AUGUST NEWSLETTER
Quite a few sparks have been flying over recent weeks (always risky during a hot dry spell) - rubbish-mountains, mask-wearing, ill-disciplined pedestrians, smouldering exchanges on social media - you name it - and all intensified by the heat and post lock-down volatility.
Meanwhile, in an uncomfortably warm and zoomy backwater, we held a Committee meeting. In common with many other organisations we don't usually meet in August (relatives, beach-huts, inertia) but this year a few items stubbornly refused to take a break.
The Police Station site was recently declared a community asset. This means that if a group or organisation comes up with a community use for the site there will be a 6-month moratorium on open sale or development. The problematic bit is that any such group has to find the money to purchase the site within that time. Suggestions to date include a swimming pool, affordable housing, a field study centre and...wait for it...a garage.
The latter segues, almost seamlessly, into the continuing story of Station Yard. Southwold Town Council is in discussions with East Suffolk Council. The proposal is to appoint a project manager to review/amend the business plan and to oversee construction thereafter. We think it will be very difficult for one person to straddle all the skills required. We also think that the manager should be recruited after the formation of the proposed project board and we feel that the board should include local lay representatives who are not members of STC or ESC and that it should have an independent chair. The board will have to consider the future shape of the project in a financially cautious post-covid world.
We also looked at some planning applications. We rarely disagree with our local councils on this and we support Reydon Parish Council's reservations on development in Teal Close and we also support Southwold Town Council's objections to the proposals in Cautley Road and Ferry Road. Such objections could be more difficult to justify or enforce in future if the proposed changes in Planning Law are enacted. 'Zoning' may add to protection in, say, the AONB but reduce it elsewhere.
We also discussed the future of energy supply - particularly Sizewell C and the proposed wind farms, East Anglia One North and East Anglia Two. Both projects, irrespective of their potential benefits, will disrupt local life and the environment for some years and the completed facilities will be highly visible features of our coastal landscape for the foreseeable future. We endorse the submissions of local councils, joining their pleas for mitigation. In the case of Sizewell there is also concern over finance because of the Chinese component and the reliability of the technology which has been problematic in similar plants in Europe.
We looked at business rates on holiday lets. Did you know that there are hundreds of local properties classified as holiday businesses in East Suffolk and that a high proportion of them qualify for full rates relief? In fairness, the same rules apply to all small businesses. Whilst holiday lets are, in a way, the golden-egg layers of our local economy - and visitors help to fund shops, pubs, builders and the rest - the number of non-payers (and I don't mean "should- pay- by- law-but- don't") inevitably increases the burden on others. It's a tricky problem in a world already reeling from unforeseen consequences.
By the time this appears in print anything could have happened.
Ridley Burnett, Chairman.
Quite a few sparks have been flying over recent weeks (always risky during a hot dry spell) - rubbish-mountains, mask-wearing, ill-disciplined pedestrians, smouldering exchanges on social media - you name it - and all intensified by the heat and post lock-down volatility.
Meanwhile, in an uncomfortably warm and zoomy backwater, we held a Committee meeting. In common with many other organisations we don't usually meet in August (relatives, beach-huts, inertia) but this year a few items stubbornly refused to take a break.
The Police Station site was recently declared a community asset. This means that if a group or organisation comes up with a community use for the site there will be a 6-month moratorium on open sale or development. The problematic bit is that any such group has to find the money to purchase the site within that time. Suggestions to date include a swimming pool, affordable housing, a field study centre and...wait for it...a garage.
The latter segues, almost seamlessly, into the continuing story of Station Yard. Southwold Town Council is in discussions with East Suffolk Council. The proposal is to appoint a project manager to review/amend the business plan and to oversee construction thereafter. We think it will be very difficult for one person to straddle all the skills required. We also think that the manager should be recruited after the formation of the proposed project board and we feel that the board should include local lay representatives who are not members of STC or ESC and that it should have an independent chair. The board will have to consider the future shape of the project in a financially cautious post-covid world.
We also looked at some planning applications. We rarely disagree with our local councils on this and we support Reydon Parish Council's reservations on development in Teal Close and we also support Southwold Town Council's objections to the proposals in Cautley Road and Ferry Road. Such objections could be more difficult to justify or enforce in future if the proposed changes in Planning Law are enacted. 'Zoning' may add to protection in, say, the AONB but reduce it elsewhere.
We also discussed the future of energy supply - particularly Sizewell C and the proposed wind farms, East Anglia One North and East Anglia Two. Both projects, irrespective of their potential benefits, will disrupt local life and the environment for some years and the completed facilities will be highly visible features of our coastal landscape for the foreseeable future. We endorse the submissions of local councils, joining their pleas for mitigation. In the case of Sizewell there is also concern over finance because of the Chinese component and the reliability of the technology which has been problematic in similar plants in Europe.
We looked at business rates on holiday lets. Did you know that there are hundreds of local properties classified as holiday businesses in East Suffolk and that a high proportion of them qualify for full rates relief? In fairness, the same rules apply to all small businesses. Whilst holiday lets are, in a way, the golden-egg layers of our local economy - and visitors help to fund shops, pubs, builders and the rest - the number of non-payers (and I don't mean "should- pay- by- law-but- don't") inevitably increases the burden on others. It's a tricky problem in a world already reeling from unforeseen consequences.
By the time this appears in print anything could have happened.
Ridley Burnett, Chairman.
NEWSLETTER JULY/AUGUST 2020
In July, our Committee met, once again, on-line. A sign of some returning normality is that this newsletter will be included in print versions of the local magazines. Times, however, continue to be strange and somewhat worrying in many different ways. We hope all our members and other readers are safe and well. We are glad to see that sensible schemes such as the pedestrian one-way system in Southwold High Street and in some shops are largely working and accepted with good humour by residents and visitors alike.
Important Changes to the Society’s website and email
The company that hosted our website gave our webmaster (Jon Hadgraft to whom we are really grateful) a month's notice to say that they were no longer going to support its format. We have therefore had to create a new one. It is still under construction and we need to revisit some of the wording. If there are any ideas about what you would like to see on the new site, please let us know, via the new email.
The new website is: www.sandrsoc.org.uk
The new email address is: admin@sandrsoc.org.uk
Sizewell C
The Planning Inquiry is now under way. As with the windfarm proposals, we are in support of green energy but remain concerned at the impact of the new infrastructure and, in the case of Sizewell, of the building process itself. The use of road transport of both workers and materials during construction will be massive and we continue to believe that the proposed mitigation measures are inadequate. More provision for rail transport and a proper four village by-pass are essential as Suffolk County and East Suffolk Councils continue to argue. They are needed not only to protect the residents and environment near Sizewell but also to lessen traffic congestion on the A12 which will have a negative impact on our tourist economy in Southwold and Reydon. With regard to the infrastructure around Sizewell, we are also supporting many others in arguing for the protection of key habitats and woodlands.
St Felix
Another topic of concern is the planning application for two replacement playing fields at St Felix. This is a legal (S106) requirement of the permission given previously for the building of 69 houses on their playing field alongside the Halesworth Road, east of St George’s Square. What is proposed is neither a real replacement as one of the “new” playing fields will be on a field currently used for athletics nor is it acceptable since the other proposed playing field will encroach significantly onto the County Wildlife Site. We regard the proposed compensatory works to the wildlife site as inadequate and are also concerned that the quality of the new playing fields will be poor compared to what will be lost to housing. We wish St Felix well but cannot accept these plans.
Philip O’Hear, Committee Member.
In July, our Committee met, once again, on-line. A sign of some returning normality is that this newsletter will be included in print versions of the local magazines. Times, however, continue to be strange and somewhat worrying in many different ways. We hope all our members and other readers are safe and well. We are glad to see that sensible schemes such as the pedestrian one-way system in Southwold High Street and in some shops are largely working and accepted with good humour by residents and visitors alike.
Important Changes to the Society’s website and email
The company that hosted our website gave our webmaster (Jon Hadgraft to whom we are really grateful) a month's notice to say that they were no longer going to support its format. We have therefore had to create a new one. It is still under construction and we need to revisit some of the wording. If there are any ideas about what you would like to see on the new site, please let us know, via the new email.
The new website is: www.sandrsoc.org.uk
The new email address is: admin@sandrsoc.org.uk
Sizewell C
The Planning Inquiry is now under way. As with the windfarm proposals, we are in support of green energy but remain concerned at the impact of the new infrastructure and, in the case of Sizewell, of the building process itself. The use of road transport of both workers and materials during construction will be massive and we continue to believe that the proposed mitigation measures are inadequate. More provision for rail transport and a proper four village by-pass are essential as Suffolk County and East Suffolk Councils continue to argue. They are needed not only to protect the residents and environment near Sizewell but also to lessen traffic congestion on the A12 which will have a negative impact on our tourist economy in Southwold and Reydon. With regard to the infrastructure around Sizewell, we are also supporting many others in arguing for the protection of key habitats and woodlands.
St Felix
Another topic of concern is the planning application for two replacement playing fields at St Felix. This is a legal (S106) requirement of the permission given previously for the building of 69 houses on their playing field alongside the Halesworth Road, east of St George’s Square. What is proposed is neither a real replacement as one of the “new” playing fields will be on a field currently used for athletics nor is it acceptable since the other proposed playing field will encroach significantly onto the County Wildlife Site. We regard the proposed compensatory works to the wildlife site as inadequate and are also concerned that the quality of the new playing fields will be poor compared to what will be lost to housing. We wish St Felix well but cannot accept these plans.
Philip O’Hear, Committee Member.
JUNE 2020 NEWSLETTER
Much of our June zoom was taken up with a discussion on the need to help the revival of local businesses and employment.
The rules/ laws/ recommendations/ suggestions surrounding the gradual relaxation of the lock-down change so rapidly that there is no point in trying to summarise them here. But anyone who can still bear to watch the news will understand (in so far as it is possible) the complexities of the 'wealth versus health' conflict. All of us in Southwold and Reydon - businesses, self-employed, employees, stuck-at-home parents/grandparents, stuck-at home children, residents, visitors - are caught in the crossfire and most are itching to get back to the new 'normal'. But it's going to be a balancing act between caution and confidence.
While most of us have been in isolation an army of carers, medical staff, van-drivers and emergency services has been on duty. There has also been a huge response by local volunteers and voluntary organisations to the pandemic, all of which has, quite rightly, been widely praised.
But we should not forget that a surprising number of local businesses have soldiered on as well - setting up delivery systems, adapting methods & premises and sorting supply-chains. We salute their hard work and ingenuity. It can't have been easy and it certainly hasn't made anyone's fortune.
Others have had to sit tight, unable to open or adapt whilst doing their best to keep the lights on and we should all support their determination to return and flourish.
But there have been (and will be) casualties. High Street incomes will be lower and this will exert downward pressure on commercial rents - which may eventually lead to a more diverse range of outlets. Perhaps our shopping will become more 'local' (and we would urge you to do your bit) when it's not busy being on -line global. But, even with an upsurge in visitors, retail sales, hospitality and holiday lets, it will still be a hard road and the appointment of Hannah Wright as Town Development Manager could not have come at a more critical time.
Southwold Arts Centre is a particularly vulnerable local asset. Presently, it is mothballed but the Trustees have received a grant for new seating and are about to start work on repairs and maintenance to the building. For years the hall has been host to the Summer Theatre, Ways with Words and countless lectures and functions and must now adjust to having smaller 'real' audiences (unless the rules change yet again) and income-generating 'virtual' performances. The same sort of restrictions will apply to all those other local businesses, clubs, societies and organisations which depend upon an assembly of persons. Meanwhile, the Centre is running an appeal for donations to help them survive until the end of the year. Please see the new website: https://southwoldartscentre.co.uk and new email address:
info@southwoldartscentre.co.uk.
Before the world changed the Southwold and Reydon Society proposed a strategic review of the long-term economy of the district. Perhaps the virus will provide the impetus needed to push it forward.
"Separated at birth" used to be the stuff of cheap fiction. "Separated at the point of death" is our new real-life tragedy. Our feelings for all those thus affected cannot begin to appreciate the depth of grief at being denied a final farewell. We offer our sympathy to all of them and to the family of Jack Storer, in particular, as he (apart from his active involvement in many other organisations) also served on the Southwold and Reydon Society Committee with spells as Secretary and as President. Jack embodied so many virtues and personified the three "d's": diligence, diplomacy and determination.
He always seemed to be there...well, in a way, he always was - unless you happen to be more than 102 years old.
Ridley Burnett Chairman.
MAY 2020
Our meeting this month involved 10 "Zoomers"(who, for those who zoom, looked a bit like a cheery last supper when in gallery view).
We covered a number of topics -some of them routine, some recurrent and some one-offs.Routinealways includes a look at planning applications and decisions for Southwold and Reydon. Some of these, with slight variations, come back again and again until an acceptable compromise with the Planners is on the table or drawing-board. We tend to look more critically at plans involving change of use (e.g., garage to "studio accommodation", shop to restaurant) garden in-fills and developments which go against the requirements of existing town and village plans and forthcoming Neighbourhood Plans. We usually find ourselves in agreement with our two local councils on this.
We also look at the list of applications which have been refused or approved. Some of the decisions are baffling but we do get a general idea of what the planners view as acceptable or not.
Recurrentalways involves another look at some long-running sagas.Theformer Police Station has now been declared a community asset by East Suffolk Council at the request of STC. This does not guarantee its permanent survival but it does protect it from sale for non-community use for up to six months, allowing others to raise funds, or develop partnerships, for bids to retain the building or its site for community use. It could become a building for public use or, like its neighbour, the old fire station site, be earmarked for affordable housing.
And their next-door neighbour, the Station Yard development, trundles on. A ground survey of the disused tanks under part of the site is now with the Environmental Planning Officer and Southwold Town Council intends to revise the application to include offices and work spaces. We will have to wait and see what effect the pandemic has upon future demand for either.
Elsewhere, the Consultation process on the future of the harbour is open until June 12th and includes an examination of the skills needed to conserve and develop the whole harbour area. We largely support the proposals but have stressed the importance of creating a Management Committee with the right skills and giving a real voice to the proposed Advisory Group which will represent stakeholders and users of the harbour and caravan site.
One-offs: Southwold now has a Development Manager, Hannah Wright, who will have the huge responsibility for diversifying and developing the economic base of the town -a challenge intensified by current events which are bound to leave scars onthe High Street and on the income and employment patterns of the wider area. We have invited her and the Mayor of Southwold to meet us to exchange views on a strategy for the Town.
In which connection, Reydon and Southwold are fortunate in having a substantial and energetic operation in place organising and funding food aid, deliveries and up to date information.
Our thanks are due to all those organisations, local businessesand individuals who have donated time, money and energy to make this a success.
Finally, in the absence of any objections to our information circulated to members pending an actual as opposed to semi-virtual AGM, I am pleased to confirm that Catherine Wiltshire has joined the Executive Committee, nemcon.
Stay safe and stay sane.
Ridley Burnett, Chairman
Our meeting this month involved 10 "Zoomers"(who, for those who zoom, looked a bit like a cheery last supper when in gallery view).
We covered a number of topics -some of them routine, some recurrent and some one-offs.Routinealways includes a look at planning applications and decisions for Southwold and Reydon. Some of these, with slight variations, come back again and again until an acceptable compromise with the Planners is on the table or drawing-board. We tend to look more critically at plans involving change of use (e.g., garage to "studio accommodation", shop to restaurant) garden in-fills and developments which go against the requirements of existing town and village plans and forthcoming Neighbourhood Plans. We usually find ourselves in agreement with our two local councils on this.
We also look at the list of applications which have been refused or approved. Some of the decisions are baffling but we do get a general idea of what the planners view as acceptable or not.
Recurrentalways involves another look at some long-running sagas.Theformer Police Station has now been declared a community asset by East Suffolk Council at the request of STC. This does not guarantee its permanent survival but it does protect it from sale for non-community use for up to six months, allowing others to raise funds, or develop partnerships, for bids to retain the building or its site for community use. It could become a building for public use or, like its neighbour, the old fire station site, be earmarked for affordable housing.
And their next-door neighbour, the Station Yard development, trundles on. A ground survey of the disused tanks under part of the site is now with the Environmental Planning Officer and Southwold Town Council intends to revise the application to include offices and work spaces. We will have to wait and see what effect the pandemic has upon future demand for either.
Elsewhere, the Consultation process on the future of the harbour is open until June 12th and includes an examination of the skills needed to conserve and develop the whole harbour area. We largely support the proposals but have stressed the importance of creating a Management Committee with the right skills and giving a real voice to the proposed Advisory Group which will represent stakeholders and users of the harbour and caravan site.
One-offs: Southwold now has a Development Manager, Hannah Wright, who will have the huge responsibility for diversifying and developing the economic base of the town -a challenge intensified by current events which are bound to leave scars onthe High Street and on the income and employment patterns of the wider area. We have invited her and the Mayor of Southwold to meet us to exchange views on a strategy for the Town.
In which connection, Reydon and Southwold are fortunate in having a substantial and energetic operation in place organising and funding food aid, deliveries and up to date information.
Our thanks are due to all those organisations, local businessesand individuals who have donated time, money and energy to make this a success.
Finally, in the absence of any objections to our information circulated to members pending an actual as opposed to semi-virtual AGM, I am pleased to confirm that Catherine Wiltshire has joined the Executive Committee, nemcon.
Stay safe and stay sane.
Ridley Burnett, Chairman