:
We welcome the opportunity to provide the capability for rail services to run between Oxford, Milton Keynes and Bedford and to electrify sections of the track to provide faster, cleaner and quieter passenger and freight services. This is a fantastic example of how targeted investment in rail can support and help drive economic growth, connecting people with jobs and providing new transport links between the region’s towns and cities. Our role is to design, build and fully integrate East-West Rail into the national rail network and we are fully committed to working with the East-West Consortium to ensure that the social, economic and environmental benefits of this scheme are maximised.
Claydon House
Claydon House Gardens
Sunday 21 October 2012
Sunday 23 September 2012
Guide to Local Services
The County Council has published a handy new guide to local services. All residents should be receiving a copy by post, and you can also view in on the website via the link below:
http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/assets/content/bcc/docs/about_your_council/a-z-directory.pdf
http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/assets/content/bcc/docs/about_your_council/a-z-directory.pdf
Dementia Awareness Week
Winslow Library: Buckingham and Winslow Dementia Awareness Week - Coffee Morning
Wednesday 26 September 2012
10am - 1pm
Winslow Centre,
Park Road , Winslow, MK18 3DN
Come along and enjoy a free cup of coffee while chatting to representatives from local services including:
- Bucks Alzheimers Society
- PCSO
- Adults & Family Wellbeing
Suitable for: Adults
Cost: Free
No booking required, just turn up on the day
All children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Hearing loop available.
Wheelchair access.
Parking nearby.
Hearing loop available.
Wheelchair access.
Parking nearby.
For more information please call 0845 2303232 or email: lib-wis@buckscc.gov.uk
Wednesday 5 September 2012
Information Fair on Services for Older People
AVDC have arranged an information fair on services for older people.
It will be on Thursday 20th Sept from 2pm – 3pm in the village hall in Steeple Claydon.
All sorts of organisations will send staff along who will be there to answer questions and provide information about the many ways older people can be supported.
All are welcome and free cakes and drinks will be available.
Do please share this information with anyone who may be interested in attending
It will be on Thursday 20th Sept from 2pm – 3pm in the village hall in Steeple Claydon.
All sorts of organisations will send staff along who will be there to answer questions and provide information about the many ways older people can be supported.
All are welcome and free cakes and drinks will be available.
Do please share this information with anyone who may be interested in attending
Have you got your new bins yet ?
It seems as if most households in the Claydons have received their new bins.
The following information for those who are still waiting has been circulated by AVDC:
Our contractors have been working hard to get the new bins to households in time for the start of the new recycling and waste collection service, but some areas are still waiting.
Deliveries have been slightly delayed in some areas, and the council apologises if you have not had your new bins yet, but is hopeful that the vast majority of households should have them in time for their first collection this week.
If you don't have your new bins by now, please:
Put your food waste in your green waste bin, as normal
If your first collection is for waste, the service is as normal, though your collection day may have changed.
If your first collection this week is for recycling, please put your recycling materials in open carrier bags, and leave for collection. If the carrier bags are closed, we won't be able to collect them as we can't see what's in them. Alternatively, you can
Collect a supply of AVDC blue recycling bags from our Customer Service Centres in Aylesbury, Winslow (Library) and the Buckingham Centre, who will have stocks that residents can use in the interim should their bins not arrive in time.
The new service starts on Tuesday 4th Sept. Households will have received a letter from AVDC explaining about the new recycling and waste collection service. The letter confirms what collection day households will have and what materials will be collected when.
The key features of the new collection service are:
• Collections will take place during Tuesday to Friday, so for some the usual collection day may change.
• Households will receive a new ‘all-in-one’ recycling bin for all paper, glass, cardboard, plastics, cartons, cans and tins, mixed together, you don’t have to separate them. Recycling collections will continue to be made every fortnight.
• Households will get a new small outdoor food waste bin and a kitchen caddy. The food waste bin will be collected every week.
• All other waste will go in the existing green waste bin. This will be collected every two weeks, alternating with the blue lidded recycling bin.
Councillor Sir Beville Stanier, Cabinet Member for Environment and Health, said: “Changing the waste and recycling services for the entire district is a mammoth undertaking and we want to firstly thank residents for their patience over the past few weeks. There have been minor issues along the way, such as some residents experiencing a few delays with bin deliveries, which we would obviously like to have avoided. If you have not received your new recycling and food waste bins yet, please accept our apologies and be assured that we will deliver your bins as soon as possible.”
If you haven't received your bins yet, please check to see if your neighbours have theirs first. If they have, and you haven't, please contact us by email to newbins@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk with your name address, postcode and a daytime phone number.
The following information for those who are still waiting has been circulated by AVDC:
Our contractors have been working hard to get the new bins to households in time for the start of the new recycling and waste collection service, but some areas are still waiting.
Deliveries have been slightly delayed in some areas, and the council apologises if you have not had your new bins yet, but is hopeful that the vast majority of households should have them in time for their first collection this week.
If you don't have your new bins by now, please:
Put your food waste in your green waste bin, as normal
If your first collection is for waste, the service is as normal, though your collection day may have changed.
If your first collection this week is for recycling, please put your recycling materials in open carrier bags, and leave for collection. If the carrier bags are closed, we won't be able to collect them as we can't see what's in them. Alternatively, you can
Collect a supply of AVDC blue recycling bags from our Customer Service Centres in Aylesbury, Winslow (Library) and the Buckingham Centre, who will have stocks that residents can use in the interim should their bins not arrive in time.
The new service starts on Tuesday 4th Sept. Households will have received a letter from AVDC explaining about the new recycling and waste collection service. The letter confirms what collection day households will have and what materials will be collected when.
The key features of the new collection service are:
• Collections will take place during Tuesday to Friday, so for some the usual collection day may change.
• Households will receive a new ‘all-in-one’ recycling bin for all paper, glass, cardboard, plastics, cartons, cans and tins, mixed together, you don’t have to separate them. Recycling collections will continue to be made every fortnight.
• Households will get a new small outdoor food waste bin and a kitchen caddy. The food waste bin will be collected every week.
• All other waste will go in the existing green waste bin. This will be collected every two weeks, alternating with the blue lidded recycling bin.
Councillor Sir Beville Stanier, Cabinet Member for Environment and Health, said: “Changing the waste and recycling services for the entire district is a mammoth undertaking and we want to firstly thank residents for their patience over the past few weeks. There have been minor issues along the way, such as some residents experiencing a few delays with bin deliveries, which we would obviously like to have avoided. If you have not received your new recycling and food waste bins yet, please accept our apologies and be assured that we will deliver your bins as soon as possible.”
If you haven't received your bins yet, please check to see if your neighbours have theirs first. If they have, and you haven't, please contact us by email to newbins@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk with your name address, postcode and a daytime phone number.
Chips with everything
I hope that you will all have received your new recycling bins with the blue lids.
There has been some concern about the electronic chip in each bin, and the following
information has been circulated by AVDC:
Statement by:
Councillor Sir Beville Stanier, Cabinet Member for Environment and Health
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags in recycling bins
Each large blue-lidded recycling bin that the council provides to residents contains a RFID (radio frequency identification) tag, fitted at the point of manufacture. These are not bugging or tracking devices, but simply an electronic reference number identifying each bin.
Incorporating the RFID tags is a measure designed to provide the council with flexibility to introduce new recycling reward initiatives in the future. For example, residents living in the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead are already trialling an incentive scheme, with RFID tags used to help monitor the amount of recycling they put out for collection. The keenest recycling households are rewarded with vouchers for high-street retailers, such as M&S.
If we decided to offer such a scheme and our recycling bins did not contain RFID tags, then fitting the tags retroactively would be logistically challenging and would also cost much more financially. Purchasing them fitted at the point of manufacture, therefore, is more cost effective in the long run.
All the RFID tags can do is provide a reference number for each bin. The purpose of this is to provide each of our bins with a unique identity, a bit like a bar code, sticker or painting a reference number onto each bin. If the tags were ever used (and currently they are not) the tag itself would not be able to monitor the type or weight of rubbish being thrown away. All it would do is allow a vehicle fitted with a receiver device to identify which bin is being emptied into the vehicle at that time.
There are many misleading reports that seem to lead people to believe that the tags have mystical powers when, in reality, they really are no different to the identification chips people put in their cat or dog, or if the council had simply painted an identification number onto the side of the bin.
There has been some concern about the electronic chip in each bin, and the following
information has been circulated by AVDC:
Statement by:
Councillor Sir Beville Stanier, Cabinet Member for Environment and Health
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags in recycling bins
Each large blue-lidded recycling bin that the council provides to residents contains a RFID (radio frequency identification) tag, fitted at the point of manufacture. These are not bugging or tracking devices, but simply an electronic reference number identifying each bin.
Incorporating the RFID tags is a measure designed to provide the council with flexibility to introduce new recycling reward initiatives in the future. For example, residents living in the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead are already trialling an incentive scheme, with RFID tags used to help monitor the amount of recycling they put out for collection. The keenest recycling households are rewarded with vouchers for high-street retailers, such as M&S.
If we decided to offer such a scheme and our recycling bins did not contain RFID tags, then fitting the tags retroactively would be logistically challenging and would also cost much more financially. Purchasing them fitted at the point of manufacture, therefore, is more cost effective in the long run.
All the RFID tags can do is provide a reference number for each bin. The purpose of this is to provide each of our bins with a unique identity, a bit like a bar code, sticker or painting a reference number onto each bin. If the tags were ever used (and currently they are not) the tag itself would not be able to monitor the type or weight of rubbish being thrown away. All it would do is allow a vehicle fitted with a receiver device to identify which bin is being emptied into the vehicle at that time.
There are many misleading reports that seem to lead people to believe that the tags have mystical powers when, in reality, they really are no different to the identification chips people put in their cat or dog, or if the council had simply painted an identification number onto the side of the bin.
Monday 16 July 2012
Your questions about the new garden waste collection service answered...
Why do I have to opt in to the garden waste collection service?Not everyone will want this service – many people have no garden or just a small one. The garden waste collection is a paid-for service that you can sign up to. You can download an application form, complete all the details and return to us at: Garden Waste Service, Aylesbury Vale District Council, Pembroke Road, Aylesbury, Bucks HP20 1DG.
How can I sign up for the garden waste service?The service will not be available in all areas to start with. However, you can register your interest with us now and we will let you know when collections are coming to your area. You can register for the garden waste service here.
Other councils offer a free garden waste collection. Why doesn’t AVDC?Councils are only obliged to remove household waste free of charge. Having carefully reviewed our service, we cannot offer the garden waste service without a fee, because it would dramatically increase our costs. We think that it’s better to offer a paid-for service to those residents who want it and are prepared to pay for it, rather than charge everyone for a service they may not use. Many councils who offer the service free of charge combine the garden waste with paper and/or cardboard, which is classed as household waste and therefore gets free disposal.
How do I pay?We only accept payment by direct debit, which can be done online, in writing or over the phone.
What happens after I have paid?
Once your application has been processed, the direct debit has been set up and payment collected, a 240-brown bin and welcome pack will be delivered to your door within 3 weeks. Please check the welcome pack for details of your first collection.
What can I put in the brown bin?
Your garden waste is taken for composting, therefore we can only take things that will compost safely.
What happens after I have paid?
Once your application has been processed, the direct debit has been set up and payment collected, a 240-brown bin and welcome pack will be delivered to your door within 3 weeks. Please check the welcome pack for details of your first collection.
What can I put in the brown bin?
Your garden waste is taken for composting, therefore we can only take things that will compost safely.
Yes please! We can accept these items:
- Grass
- Leaves
- Weeds, flowers and plants
- Hedge clippings
- Branches (no thicker than 10cm)
- Prunings and twigs
- Windfall fruit
No thanks, please do not put these in the bin:
- Soil, stones or rubble
- Noxious weeds, such as Japanese knotweed, ragwort, giant hogweed
- Plastic flower pots, trays or bags
- Wood that has been treated or painted
- Vacuum dust, fire cinders or sawdust
- Cardboard, TetraPak cartons (milk or juice), or wrapping paper
- Food or kitchen waste (including peelings)
- Cat or dog poo, pet litter, pet bedding
When does the scheme operate?The scheme operates fortnightly between February and November.
What happens if my bin contains items it shouldn’t?
We will leave a sticker on your bin explaining this and we will empty it on your next scheduled garden waste collection if the item(s) have been removed.
We will leave a sticker on your bin explaining this and we will empty it on your next scheduled garden waste collection if the item(s) have been removed.
What do I do if my bin has not been emptied?
If your bin has not been emptied and you cannot see any reason why it has been missed (for example, it's not contaminated with other waste, it's not overloaded and there are no adverse weather conditions), please contact us immediately on 01296 585510.
If your bin has not been emptied and you cannot see any reason why it has been missed (for example, it's not contaminated with other waste, it's not overloaded and there are no adverse weather conditions), please contact us immediately on 01296 585510.
Will extra waste be collected if left next to the bin?No, only waste inside the bin will be collected.
Can I line my bin to keep it clean or put plastic bags of garden waste in it?Sorry, but you can’t line the whole bin as it could contaminate the waste. And that's why you can't put in rubbish in plastic bags either. However, you can put a couple of sheets of newspaper in the bottom of the bin, to stop small items sticking to it.
Where do I put my bin for emptying?Please leave your bin at the boundary of your property by 6am on the day of collection. The bin must be clearly visible.
Can I have more than one bin?Each household may have up to 3 bins, at a cost of £36 for each bin.
Can I take the bin with me if I move?Yes, if you move house within the Aylesbury Vale district, but not if you move to another council district. You must tell us immediately on 01296 585510 to ensure we have your new address to collect from. The bin remains the property of Aylesbury Vale District Council at all times. If you leave the area before your subscription expires, the council will not issue a refund.
How do I renew my payment?We will write to you, preferably by email, before your annual payment comes to an end. To help minimize the cost of the service to customers, saving the need to employ people or incur charges from the banking industry and postal services we are only accepting payment by direct debit, so the renewal is automatic.
Where do I put my bin for emptying?Please leave your bin at the boundary of your property by 6am on the day of collection. The bin must be clearly visible.
Can I have more than one bin?Each household may have up to 3 bins, at a cost of £36 for each bin.
Can I take the bin with me if I move?Yes, if you move house within the Aylesbury Vale district, but not if you move to another council district. You must tell us immediately on 01296 585510 to ensure we have your new address to collect from. The bin remains the property of Aylesbury Vale District Council at all times. If you leave the area before your subscription expires, the council will not issue a refund.
How do I renew my payment?We will write to you, preferably by email, before your annual payment comes to an end. To help minimize the cost of the service to customers, saving the need to employ people or incur charges from the banking industry and postal services we are only accepting payment by direct debit, so the renewal is automatic.
What happens if I do not want to renew the service?If, at the end of your subscription, you no longer wish to continue the service, you should cancel your direct debit. You should also contact us on 01296 585510 or email us at gardenwaste@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk to ensure we cancel your subscription and arrange to collect your brown bin.
What happens if I want to stop the service before my year's subscription has finished - will I get a refund?No, we will not be issuing refunds for unused parts of subscriptions.
I want to join the garden waste collection service but don’t know when it will be available in my area.The service will be available to most households in the district from September. Please complete this form to sign up.
I buy garden waste bags from the council. What’s happening about them?Once the garden waste bin service has been introduced, we will stop selling garden bags in September 2012. The material collected in these bags currently goes into landfill, which we want to avoid. The material in the garden bins will be composted, which is a more environmentally-friendly way of disposing of it. We are not able to offer compostable sacks at this time.
I need help moving my binIf you are physically unable to put your bin out for collection and there is no one else in the household who can help you, ring us on 01296 585510.
I buy garden waste bags from the council. What’s happening about them?Once the garden waste bin service has been introduced, we will stop selling garden bags in September 2012. The material collected in these bags currently goes into landfill, which we want to avoid. The material in the garden bins will be composted, which is a more environmentally-friendly way of disposing of it. We are not able to offer compostable sacks at this time.
I need help moving my binIf you are physically unable to put your bin out for collection and there is no one else in the household who can help you, ring us on 01296 585510.
What if my property is not suitable for a brown bin?You will have to take your garden waste to one of the household waste and recycling sites, once our garden bag service ends in September. Alternatively you could consider composting your garden waste at home.The recycling centres are located at:
- College Road North, Aston Clinton
- Rabans Close, Rabans Lane, Aylesbury
- Yonder Slade, Buckingham Industrial Park, Buckingham
I live in one of the existing brown bin trial areas (Buckingham or Winslow). Will my waste collection service change?Yes. The brown bin service in areas of Buckingham and Winslow will be replaced with the new waste collection service when it is introduced to all residents in September 2012. You will continue to receive the current brown bin service, free of charge, until that time. If you would like to sign up for the servive complete the online form at:https://myaccount.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/myforms/fms-34301.aspg
More good news on East West Rail
From an AVDC press release:
Aylesbury Vale District Council has welcomed news that the East-West Rail project is included in the government’s rail investment programme for 2014 to 2019.
The plan will restore a disused line between Oxford and Bedford, featuring a stop at Winslow and a spur line down to Aylesbury, and also stops at Bicester, Bletchley and Milton Keynes.
Journey times from Aylesbury to Milton Keynes will be just 33 minutes.
The economic effects of the new rail link, planned for opening by 2017, could be to generate up to 12,000 jobs along the route and increase opportunities for businesses to invest.
Councillor Carole Paternoster, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, said: “The council welcomes the commitment by government to investment in the rail network in Aylesbury Vale. The restoration of this strategic transport corridor will benefit the economic potential of our district by linking us with key centres of economic activity.
“Continued investment is essential to ensure we remain competitive. We must continue to attract inward investment and grow our existing businesses. As well as delivering long-term sustainable economic growth, this project will create jobs in the short to medium term in sectors such as construction, manufacturing and engineering.”
Today’s government announcement follows the decision by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his November 2011 Autumn Statement that East-West rail funding of £270 million would be made available, providing the promoter of the scheme, the East West Rail Consortium, of which AVDC is a partner, met two conditions.
The first requirement was a strong business case for the route. The case put forward by the East-West Rail Consortium along with the Department for Transport and Network Rail was accepted as robust.
The second condition was for a commitment by local authorities along the route to
contribute to the cost; a ‘commitment in principle’ to contribute £50 million between them over a period of 15 to 20 years from 2014 onwards has been agreed by the western section members of the consortium.
The consortium is now working with Department for Transport and Network Rail to implement the necessary development work to ensure the target re-opening of the western section of the east west line is met by 2017.
Friday 29 June 2012
New bins are on their way
Refuse collection
The quest to improve recycling in Aylesbury Vale is set to begin with the start of the roll out of new recycling bins.
Aylesbury Vale District Council will be delivering the new bins over a six to eight week period starting on 10 July. All households will receive them, except those who live in flats or those whose home is not suitable for bins.
The new bins will be accompanied by an information pack explaining a new, improved kerbside collection service that goes live from Tuesday 4 September.
Residents will receive letters this week, advising them that their new bins are about to be delivered.
Each household will receive a large 240-litre recycling wheeled bin (with a blue hinged lid) for all paper, glass, cardboard, plastics, cans and tins, which will be mixed together. This means residents will only have to store a single bin for all these materials and won’t have to separate them.
By providing a bigger bin and collecting cardboard for the first time, this will increase the volume of recycling collected. AVDC is aiming to increase recycling amounts from around 21 per cent in 2012 to over 50 per cent in 2014. Recycling collections will continue to be made every fortnight.
Food waste will be collected separately, every week. Each household will receive a small bin, with a handle to lock the lid, which will stop any smells escaping, and prevent insects and vermin getting in. The contents will be collected weekly and go to an anaerobic digestion plant, where methane gas will generate electricity.
Households will also be supplied with a kitchen caddy, to collect food scraps in. Local residents have helped the council choose what type of bins will work best for them.
As part of the changes, the rounds will be reorganised over four days (Tuesday to Friday), rather than five. The main advantage for customers is that whenever there are bank holidays on a Monday, there will be no disruption to the collection service. This means that the only collection dates that will change will be at Christmas and New Year, and after Good Friday.
The residual household waste (non-recyclable materials) will be collected in the existing green refuse bins. These collections will be made on alternate weeks, fitting in between the recycling collections. Households of five or more people may request a larger green refuse bin.
Since April, a new paid-for garden waste collection service has been available in some parts of the Vale. From September 2012, the service will be available for the remainder.
Households will receive a large 240-litre brown bin, emptied every fortnight between February and November. The cost is £36 a year, paid annually by direct debit.
This new scheme will replace the free brown bin service currently operating in Winslow and Buckingham when the four-day week collections start in September. The last free brown bin collection will be on 29 August.
People who live in properties that are not suitable for bins and who currently use black sacks will receive new sacks: purple for general waste and transparent blue for the new mix of recycling materials. They will also receive the new food waste bin and kitchen caddies, which will be delivered between 2 and 13 July.
Councillor Sir Beville Stanier, Cabinet Member for Environment and Health, said: “The delivery of the new bins marks the first visible change to our recycling and waste collection scheme. We ask that residents continue to use their existing bins, baskets or bags until the end of August. We can’t empty the new bins until we start the new collection service in September. Everyone needs to keep hold of their new collection calendars as these hold the collection dates for the next year.”
For more information about the new collection service or how to reduce your waste, visit www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/newbins or call 01296 585510.
The quest to improve recycling in Aylesbury Vale is set to begin with the start of the roll out of new recycling bins.
Aylesbury Vale District Council will be delivering the new bins over a six to eight week period starting on 10 July. All households will receive them, except those who live in flats or those whose home is not suitable for bins.
The new bins will be accompanied by an information pack explaining a new, improved kerbside collection service that goes live from Tuesday 4 September.
Residents will receive letters this week, advising them that their new bins are about to be delivered.
Each household will receive a large 240-litre recycling wheeled bin (with a blue hinged lid) for all paper, glass, cardboard, plastics, cans and tins, which will be mixed together. This means residents will only have to store a single bin for all these materials and won’t have to separate them.
By providing a bigger bin and collecting cardboard for the first time, this will increase the volume of recycling collected. AVDC is aiming to increase recycling amounts from around 21 per cent in 2012 to over 50 per cent in 2014. Recycling collections will continue to be made every fortnight.
Food waste will be collected separately, every week. Each household will receive a small bin, with a handle to lock the lid, which will stop any smells escaping, and prevent insects and vermin getting in. The contents will be collected weekly and go to an anaerobic digestion plant, where methane gas will generate electricity.
Households will also be supplied with a kitchen caddy, to collect food scraps in. Local residents have helped the council choose what type of bins will work best for them.
As part of the changes, the rounds will be reorganised over four days (Tuesday to Friday), rather than five. The main advantage for customers is that whenever there are bank holidays on a Monday, there will be no disruption to the collection service. This means that the only collection dates that will change will be at Christmas and New Year, and after Good Friday.
The residual household waste (non-recyclable materials) will be collected in the existing green refuse bins. These collections will be made on alternate weeks, fitting in between the recycling collections. Households of five or more people may request a larger green refuse bin.
Since April, a new paid-for garden waste collection service has been available in some parts of the Vale. From September 2012, the service will be available for the remainder.
Households will receive a large 240-litre brown bin, emptied every fortnight between February and November. The cost is £36 a year, paid annually by direct debit.
This new scheme will replace the free brown bin service currently operating in Winslow and Buckingham when the four-day week collections start in September. The last free brown bin collection will be on 29 August.
People who live in properties that are not suitable for bins and who currently use black sacks will receive new sacks: purple for general waste and transparent blue for the new mix of recycling materials. They will also receive the new food waste bin and kitchen caddies, which will be delivered between 2 and 13 July.
Councillor Sir Beville Stanier, Cabinet Member for Environment and Health, said: “The delivery of the new bins marks the first visible change to our recycling and waste collection scheme. We ask that residents continue to use their existing bins, baskets or bags until the end of August. We can’t empty the new bins until we start the new collection service in September. Everyone needs to keep hold of their new collection calendars as these hold the collection dates for the next year.”
For more information about the new collection service or how to reduce your waste, visit www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/newbins or call 01296 585510.
Thursday 14 June 2012
Keeping in touch with local residents
I am proud of the fact that AVDC has maintained high quality local services despite budget challenges, and in particular that it has managed to freeze Council Tax two years running.
We are very fortunate to live in such a beautiful area as the Claydons and as your District Councillor I have been actively engaged in protecting our villages from threatened new developments.
One is the new Energy from Waste Incinerator at Calvert. I have opposed the proposal to build the incinerator before the new access road from the A41 was completed, and I shall continue to fight on your behalf to minimise its impact on our villages if it does go ahead.
Another is the High Speed Two railway, the proposed route of which passes near Steeple Claydon. As well as the railway itself, there is an Infrastructure Maintenance Depot planned along the north side of the East-West line, to be used for the construction of the line. I am very concerned about the effects of this, and I have been involved in setting up a Steeple Claydon HS2 Action Group, in order to ensure that our residents are informed and able to make their voices heard. We have already been able to raise our concerns with High Speed Two Ltd at the first Community Forum held in Steeple Claydon.
I have also taken a close concern in the more everyday issues which affect our daily lives, such as the state of our roads and pavements, the provision of salt bins and dog bins, the number of HGVs going through our villages, the problem of speeding vehicles and the impact of planning applications.
Some new developments are welcome. I am glad that there are some new building projects underway to provide more affordable housing in our villages, so that our local residents who are looking to own their own homes have the chance of staying in their home surroundings. I welcome AVDC’s support for better broadband in the villages and its support for small businesses through its grants programmes and the Enterprise and Innovation Centre. I am also in full support of the plans for a new Free Secondary School in Winslow to increase the choice for parents in north Bucks.
It has been a great pleasure to be involved in many social activities around the Claydons, and I am so impressed by the number of residents who are prepared to give their time and energies to community activities and organisations. In this Jubilee
and Olympic Year we have much to celebrate together.
We are very fortunate to live in such a beautiful area as the Claydons and as your District Councillor I have been actively engaged in protecting our villages from threatened new developments.
One is the new Energy from Waste Incinerator at Calvert. I have opposed the proposal to build the incinerator before the new access road from the A41 was completed, and I shall continue to fight on your behalf to minimise its impact on our villages if it does go ahead.
Another is the High Speed Two railway, the proposed route of which passes near Steeple Claydon. As well as the railway itself, there is an Infrastructure Maintenance Depot planned along the north side of the East-West line, to be used for the construction of the line. I am very concerned about the effects of this, and I have been involved in setting up a Steeple Claydon HS2 Action Group, in order to ensure that our residents are informed and able to make their voices heard. We have already been able to raise our concerns with High Speed Two Ltd at the first Community Forum held in Steeple Claydon.
I have also taken a close concern in the more everyday issues which affect our daily lives, such as the state of our roads and pavements, the provision of salt bins and dog bins, the number of HGVs going through our villages, the problem of speeding vehicles and the impact of planning applications.
Some new developments are welcome. I am glad that there are some new building projects underway to provide more affordable housing in our villages, so that our local residents who are looking to own their own homes have the chance of staying in their home surroundings. I welcome AVDC’s support for better broadband in the villages and its support for small businesses through its grants programmes and the Enterprise and Innovation Centre. I am also in full support of the plans for a new Free Secondary School in Winslow to increase the choice for parents in north Bucks.
It has been a great pleasure to be involved in many social activities around the Claydons, and I am so impressed by the number of residents who are prepared to give their time and energies to community activities and organisations. In this Jubilee
and Olympic Year we have much to celebrate together.
Have your say on local health issues
‘Health Matters’ to the Aylesbury Vale Clinical Commissioning Group.
Aylesbury Vale Commissioning Group (AVCCG) is holding a public event on 21st June to talk about local health issues with members of the public.
The introduction of clinical commissioning means that GPs will work together with the public, other partners and health professionals to plan and design healthcare.
AVCCG, a group of local clinicians which is taking on new decision-making and budgetary powers, is keen to listen and work together with patients and local groups to look at local health issues and to understand what is important to local people.
The North Locality represents patients from all of the GP surgeries in Buckingham, Winslow, Steeple Claydon, Whitchurch and Wing.
Dr Rebecca Pryse, who has been a GP at North End Surgery in Buckingham for 12 years and is the North Locality Clinical lead said:
“We have been working with some members of our surgery patient participation groups over the past year. Since January some patients have started attending our meetings but we would like to broaden our engagement with our patients and explain what Clinical Commissioning and the changes to the NHS are about at a local level.”
“We really want to know what people think about improving health in Buckinghamshire. These meetings will help to shape the way healthcare is delivered. We aim to ensure that the planning of healthcare by GPs and other health professionals reflects local views and needs. This means we need to work more closely with local people and the groups that represent them. The events we are holding in north Buckinghamshire are a great opportunity to kick-start this process.”.
The North Locality event will take place on:
Thursday 21st June 7-9pm
The Winslow Centre, Park Road, Winslow MK18 3RB
For more information contact 08456 590 706
or email feedback.AVCCG@buckinghamshire.nhs.uk
Come along and have your say.
Aylesbury Vale Commissioning Group (AVCCG) is holding a public event on 21st June to talk about local health issues with members of the public.
The introduction of clinical commissioning means that GPs will work together with the public, other partners and health professionals to plan and design healthcare.
AVCCG, a group of local clinicians which is taking on new decision-making and budgetary powers, is keen to listen and work together with patients and local groups to look at local health issues and to understand what is important to local people.
The North Locality represents patients from all of the GP surgeries in Buckingham, Winslow, Steeple Claydon, Whitchurch and Wing.
Dr Rebecca Pryse, who has been a GP at North End Surgery in Buckingham for 12 years and is the North Locality Clinical lead said:
“We have been working with some members of our surgery patient participation groups over the past year. Since January some patients have started attending our meetings but we would like to broaden our engagement with our patients and explain what Clinical Commissioning and the changes to the NHS are about at a local level.”
“We really want to know what people think about improving health in Buckinghamshire. These meetings will help to shape the way healthcare is delivered. We aim to ensure that the planning of healthcare by GPs and other health professionals reflects local views and needs. This means we need to work more closely with local people and the groups that represent them. The events we are holding in north Buckinghamshire are a great opportunity to kick-start this process.”.
The North Locality event will take place on:
Thursday 21st June 7-9pm
The Winslow Centre, Park Road, Winslow MK18 3RB
For more information contact 08456 590 706
or email feedback.AVCCG@buckinghamshire.nhs.uk
Come along and have your say.
Friday 27 April 2012
Update on affordable housing from AVDC
AVDC has published a new guide to affordable housing, which is available on the AVDC website at:
http://www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/news/2012/apr/looking-housing/
From AVDC's website:
'The council is pursuing initiatives to maintain a balanced housing market and boost the supply of affordable, sustainable, homes for local people. This complements our work to maintain the quality of the district's existing housing stock.
While the district council does not develop housing itself, we do work closely with a wide range of partners to enable the provision of new homes. Especially, we work with our local communities and in partnership with housing associations and others.
Current affordable housing developments
There are a number of new residential developments under construction, which will result in the completion of hundreds of new affordable homes. The sites which are currently under construction or planned for the district can be found in the Affordable Home Ownership in Aylesbury Vale document (link on website).
How do I get an affordable home?
You need to register with the council. Call 01296 585168 or 585197 for advice about how to register and who is eligible or see our website: www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/housingadvice'
The list of current developments includes one of 98 homes in Calvert by the Guinness Trust. There are at least 2 planned developments in Steeple Claydon village currently in the pipeline as well.
This is good news for local residents who want to remain in our communities but would like to get on the first rung of the housing ladder.
http://www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/news/2012/apr/looking-housing/
From AVDC's website:
'The council is pursuing initiatives to maintain a balanced housing market and boost the supply of affordable, sustainable, homes for local people. This complements our work to maintain the quality of the district's existing housing stock.
While the district council does not develop housing itself, we do work closely with a wide range of partners to enable the provision of new homes. Especially, we work with our local communities and in partnership with housing associations and others.
Current affordable housing developments
There are a number of new residential developments under construction, which will result in the completion of hundreds of new affordable homes. The sites which are currently under construction or planned for the district can be found in the Affordable Home Ownership in Aylesbury Vale document (link on website).
How do I get an affordable home?
You need to register with the council. Call 01296 585168 or 585197 for advice about how to register and who is eligible or see our website: www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/housingadvice'
The list of current developments includes one of 98 homes in Calvert by the Guinness Trust. There are at least 2 planned developments in Steeple Claydon village currently in the pipeline as well.
This is good news for local residents who want to remain in our communities but would like to get on the first rung of the housing ladder.
Follow up of first Steeple Claydon High Speed 2 local forum
The first local consultation forum held by High Speed 2 to canvass the views of local residents was held in
Steeple Claydon Village Hall on 11th April.
The forum covers the villages of Twyford, Chetwode, Calvert Green and Barton Hartshorn as well as Steeple Claydon. The village was represented by 3 Parish Council members as well as myself representing AVDC.
We were able to ensure that concerns over the Infrastructure Maintenance Depot and the impact on the local community of the line construction period were tabled for more detailed discussion at future meetings.
Following this forum, the Parish Council has written to Alison Munro, Chief Executive HS2 regarding concerns it has about HS2 and in particular the proposed Infrastructure Maintenance Depot adjacent to Steeple Claydon.
It has asked for a response to the following issues raised and propsals for mitigation:
Mitigation points regarding IMD construction requested of HS2 Ltd:
· 1) Steeple Claydon Parish Council (SCPC) strongly requests that a separate community forum meeting/s with HS2 take place because of the unique negative impact IMD brings to SC during the construction and operational phases of it and the railway itself.
· 2) SCPC would like the site of IMD reconsidered.
· 2.1) If it ultimately goes ahead however the following points are required of HS2 Ltd:
· 3) No construction traffic through SC.
· 4) All traffic routes to be published.
· 5) SCPC wish for no extra land take over and above the current red lined plan whatsoever during construction.
· 6) To be clear SCPC does not want any construction camp locally or at the IMD site itself. Therefore what plans are in place for the duty of care regarding their contractors ? i.e. Their accommodation/their health/their rest periods.
· 7) SCPC want confirmation that all materials are to be freighted by rail during construction. (via EWR?).
· 8) What is the mitigation plan for surface run off towards SC because of the IMD ‘s concrete foundations being built on an area of wet land.
· 9) With reference to (8) above what mitigation measures will be in place against pollution. E.g. oil etc leaking into the stream that crosses the IMD site and ends up crossing at West Street SC.
· 10) Conciliatory measures in construction. Please advise what they may be.
Mitigation points regarding IMD when operational requested of HS2 Ltd:
· 1 Mitigation of visual impact to area. Please advise HS2's proposal.
· 2 Mitigation of light pollution. Please advise HS2's proposal.
· 3 Mitigation of vibration. Please advise HS2's proposal.
· 4 Mitigation of noise by an earth bund around IMD. Please show a plan.
· 5 Limited frequency of the helicopter pad under normal circumstances. Please advice what maybe expected.
The forum will continue to meet every 6 - 8 weeks over the next 18 months.
A Steeple Claydon High Speed 2 action group has recently been formed to co-ordinate the village's input to the forums and response to the proposals, in close co-ordination with other local action groups and concerned individuals. Please contact me or a member of the Parish Council if you would like to be involved. Now is the time for action to make sure we get our voice heard.
The forum covers the villages of Twyford, Chetwode, Calvert Green and Barton Hartshorn as well as Steeple Claydon. The village was represented by 3 Parish Council members as well as myself representing AVDC.
We were able to ensure that concerns over the Infrastructure Maintenance Depot and the impact on the local community of the line construction period were tabled for more detailed discussion at future meetings.
Following this forum, the Parish Council has written to Alison Munro, Chief Executive HS2 regarding concerns it has about HS2 and in particular the proposed Infrastructure Maintenance Depot adjacent to Steeple Claydon.
It has asked for a response to the following issues raised and propsals for mitigation:
Mitigation points regarding IMD construction requested of HS2 Ltd:
· 1) Steeple Claydon Parish Council (SCPC) strongly requests that a separate community forum meeting/s with HS2 take place because of the unique negative impact IMD brings to SC during the construction and operational phases of it and the railway itself.
· 2) SCPC would like the site of IMD reconsidered.
· 2.1) If it ultimately goes ahead however the following points are required of HS2 Ltd:
· 3) No construction traffic through SC.
· 4) All traffic routes to be published.
· 5) SCPC wish for no extra land take over and above the current red lined plan whatsoever during construction.
· 6) To be clear SCPC does not want any construction camp locally or at the IMD site itself. Therefore what plans are in place for the duty of care regarding their contractors ? i.e. Their accommodation/their health/their rest periods.
· 7) SCPC want confirmation that all materials are to be freighted by rail during construction. (via EWR?).
· 8) What is the mitigation plan for surface run off towards SC because of the IMD ‘s concrete foundations being built on an area of wet land.
· 9) With reference to (8) above what mitigation measures will be in place against pollution. E.g. oil etc leaking into the stream that crosses the IMD site and ends up crossing at West Street SC.
· 10) Conciliatory measures in construction. Please advise what they may be.
Mitigation points regarding IMD when operational requested of HS2 Ltd:
· 1 Mitigation of visual impact to area. Please advise HS2's proposal.
· 2 Mitigation of light pollution. Please advise HS2's proposal.
· 3 Mitigation of vibration. Please advise HS2's proposal.
· 4 Mitigation of noise by an earth bund around IMD. Please show a plan.
· 5 Limited frequency of the helicopter pad under normal circumstances. Please advice what maybe expected.
The forum will continue to meet every 6 - 8 weeks over the next 18 months.
A Steeple Claydon High Speed 2 action group has recently been formed to co-ordinate the village's input to the forums and response to the proposals, in close co-ordination with other local action groups and concerned individuals. Please contact me or a member of the Parish Council if you would like to be involved. Now is the time for action to make sure we get our voice heard.
Wednesday 28 March 2012
New Garden waste service being rolled out by AVDC
New garden waste service set for roll out in Aylesbury Vale
Hundreds of households in Aylesbury Vale will soon be able to start using the district council’s new garden waste collection service.
The first collections will take place in April and information leaflets and bin hangers explaining the charged for service have been sent to residents in the first two trial areas to inform them of the new brown bin collections.
More than 800 residents have signed up to the scheme, which is £36 a year for a fortnightly collection between February and November.
Anyone who wants to subscribe will receive a 240-litre brown bin with a lid for grass cuttings, twigs and small branches, weeds and hedge trimmings.
The council aims to offer the service in all locations of the Vale later in the year.
With the introduction of the garden waste service, AVDC will no longer be collecting garden sacks from households from September.
The garden waste scheme is part of a range of improvements to the council’s waste and recycling service, which will start to be rolled out from September. These improvements aim to reduce the amount of waste the district sends to landfill and the rising costs of doing this.
Councillor Sir Beville Stanier, Cabinet Member for Environment and Health, said: “The garden waste service is critical in helping us to reduce the amount of rubbish that is sent to landfill. Use of landfill is not only bad for the environment but increasingly costly for councils so the more waste we can compost or recycle the better.”
Residents who want to subscribe to the kerbside garden waste collection service can still do so.
Hundreds of households in Aylesbury Vale will soon be able to start using the district council’s new garden waste collection service.
The first collections will take place in April and information leaflets and bin hangers explaining the charged for service have been sent to residents in the first two trial areas to inform them of the new brown bin collections.
More than 800 residents have signed up to the scheme, which is £36 a year for a fortnightly collection between February and November.
Anyone who wants to subscribe will receive a 240-litre brown bin with a lid for grass cuttings, twigs and small branches, weeds and hedge trimmings.
The council aims to offer the service in all locations of the Vale later in the year.
With the introduction of the garden waste service, AVDC will no longer be collecting garden sacks from households from September.
The garden waste scheme is part of a range of improvements to the council’s waste and recycling service, which will start to be rolled out from September. These improvements aim to reduce the amount of waste the district sends to landfill and the rising costs of doing this.
Councillor Sir Beville Stanier, Cabinet Member for Environment and Health, said: “The garden waste service is critical in helping us to reduce the amount of rubbish that is sent to landfill. Use of landfill is not only bad for the environment but increasingly costly for councils so the more waste we can compost or recycle the better.”
Residents who want to subscribe to the kerbside garden waste collection service can still do so.
Tuesday 14 February 2012
County Council delays Calvert incinerator decision
The County Council's Development Control Committee today decided to delay a decision on the proposed incinerator at Calvert until after their new Minerals and Waste Core Strategy has come into force.
There will be no decision on the proposed waste incinerator in Aylesbury Vale until later this year.
The proposed incinerator would occupy a 255 hectare site at Lower Greatmoor Farm, have a 95 metre tall chimney, have the capacity to burn 300 thousand tonnes of rubbish every year and include a pit for hazardous waste.
Below is a summary of the representation I made to the committee on behalf of
Steeple Claydon Parish Council:
1. Does Bucks need a 300,000 tonne incinerator ? No.
- maximum annual residual municipal waste is 110,000 - 150,000 tonnes
- disincentive to better recycling
- why should Bucks become a dumping ground for waste from other counties ?
- case for a single incinerator on this scale has not been made
- against policies 10,11 and 17 of the Bucks Minerals and Waste Local Plan
2. Is Calvert the right location for an incinerator ? No
- area of quiet unspoilt rural landscape
- surrounded by SSSIs and local wildlife sites of national importance (Sheephouse Wood, Grendon and Doddershall Woods), Finemere Wood, Decoypond Wood, Romer Wood, Greatsea Wood)
- wildlife includes rare protected species such as the Black Hairstreak butterfly and Bechstein bat.
- part of the ancient Bernwood Forest
- nearby National Trust properties Claydon House and Waddesdon Manor
- would affect 2 listed buildings (Finemere Hill House and Lower Greatmoor Farm)
- inadequate local road network
- although the site is next to a railway line there are no plans in the application to transport any waste by train
- against policies 19 and 24 of the Bucks Minerals and Waste Local Plan
3. Was the option of a single facility at Calvert with the waste all being transported by road approved by the County Council’s preferred options report in 2008 ? No
- the report in Feb 2008 concluded that this option (Option 1A) was ‘unacceptable’ in terms of transport assessment, and ‘unlikely to be deliverable’.
- this option scored the lowest (together with 1 other) out of 34 different options
- the transport assessment stated that this option was one with ‘the highest associated mileage and thus the most associated negative impacts’
- environmental impact of over 100 HGV movements a day
4. Does the proposal agree with the proximity principle ? No
- two thirds of Bucks waste is generated in the south of the county
- most is generated along the M40 corridor
- the best location for an incinerator would be somewhere along the M40
- against policy 30 of the Bucks Minerals and Waste Local Plan, which states:
‘proposals that do not comply with the proximity principle will not normally be permitted’.
There will be no decision on the proposed waste incinerator in Aylesbury Vale until later this year.
The proposed incinerator would occupy a 255 hectare site at Lower Greatmoor Farm, have a 95 metre tall chimney, have the capacity to burn 300 thousand tonnes of rubbish every year and include a pit for hazardous waste.
Below is a summary of the representation I made to the committee on behalf of
Steeple Claydon Parish Council:
1. Does Bucks need a 300,000 tonne incinerator ? No.
- maximum annual residual municipal waste is 110,000 - 150,000 tonnes
- disincentive to better recycling
- why should Bucks become a dumping ground for waste from other counties ?
- case for a single incinerator on this scale has not been made
- against policies 10,11 and 17 of the Bucks Minerals and Waste Local Plan
2. Is Calvert the right location for an incinerator ? No
- area of quiet unspoilt rural landscape
- surrounded by SSSIs and local wildlife sites of national importance (Sheephouse Wood, Grendon and Doddershall Woods), Finemere Wood, Decoypond Wood, Romer Wood, Greatsea Wood)
- wildlife includes rare protected species such as the Black Hairstreak butterfly and Bechstein bat.
- part of the ancient Bernwood Forest
- nearby National Trust properties Claydon House and Waddesdon Manor
- would affect 2 listed buildings (Finemere Hill House and Lower Greatmoor Farm)
- inadequate local road network
- although the site is next to a railway line there are no plans in the application to transport any waste by train
- against policies 19 and 24 of the Bucks Minerals and Waste Local Plan
3. Was the option of a single facility at Calvert with the waste all being transported by road approved by the County Council’s preferred options report in 2008 ? No
- the report in Feb 2008 concluded that this option (Option 1A) was ‘unacceptable’ in terms of transport assessment, and ‘unlikely to be deliverable’.
- this option scored the lowest (together with 1 other) out of 34 different options
- the transport assessment stated that this option was one with ‘the highest associated mileage and thus the most associated negative impacts’
- environmental impact of over 100 HGV movements a day
4. Does the proposal agree with the proximity principle ? No
- two thirds of Bucks waste is generated in the south of the county
- most is generated along the M40 corridor
- the best location for an incinerator would be somewhere along the M40
- against policy 30 of the Bucks Minerals and Waste Local Plan, which states:
‘proposals that do not comply with the proximity principle will not normally be permitted’.
Thursday 2 February 2012
AVDC freezes council tax again
Council tax to be frozen for second year running
Aylesbury Vale District Council has voted to freeze council tax for the second year running. The freeze has been made possible by a one-off grant from the government, which is being offered to all local authorities that do not increase their council tax in 2012/13.
It will mean the district council element of residents’ total council tax bill will remain at £131.07 for an average Band D property – which is the equivalent of just £2.52 a week. This helps pay for a wide range of services including housing support, planning, refuse and recycling services and street cleaning.
In developing a budget for the 2012/13 financial year, the council has had to find £2.6 million in savings from its £18 million revenue budget due to reduced government funding and pressures such as the increased cost of utilities (fuel and electricity). This saving is needed on top of the £1.2 million savings delivered to balance the 2011/12 budget. In 2013/14, the council will need to save at least another £1 million to balance the books.
An array of saving solutions have been approved by councillors to allow the council to have a balanced budget position for the next financial year.
Aylesbury Vale District Council has voted to freeze council tax for the second year running. The freeze has been made possible by a one-off grant from the government, which is being offered to all local authorities that do not increase their council tax in 2012/13.
It will mean the district council element of residents’ total council tax bill will remain at £131.07 for an average Band D property – which is the equivalent of just £2.52 a week. This helps pay for a wide range of services including housing support, planning, refuse and recycling services and street cleaning.
In developing a budget for the 2012/13 financial year, the council has had to find £2.6 million in savings from its £18 million revenue budget due to reduced government funding and pressures such as the increased cost of utilities (fuel and electricity). This saving is needed on top of the £1.2 million savings delivered to balance the 2011/12 budget. In 2013/14, the council will need to save at least another £1 million to balance the books.
An array of saving solutions have been approved by councillors to allow the council to have a balanced budget position for the next financial year.
Sunday 29 January 2012
Calvert Incinerator planning application
The Calvert Incinerator planning application is due to be considered by Bucks County Council's Development Control Committee at Stoke Mandeville Stadium on 14th Feb 2012.
Unfortunately it was decided that local District Councillors would have no specific right to speak at this meeting, so I have registered to attend and speak as a member of the public.
An excellent summary of the arguments against the application were submitted to the County Council by AVDC last year:
1. That the proposal conflicts with policies 10, 11 and 17 of the Buckinghamshire
Minerals and Waste Local Plan in that the need for a single energy from waste
plant, of the scale being proposed, to serve Buckinghamshire has not been
established and that proposals for the recycling of waste have not been fully
evaluated and incorporated into the scheme. Further the proposal does not
conform with the proximity principle nor has it adequately addressed the waste
hierarchy principles set out in PPS 10.
2. That the proposal conflicts with policy 19 of the Buckinghamshire Minerals and
Waste Local Plan and PPS 10 in that it would be visually harmful and fail to
ensure the long term restoration of the Calvert Landfill Site.
3. That the proposed plant would constitute an urban and visually intrusive feature in an area of quiet rural landscape harming views across in conflict with advice in
PPS7.
4. That the proposed plant would harm the settings of the Grade II Listed Lower
Greatmoor Farmhouse and Finmerehill House in conflict with advice in PPS5.
5. That the proposed access road to the site would cause serious harm to the
populations of Black Hairstreak butterflies, Bechstein Bats and other protected
species that currently populate the disused railway line between the A41 and the
site; that inadequate surveys have been carried out to fully assess the impact of the
development on biodiversity, in conflict with advice in PPS9.
6. That the proposed access road and noise and general disturbance engendered by its
use by heavy goods vehicles would conflict with policy GP8 of the Aylesbury
Vale Local Plan and would reduce the level of residential amenities to nearby
dwellings to a level below that which they could reasonably expect to enjoy.
It is hard to think of a more unsuitable location for an incinerator than one surrounded by sites of special scientific interest of national importance, at the other end of the county from where most of the waste is produced, with no suitable or adequate access roads, and less than 15 miles from another 300,000 tonne incinerator which has just been given planning permission. To add insult to injury, although it is located right next to a railway line there are no plans under the current contract to bring in any of the waste by rail.
Unfortunately it was decided that local District Councillors would have no specific right to speak at this meeting, so I have registered to attend and speak as a member of the public.
An excellent summary of the arguments against the application were submitted to the County Council by AVDC last year:
1. That the proposal conflicts with policies 10, 11 and 17 of the Buckinghamshire
Minerals and Waste Local Plan in that the need for a single energy from waste
plant, of the scale being proposed, to serve Buckinghamshire has not been
established and that proposals for the recycling of waste have not been fully
evaluated and incorporated into the scheme. Further the proposal does not
conform with the proximity principle nor has it adequately addressed the waste
hierarchy principles set out in PPS 10.
2. That the proposal conflicts with policy 19 of the Buckinghamshire Minerals and
Waste Local Plan and PPS 10 in that it would be visually harmful and fail to
ensure the long term restoration of the Calvert Landfill Site.
3. That the proposed plant would constitute an urban and visually intrusive feature in an area of quiet rural landscape harming views across in conflict with advice in
PPS7.
4. That the proposed plant would harm the settings of the Grade II Listed Lower
Greatmoor Farmhouse and Finmerehill House in conflict with advice in PPS5.
5. That the proposed access road to the site would cause serious harm to the
populations of Black Hairstreak butterflies, Bechstein Bats and other protected
species that currently populate the disused railway line between the A41 and the
site; that inadequate surveys have been carried out to fully assess the impact of the
development on biodiversity, in conflict with advice in PPS9.
6. That the proposed access road and noise and general disturbance engendered by its
use by heavy goods vehicles would conflict with policy GP8 of the Aylesbury
Vale Local Plan and would reduce the level of residential amenities to nearby
dwellings to a level below that which they could reasonably expect to enjoy.
It is hard to think of a more unsuitable location for an incinerator than one surrounded by sites of special scientific interest of national importance, at the other end of the county from where most of the waste is produced, with no suitable or adequate access roads, and less than 15 miles from another 300,000 tonne incinerator which has just been given planning permission. To add insult to injury, although it is located right next to a railway line there are no plans under the current contract to bring in any of the waste by rail.
Sunday 8 January 2012
East West Rail video
A video to set out the benefits of the East West Rail project has been added to the website and can be seen at the following link:
http://eastwestrail.org.uk/video/
http://eastwestrail.org.uk/video/
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Steeple Claydon spire seen through oak trees
Map of Claydon Station
Meeting our local PCSO
Supporting our local businesses
With anti HS2 campaigners in Calvert