Comments for Knowle Society Forum

Comment on Waitrose food store proposal by Gary.

Gary. — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 19:36:43 +0000

Since the proposals were made I have been looking around various areas in the U K at retail shopping facilities, especially bearing in mnd the size of Knowle in my deliberations. Two specific locations, although bigger than Knowle, have similar socio-economic groups to those of Knowle. These are Fleet in Hampshire and Kenilworth in Warwickshire. The former had a new Waitrose store two years ago and the later slightly longer.

Fleet has one shopping street with Waitrose positioned at the rear very close to residential property with a car park that can only accomodate 50 vehicles, which has never been full on visits because the largest majority of clientele walk for their shopping.

Kenilworth now has atriving High Street after being in the doldrums some five years ago. In fact one shop owner last week explained how pleased he was to see both a new independant grocer open and a W H Smith. He stated that also that Woolworths was under offer and all this is because of the arrival of Waitrose in the town.

Do we want our Highb Street to die? Think about the future more carefully before condeming any future development.

Comment on The Knowle Society - general matters by Adrian Jickells

Adrian Jickells — Sat, 08 May 2010 19:07:50 +0000

Regarding Open Space development at Wychwood Av roundabout

I would support the proposal to look to maximise the value of the Open Spaces within Knowle, and to develop areas appropriately. Regarding the Wychwood roundabout area I would like to express some comments (related to the green space on the Wychwood side of the roundabout). Firstly the land is very boggy, the three trees in the middle seem to have drowned and died last year, therefore development needs to be careful. Secondly, the land should be develped to discourage it becoming a cycle track and footpath. I would like to see it express the rural nature of Knowle with planting of attractive native trees and shrubs to form a dense, attractive copice appearance.This would link with the nearby woodlands, and enhance the tree cover in the village, providing environmental benefits. It would also discourage random dumping on the patch

Comment on The Knowle Society - general matters by sue

sue — Sat, 01 May 2010 07:29:53 +0000

I have just read the Knowle Society response to the Waitrose planning application via the link on the http://www.thesilhillian.co.uk. I would like to thank the society for raising the objections that they have, I feel that this will go some way to reassure the concerned residents that they are being listened to.

Comment on Waitrose food store proposal by Bob James

Bob James — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 18:37:58 +0000

THE ATTRACTION OF WAITROSE ?

The proposals for Knowle are based on the premise that the current appearance of the village from St. John’s Close is cluttered and unattractive. So, what do we have at present? Looking from left to right: first we see the Post Office building; then the car park next to Village Hall and the view behind of the Precinct and another car park; then the Village Hall itself; next is the roadway leading to two small car parks; finally the row of Community Bungalows. Now, what are the wonderful changes that will enhance all our lives? The Post Office building will remain; also the car park (now next to the Store) with the view behind to the Precinct; the Hall will be replaced by the much larger Store; the roadway and the bungalows will be replaced by a large car park, with views beyond of new bungalows and new Hall squeezed into the far right.

This is supposed to be an improvement? To my mind the proposals do not address the issues of clutter or attractiveness, and will look much worse than the current street scene.

There are some who say that we must accept the proposals because we will not get a better deal. This is coercion by the back door. We should not be prepared to accept second best, but must work with the developers to devise a plan that primarily respects and meets the needs of the people who live in Knowle, rather than the grandiose schemes of investors.

Comment on Waitrose food store proposal by marjie

marjie — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 15:40:34 +0000

Hi, I feel very disappointed and saddened at the proposal of another super-market in Knowle. I only shop there occasionally but I love the way Knowle has stood still in time. It’s lovely to see small family
businesses, everybody seems so helpful and friendly, which creates a lovely, friendly atmosphere. It reminds me of an old fashioned village, which are rapidly disappearing in this day and age. My real sentiments are: my home is in Ilfracombe, North Devon. less than five years ago the same thing happened there- A proposal of a big chain super-store was presented, which received a lot of support from the local residents, including myself. The plans went ahead, forcing the smaller businesses out. The high street now mainly consists of boarded up empty shops, restaurants, charity and second hand shops. Don’t get me wrong, I haven’t got a problem with the latter but it’s nice to have a choice of shops…Also, because the shops have closed down- there’s not so much competition, which in return allows the super-market to put up their prices and charge what ever they like! and although it’s part of a big chain store, and One would think that prices would be the same, they are not!

So, please don’t just think about the near future for Knowle , but also the longer future. Because, once these changes go ahead there’s no turning back. You’ll just be left with the memories of how nice Knowle ones was!

Also, I’d just like to give my support to Mrs Hill, I’ve read all what she has to say, and yeah, I feel sorry for her, with all that business with the garden shed because it’s not just a shed! Plans were in progress for it to serve a much more needed cause, which would be of great benefit to the whole of the family. Thus, Mrs Hill has shown concern, not just for herself but to the whole of the community in Knowle, especially towards the old lady having her light blocked…So, I wish Mrs Hill and all those who are opposed to the developmental plans- good luck in getting them turned!!

Comment on Replacement of bungalows in new locations by MRS HILL

MRS HILL — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 00:59:02 +0000

There are also bats living in these bushes, their nests are apparantly protected. The development would see the bushes/trees replaced by a brick wall.

Comment on Replacement of bungalows in new locations by MRS HILL

MRS HILL — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 00:55:29 +0000

Just to let people know that Kimberley have ammended plans on St Johns Close, and despite being advised by the council that they would not be permitted to encroach onto our boundary, they have applied for more of it in the revised plan! They now wish to encroach over our foot path and only access to our house. Their drawings are still incorrect and still encroachment our boundary where our shed is.
I have recieved reassurance today from the council that they will again be advised to ammend the plans accordingly.
My point is this, if the developers really wanted to work with the residents of Knowle, then why haven’t they been out to visit these sites, speaking with concerned residents?
They are still being inconsiderate, and even more so with their ammendments. Also, their drawings are all out of line to our property. It is easy to see this when comparing their proposed plan to the actual site on google earth!
I have now learnt that there is talk of them looking at moving the elderly person’s kitchen window, the other side of proposed build, to around the back somewhere! I feel that the developer should come out and check the boundaries properly, and to also ask that resident if they want their window moved-a lot of stress for a 96 year old!

Comment on Waitrose food store proposal by sue

sue — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 21:16:16 +0000

There is a link/article on thesilhillian.blogspot.com today, well worth a quick read, saying that Caroline Spelman is questioning the development. This has to be encouraging.

Comment on Proposed resiting of the Village Hall by Caroline Wood

Caroline Wood — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 09:34:10 +0000

I believe that the Village Hall fulfils a wealth of vital functions and that its character and facilities are greatly enhanced by its location. I am indignant that it should be shunted to an inferior location in order to allow room to a supermarket that is superfluous to to the needs of Knowle. The building was originally built by public subscription: I am sure that many of those who state that the current building is “falling down” would rather contribute something towards a new building, rather than have the nature of the village centre irreversibly ruined through this new development.

Comment on Access issues in the proposed redevelopment of St Johns Close by susan J

susan J — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 15:57:25 +0000

I agree entirely with every single word in the above post by Lynda Downes.

Parking is already extremely difficult at times, which puts me off shopping in Knowle at the best of times. With developments of this kind there is talk of sustainable transport links. There are suggestions that people will do their shopping and then hop on the bus with it. Hmmm. There is a comment in one report somewhere that a new supermarket creates a negligable number of new car trips. This I found astounding at first, but on reflection i think it means that trips are just re-routing from one existing supermarket to a new one elsewhere. Whatever the reports say, Its only a matter of common sense that Knowle will have more cars, seven days a week, with totally inadequate parking facilities. A prospect I dread.