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Lafarge scheme condemned by Action Group Members of Sonning Eye Action Group have condemned an exhibition held recently to promote the extraction of 370.000 tonnes of gravel from a triangle of land at Sonning Eye as a 'glossy PR exercise'. They feel that after over 50 years gravel digging in the area 'enough is enough' and that the prospect of an overhead conveyor across the B478 will be detrimental to the area.
Scheme to improve A4155 verges The Parish Council has been working to improve the A4155 verge between Playhatch and Caversham Park Village. It is hoped to improve the footpath, take some measures to deter travelling people and with the co-operation of the landowners, plant up gaps in the hedgerow.
Permissive path opened in allotments In conjunction with the Chiltern Society and the landowners, a new footpath has been opened through the Parish Council allotments at Sonning Eye. The new route will be much safer for walkers.
Hopes for conservation projects in the parish It is hoped that the Green Gym will take help us restore Penny Pond in Dunsden and the ancient spring at the Flowing Spring.
Reading Borough Council confirm takeover plans Reading Borough Council has confirmed its plans for a three stage take-over of land around it (including Playhatch) as part of a long-term bid for city status. Frank Browne (Leader of Wokingham District) vowed they would take Earley and Woodley "over my dead body". See Evening Post story for more (16/4/03). There has been no public comment from South Oxfordshire so far. Initially Reading are asking the Governement for part of Eye & Dunsden in order to build a third Thames bridge. Evening Post story Download the Reading Borough Council plan here (Word format). Local councillors and members of the parish council are determined to resist any 'land grab'. Click here for a map of the Reading Borough scheme (212kb). The area numbered (1) may be included in a bid for boundary changes in the next year or two. Around 2007 Reading expects to ask the Boundary Commission for the much larger area numbered (2) in the plan.
Possible progress on river crossing TCCG are becoming involved in the current Oxfordshire Transport Review which is being carried out by consultants Halcrow. The planning committee of the newly created South East England Regional Assembly voted to amend the recommendation for a new road crossing between Reading and Sonning recently. The report now says the new bridge should be built in collaboration with Reading, Oxfordshire and Wokingham. See the TVMMS report for more. Read the TCCG Submission to SEERA here.
Planning review on gravel pits sites The District Council has received applications to amend its local plan for the area. Lafarge Aggregates have stated the gravel pits they own are 'capable of development and transportation uses' (842/12210). Find out more about the Local plan here. The owners of Lowfield Farm (near to the Henley Road close to Reading). The state that the land could be used to provide for the 'housing, recreation and transportation' needs of Reading Borough (855/12554). The Parish Council will be making its comments on these proposed amendments. Members of the public are encouraged to take an interest in these changes which could have important consequences for the area.
OCC Minerals Policy under review Oxfordshire County Council is about to embark on a review of its minerals policy (reporting next Spring). Their new plan will allocate areas for future gravel extraction. It will be important that local views are represented in this plan. Contact Peter Day at OCC for more
New Parish Councillor Lord Francis Phillimore was welcomed as Parish Councillor at the June meeting. Malcolm Leonard and Eddie Rudge were elected joint District Councillors for the Shiplake Ward which includes Eye & Dunsden. Mr Leonard will take special responsibility for Eye & Dunsden.
Sonning Eye Action Group rowing course fears Sonning Eye Action Group continue to monitor work on the Redgrave PInsent Rowing Course which has finally been granted planning permission. They are concerned about flooding. Sport England press release on the Redgrave Pinsent Rowing Course. Details of all planning applications in the parish. In the recent severe floods water levels were some 8" above those of two years ago when the Thames burst its bank this January but still some 2 foot lower than those in the catastrophic 1947 flood. Several houses in Sonning Eye were badly damaged when flood water got into their homes and the B478 remained closed for some time. A useful parish council meeting was held in January when members of the public were able to put their questions to representatives of the Environment Agency. Minutes of the meeting about flooding are available here.
New parish for Binfield Heath created Binfield Heath Parish is now in existence. A total of nine candidates stood for election in May to the six seat council.
Jubilee Mug Painting Competition More than 50 entries were received for a very successful mug and plate painting competition. A plate by eight year-old Poppy Walloon of Playhatch was chosen as the design for a special parish jubilee commemoration mug. One highly attractive bone china mug was delivered to each household together with a leaflet about the competition and the work of the parish council. Additional mugs are still available for just £4.50 each.
Road safety improvements in the parish Some 30mph road markings have been applied just of the A4155 in Playhatch and on the B478 in Sonning Eye as part of some hoped for road safety improvements in Dunsden, Playhatch and Sonning Eye. These may include 'village gates' for Playhatch and an improved footpath in Spring Lane, Sonning Eye.
Allotments available A number of spare plots are available at Sonning Eye at minimal cost. Contact the Parish Clerk for more details.
Bus tokens and passes available for the retired The parish council administers this scheme. If you are retired and live in the parish, contact Beverly Dobson on (0118) 972 3266 for an application form for a bus pass. Bus tokens are distributed at Binfield Heath stores (telephone 947 8842).
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