Residents Against Magna Park
http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/news/500m-warehouse-hub-plans-shelved.4741398.jp
Peterborough City Council have received notification from Gazeley that their planning application for the Magna Park development has been suspended after the news that Persimmon had suspended the building of the Stanground Bypass due to the current financial downturn.
The suspension of the bypass construction is regrettable as many have campaigned for it to go ahead and for many years due to the overloading of Whittlesey Road particularly by Heavy Goods Vehicles. Maybe the City Council and other investors can find a way to get it completed but it must not be at the cost of us having to swallow the Magna Development. This is only a suspension and we must remain alert and be ready to oppose any plan to resurrect the Magna Park proposal when the country begins to recover from this downturn.
Stand Up For Stanground will be watching very carefully and see this as no reason for any celebration. Only the total withdrawal of such a plan will be enough.
As you all know Gazeley are having various land surveys carried out at the moment, the latest being for electricity supplies. These are all normal pre requisites to a formal planning application although no application has been lodged to date but this is very likely to be the case by year end.
We've had a date offered to us for our site visit by Don Morgan but we're waiting on the details.
Gazeley are to address Whittlesey Town Council next Wednesday (8th) at Whittlesey Town Hall and we intended to publicise this meeting to all affected areas so as a protest group could attend but they have now declined to have the public at the presentation. They apparently feel they are not ready for public participation at this stage.
Interesting site this particularly the section on Mineral Safeguarding. The building of Magna Park will undoubtedly sterilise the area for mineral extraction.
http://www.bgs.ac.uk/mineralsuk/planning/legislation/home.html
This is only on today and tomorrow at the East of England Showground but worth a visit if you can make it.
Details via the link below.
http://www.catchment08.co.uk/Home
Proposals are being made for the dumping of waste from London nearby at Kings Delph, all of which is planned to arrive by rail via new railway sidings. In addition an alternative mineral excavation site is being considered on the opposite side of the A605 road near Kings Delph.
These proposals will free up the proposed Magna Park Site as a planned mineral extraction site and the proposed railway sidings for London's waste will fit rather conveniently into what Gazeley are proposing to build for servicing Magna Park.
Have your say.
Use the link below for exhibition dates
http://www.peterborough.gov.uk/pdf/env-plan-ld-mw-exhibitionstaffed.pdf
Cambs County Council have organised a presentation regarding Mineral Extraction and Waste at Whittlesey Manor Leisure Centre on the Tuesday 16 Sept from 2pm - 8pm which Town Councilors have advised will include info on Magna Park. This will be a 'pop in' type presentation similar to what we experienced at the Stanground Community Centre regarding PCC's core strategy.
Directions
On approach to Whittlesey. 1st roundabout turn right, Broad street, follow the road round to the left, Market Street, until you see the Market Place (Buttercross) on your right. Turn right leaving the Buttercross and the George pub on your right into Station Road. Proceed for about 300 meters and the entrance to the Manor Leisure Centre is on your right. Bear left inside gates and follow the road round to the car park.
Don Morgan has confirmed in the ET tonight his agreement for us to visit a live Magna Park site in the autumn and meet him face to face. You can read the piece by clicking here
Many of you will have read or heard about what happened at the public meeting at Stanground College organised by the Park Farm Environmental Action Group and I felt it necessary as Chairman of the Stand Up for Stanground Group to issue my personal assurance that although I and members of our committee did attend the meeting we were in no way involved in any of the reported public in fighting, political point scoring or the personal argument that occurred.
It was suggested that both groups should work together and we agree this would have been the ideal move but unfortunately recent personal attacks against some of our committee on a local website and the very disappointing behaviour witnessed at the public meeting have only succeeded in alienating our committee further away from such a move.
The visit we’ve lined up to a ‘live’ Gazeley depot in the autumn where we will meet Don Morgan will give us the opportunity to repair the damage that has been done to the image of Stanground by showing Gazeley, the council, our councilors, local residents and the people of Peterborough that while we are serious and passionate about our objection to the proposal we can debate openly as adults in a civil manner.
We owe this to all those that support us and as a mark of our respect to Stanground now more than ever.
Chris Harper
Don Morgan has agreed to our request for an on site face to face meeting at a live Magna Park site and to help with the transport. We're now in the process of arranging this after the holiday period in September hopefully at the Lutterworth site as this is comparable in size to Gazeley's 'Drysides' proposal. We'd therefore like to hear from residents opposed to this development that are interested in attending on a working day so as we can witness the site in full operation.
Spaces may be limited so if you wish to attend please email info@standupforstanground.com with your name and contact details and we'll get back to you with further details when the date or dates are confirmed.
UK = 29% France = 44% Germany = 40% Belgium = 100% Spain = 50% Italy = 33% Switzerland = 0% China = 75% Mexico = No Data India = No Data
Overall percentage of developments that remain empty = 39%
Many residents have received an email reply from the Planning Policy & Research Department at PCC requesting that they revisit the consultation portal website, register and resubmit their comments, breaking down their views and submitting an on-line form for each section of the document.
To help you with this we've provided some step by step instructions below. Be assured that PCC have advised that should you be unable to do this by the deadline of 5pm on the 26th June that your original submitted comments will still be included although we urge you to make the effort to resubmit them using this system if at all possible.
Firstly please revisit the portal site using the link below
http://consult.peterborough.gov.uk/portal
Click on the Core Strategy Preferred Options Document (see below)
and read through each section. Where you wish to register a comment click on the 'Add Comments' tab and a form will appear for you to complete and submit for each section. (see below)
Section 5.8 Regional Freight Interchange relates directly to the Magna Park proposal but we suggest you also read the rest of the document and comment where you feel is necessary.
Please note that if you haven't already registered or logged in a prompt will appear at this stage for you to do so.
You'll be pleased to hear that a very substantial amount of comments have been received to date by PCC regarding the Magna Park section of the document.
If you need any help or advice please get in touch.
We've written to Don Morgan to request a face to face meeting for residents at a live Magna Park site. If we truly have nothing to be concerned about regarding this development this shouldn't be an issue.
To see all of the letter content click here
We have until 5pm on 26th June - Please don't waste this vital opportunity to have your say
Well we've now had the latest colour brochure from Gazeley which was basically the same as the original bar some shuffling and the predicted inclusion of just how they would get over some of our concerns but once again they failed to address the real issues preferring to rather just gloss over them.
We hope you took the opportunity to go along to one of the Preferred Options Stage Consultation open days to find out exactly how the consultation process works.
What's now absolutely vital to our campaign is for everyone to show their opposition individually to the inclusion of the Magna Park Development in the 'Peterborough Core Strategy Development Plan'. Please take the opportunity to use the on line service provided by PCC to comment on the 'Preferred Options'. We all need to show the council inspectorate that we mean business and will oppose this development at every opportunity. Leaving our comments until the planning stage could prove to be a fatal missed opportunity.
If you haven't had a chance to read the 'Peterborough Core Strategy Development Plan' please use the link below.
http://consult.peterborough.gov.uk/portal/planning/peterborough/cs/cspo?pointId=36413
If you know of any resident not able to view the online document please let us know as we have CD versions available.
The email address for your comments is
planningpolicy@peterborough.gov.uk
You can also send in your views by post to the following address
Strategic Planning & Enabling
Strategic Growth & Development Service
Peterborough City Council
Bayard Place
Broadway
Peterborough
PE1 1HZ
All comments on the plan must be received either on line or through the post by 5pm on 26th June. Any comments received after this date will not be included.
Standard pre written letters with different names and addresses's are seen by inspectors as 'just that' so we don't intend to go down this route rather urging you to please respond individually and personally with your own thoughts and concerns which the inspector will see as a true representation of your own concerns. Our advice would be to try to keep the main body of your comments directly in relation to the Core Strategy Document giving examples where you believe the plans for the future of Peterborough and the plans for this development clash 'head on'. For example:
- Peterborough wants to encourage investment in advanced manufacturing, attract a skilled workforce, improve the skill base of the local population, transform the perception that Peterborough is a business rather than a warehouse/low paid location and be the market leader developing 20,000 new skilled jobs with 60% of these jobs being high end occupations (managers and senior officials). The majority of jobs in Magna Park will be lower paid warehouse operatives with many of these operatives unlikely to be locals.
- Peterborough wants to have 'Environment City Status' and be seen as the 'Environment Capital' with 'Low Pollution Levels' but the noise and pollution that hundreds of HGV lorries and the train sidings will generate will be contrary to such status. Not to mention the light pollution.
- Peterborough wants to improve the quality of life for residents. How can a 24/7 huge increase in noise, light and exhaust pollution possibly improve the lives of people living in Stanground, Park Farm & Kings Delph?
- Peterborough wants to improve air quality and reduce CO² by reducing transport pollution. The fumes from hundreds of HGV's and the railway sidings will cause a massive increase in pollution for the south of the city.
- Peterborough wants to 'Safeguard & Protect Valued Open Landscapes'. Magna Park will destroy all the views of Drysides, The Fens and of the Cathedral we currently enjoy.
- Peterborough will deter building in flood-plain areas wherever possible to avoid the risk of flooding. 'Drysides' is a flood-plain and will become even more important for the protection of Stanground & Park Farm as global warming and water levels increase in the future.
These are just a few examples and you will no doubt have more that are personally important to you including wildlife and house value issues. Please don't waste this chance to have your say. You only have until 5pm on 26th June.
Keep a copy of your comments so as you are ready for the planning application from Gazeley if and when they submit it.
Need any help or advice? Want to help the Stand Up for Stanground Protest Group? Please get in touch.
Economic Zones World (EZW), a Dubai World company, has announced the acquisition of Gazeley Limited, the Wal-Mart-owned global provider of sustainable logistics space, as part of its strategy to expand into global markets and deliver a robust global platform to support the dynamic and complex supply chains of its customers. The price was not disclosed.
EZW is a large and growing operator and developer of ‘economic zones’ globally. It developed and operates the 48 sq km Jebel Ali Free Zone of integrated logistics and distribution facilities adjacent to Jebel Ali Port in Dubai. To date, Gazeley has created more than 60 million sq ft (5.6 sq km) of modern, cost-effective, high-quality logistics warehouse space.
EZW has acquired Gazeley to further expand its collective reach into international markets. Gazeley will provide EZW with successful and established operations in the UK and Europe, as well as additional growth opportunities in emerging markets including China, India and Mexico. Gazeley also brings proven management expertise into EZW.
The acquisition was driven by EZW’s customer-centric strategy for global growth and the company’s desire to strengthen its penetration of global markets through Gazeley’s complementary fit.
Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman of Dubai World, said: “This is an outstanding acquisition for EZW and a milestone in our global expansion strategy. It will ensure a leap in the qualitative services provided to our customers worldwide, thus enhancing our position as a strong and effective global business partner.”
Jamal Majid Bin Thaniah, Group CEO of Port & Free Zone World, of which EZW is a part, said:“Gazeley’s established international platform, proven development capabilities, long-standing customer relationships and strong management team will bring strategic benefits to Economic Zones World. The acquisition gives us a springboard into new markets and, as we continue to grow the business, we anticipate that the deal will strengthen the speed and success of our expansion plans.”
Salma Ali Saif Bin Hareb, Chief Executive Officer of Economic Zones World, said: “We are growing our business to respond to our customers’ needs for better integrated and more effective supply chain solutions. Our capability as a developer and operator of economic zones fits naturally with Gazeley’s experience in developing distribution facilities and together we believe we can offer our customers a higher quality of service globally.”
EZW intends to leverage existing relationships within the group to explore new markets and regions, further supporting EZW’s overall commitment to expand globally and to deliver a robust global platform to support and enhance the supply chains of international customers.
Pat McGillycuddy, Chief Executive Officer of Gazeley, said: “Gazeley has established an excellent global reputation within the market and, through the efforts and skill of a highly-proficient team, has gone from strength to strength. Linking our future together with Economic Zones World is an excellent opportunity for our customers globally. We will benefit from the backing and ambition that Economic Zones World brings and, at the same time, we can add significant value to Economic Zones World’s existing base of more than 6,000 global customers. We expect this move will unlock even greater opportunities for our combined customer base and accelerate our plans for continued global expansion. This is good for our people and good for our customers.”
Gazeley’s customers include many of the world’s largest companies, third-party logistics providers, manufacturers, retailers and their suppliers. Gazeley is also a preferred developer of distribution space for Wal-Mart International, including Asda in the UK and Wal-Mart.
An integration team will determine the best approach for combining the two businesses while retaining and developing the current and highly successful management teams. The partnership will see all existing employees retained as EZW seeks to expand and grow its operations globally and to capitalise on the skills and experience brought by the Gazeley team.
The transaction is subject to the receipt of European regulatory approval and is expected to complete during July. EZW was advised by a top team of professional advisers, led by Deutsche Bank and including Linklaters, KPMG, CBRE and WSP. UBS was financial adviser to Wal-Mart.
Unconfirmed reports of Persimmon halting South Stanground works - 6th June 2008
Gazeley to woo locals - ET - 28th May 2008 Click here to view
| Gazeley Release Another Brochure - 27th May 2008 |
We've been advised that Gazeley are about to release another glossy brochure with more detail and dates for the ‘cuppa with Don’ etc. Please try to book your place at one of these meetings with Gazeley to find out more and register your opposition. Don't forget to also go along to the Core Strategy Meeting at Stanground Community Centre on the 6th June between 4.30pm and 7.30pm. Please register, take part in the poll and discuss the issues and your thoughts on the CitySouth forum. |
| Rail Upgrade - 10th May 2008 |
Plans to upgrade the Nuneaton North Chord railway line have been disclosed today in the ET. |
Peterborough Core Strategy Development Plan Document (DPD) Preferred Options Stage Consultation - 9th May 2008 |
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Local councillors have forwarded the following information. Residents are invited to air their views on the proposals for the Peterborough Core Strategy DPD. This is an important document that will establish the overall framework for growth and development in Peterborough up to 2021 and beyond.
The consultation on this document will start on 16 May 2008 and will end on 26 June 2008. If you wish to submit any comments, please ensure that they reach PCC before the deadline, otherwise they may not be taken into account. You can view this document in all the libraries in Peterborough’s administrative boundary (including mobile libraries) and at Bayard Place, Broadway, Peterborough during normal office hours. Forms for making representations and pre-paid reply envelopes will be available for collection from these venues. Please check opening times as these vary from library to library. The document is also available on the PCC website at http://consult.peterborough.gov.uk
The council encourage that you respond to the document online via the web link. Your information is directly entered into their database and it makes it easier for them to analyse your comments and inform you of any future consultations. However, if you are unable to respond to them online, they are happy to receive your representation through the post.
The Core Strategy will be one of the most significant planning documents for Peterborough’s future. Its strategy and policies have to be in line with the framework set by the East of England Plan, which has set targets for growth in Peterborough of at least 25,000 additional homes and 20,000 additional jobs between 2001 and 2021, with a requirement for continuity of supply of new homes beyond that date. There are five main elements to the Core Strategy:
Please note that the Core Strategy is strategic in nature. It will not set out detailed policies and it will not identify individual parcels of land for development or protection or improvement. These are the functions of subsequent documents that will make up Peterborough’s Local Development Framework, in conformity with the Core Strategy. The Core Strategy has now reached a stage known as ‘Preferred Options’. This is a stage where the Council outline their preferred options, having considered all the evidence gathered through studies and previous consultations. In their Preferred Options document, they outline other options considered and the reasons for selecting those that are preferred. You may be interested to know that the Core Strategy Preferred Options document has been subject to independent sustainability appraisal. A separate Sustainability Appraisal Report is available at the libraries and Bayard Place, and on the PCC website, via www.peterborough.gov.uk/page-5184. As part of the consultation process, PCC have arranged a number of exhibitions at various locations. Details of these are set out below.
Once they have received and considered comments on this Preferred Options document, they will proceed to prepare a version of the Core Strategy for submission to Government, taking into account everything they have heard. The document must pass through various stages after that before it can finally be adopted by the Council. |
Mr Vara offered his support and confirmed his opposition to the development in it's current planned location.
Residents who are opposed to this development are encouraged to write to the local council, your councillors and Mr Vara. Contact details for all these can be found on this website.
Local MP Shailesh Vara set to visit the proposed site at Park Farm - Friday 18th April 11:20am
We appreciate that this is very late notice but our campaign group have just been made aware of the following event. This is a great opportunity to gain further publicity regarding our fight against the Magna Park development and we would urge as many residents as possible from Stanground, Park Farm and Kings Delph to attend to show the level of opposition to this development.
Our local MP Shailesh Vara is visiting Park Farm tomorrow in the company of local councillors at 11.30am to see the proposed Gazeley site for himself and is keen to meet residents opposed to the plan.
If you can make it please meet me at the bottom of Belton Road at about 11.20am. If you need directions please give Chris a call on 07939 664788.
We hope to see as many of you there as possible.
News on Gazeley wanting to increase their existing Lutterworth site by 100 acres
http://www.harboroughmail.co.uk/news/DEVELOPER39S-BYPASS-OFFER.2713078.jp
Click on the link below to view details of the new group launched to fight the proposed development.
http://www.citysouth.org.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=626
Download the PCC Core Strategy document HERE
Fight over Stanground Warehouse Plans Continues Tuesday 1st April 2008. ET.
More news coverage in the ET from the Core Strategy Meeting.
Click the link below:
Fight over Stanground warehouse plans continues
Over 50 protesters were present at the meeting including representation from residents in Kings Delph Visit the ET website below for their latest update. News from the actual protest and meeting will follow soon.
http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/news/Stanground-warehouse-protests.3930259.jp
Villagers in Ullesthorpe and Bitteswell are very unhappy.
http://www.harboroughmail.co.uk/news/It39s-a-lightmare.2013958.j
Talk to local councillors - 29th March
Councillor Janet Wilkinson has advised that the Members Lounge has been booked for after the council meeting at the Town Hall on Monday 31st to give residents a chance to talk to local councillors. This is available until noon.
A protest will take place outside the Town Hall before the council cabinet meeting on Monday 31st March at 10am. Please attend before 10am and show your opposition.
Visit the POLL to see the latest results. Register to cast your vote.
Please contact MP Shailesh Vara and tell him just how you feel about this proposed development using the email address below. Ensure you include your home postal address for replies.
You can also find out more including his postal address by visiting the website below.
Got a comment? - 20th March
Visit the City South forum to see those posted so far. Register to add your own comments.
Councillor Irene Walsh has come out in opposition to the development and has released a statement. Visit the City South forum to view.
A council cabinet meeting will take place at the Town Hall on Monday 31st March at 10am where a decision will be made as to whether the development is to be included in a Wider Strategy for Peterborough.
It is vitally important that everyone who is against this development makes their best efforts to be there to show the strength of our opposition.
http://www.gazeleygoodneighbour.co.uk/
A proposal for a huge warehouse development covering an area of more than 100 football pitches has caused uproar in the Stanground & Park Farm areas. Read more by visiting the Evening Telegraph website using the link below.
http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/news/Warehouse-plans-could-bring-5400.3868641.jp
Contact your local councillor:
Irene Walsh, Stanground Central - irene.walsh@peterborough.gov.uk
Brain Rush, Stanground Central - brian.rush@peterborough.gov.uk
Marco Cereste, Stanground Central - marco.cereste@peterborough.gov.uk
Janet Wilkinson, Stanground East - janet.wilkinson@peterborough.gov.uk
Or your parliamentary representative:
Shailesh Vara - www.shaileshvara.com or VARAS@parliament.uk
