Go ahead for Carps redevelopment

PLANNING APPLICATION CB/13/00362/FULL- THE CARPENTERS ARMS

Planning application has been granted for the change of use to form one residential dwelling with new garage with parking and access and the removal of existing single storey side addition and formation of new external walls and fenestration.

It was considered that the proposed development would have no adverse impact upon residential amenity nor the appearance of the area and that the proposal would not result in the loss of a valued facility nor would it reduce the community’s ability to meet its day-to-day needs, the public house not being the last pub in the village.

The development shall begin not later than three years from the date of the permission.

New extended brickwork and roofing materials shall match those of the existing building as closely as possible unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Development shall not begin until details of the junction of the proposed vehicular access with the highway have been approved by Central Beds. and the dwelling shall not be occupied until the junction has been constructed in accordance with the approved details.

Before the new access is first brought into use, a triangular vision splay shall be provided on each side of the new access drive and shall be maintained free of any obstruction to visibility exceeding a height of 600mm above the adjoining footway level. Visibility splays shall also be provided at the junction of the access with the public highway before the development is brought into use, and the required vision splays shall, on land in the applicant’s control, be kept free of any obstruction to provide adequate visibility between the existing highway and the proposed access and to make the access safe and convenient for the traffic that is likely to use it.

Before the new access is first brought into use, any existing access within the frontage of the land to be developed, not incorporated in the access shall be closed in a manner approved by Central Beds.

Before the premises are occupied all on site vehicular areas shall be surfaced in a manner to Central Beds.’ approval so as to ensure satisfactory parking of vehicles outside highway limits. Arrangements shall be made for surface water from the site to be intercepted and disposed of separately so that it does not discharge into the highway in order to minimise danger, obstruction, and inconvenience to users of the highway and of the premises.

The garage accommodation on the site shall not be used for any purpose, other than as garage accommodation, unless permission is granted by Central Beds. to retain off-street parking provision and thereby minimise the potential for on-street parking which could adversely affect the convenience of road users.

In the pipeline

Broken down house
According to the planning minutes (draft, to be approved) of the planning committee, Central Beds Cllr Sue Clark is trying to find out what CBC can do in relation to the appearance of the Carpenters Arms in its current boarded up, unsightly state.


Due for approval these evening
General purpose minutes (draft to be approved) state: PCllr D Allen reported residents are having problems crossing the revised Mill Road junction, particularly those from Portnall Place. It was RECOMMENDED that CBC is asked to advise on the suitability of placing a pedestrian crossing in the area of the Cooperative store.

Is Charlie Wells in a hump?

This is an unpleasant sight strolling down the High Street this morning. I'm sure I'm not the first to remark on it. Boarded up buildings quickly spread their blight.

The report from CBC about why residential planning permission had been refused stated: 


"The planning application to turn the former Carpenter's Arms into residential accommodation has been refused as the planning authority considered the proposed development would result in the loss of a significant facility in the centre of Cranfield, a minor service centre which will be subject to housing growth. Insufficient clearly substantiated evidence was provided by the applicant to demonstrate that there is no longer a need for such a facility, the loss of which would undermine community and sustainability objectives."

Now, I am the first to jump on the bandwagon for better community facilities but there needs to be some plan to make use of the available resources. We need context to this decision. I don't know if there is one at present but I'll check the usual sources.  It is bad enough our town centres looking shut up but there is absolutely no reason for this in Cranfield. Or is Charlie Wells in a hump?

Carpenters Arms

The planning application to turn the Carpenters Arms into residential accommodation has been refused by CBC. It gives the reasons as follows:
 



The proposed development would result in the loss of a significant community facility in the centre of Cranfield, a Minor Service Centre which will be subject to housing growth. 

Insufficient clearly substantiated evidence has been provided by the applicant to demonstrate that there is no longer a need for such a facility, the loss of which would undermine community and sustainability objectives. 

The proposal is therefore contrary to the objectives of the NPPF and Central Bedfordshire Core Strategy (2009) Development Management Policy DM4 & DM8.

Result - conversation

Is there a new spirit of activism, which many people thought had disappeared, in Cranfield? Cranfield apathy used to be mentioned with a sigh. Some recent developments suggest things might be (a)changin'. LOL

One good example of the change was the refurbishment and reopening of the village hall. After years crumbling it is now looking ready for the 21^st century. The Sounds Familiar event in the hall on 19 May brought two very popular local institutions together. I’m afraid I was glued to the European Cup Final but I know that the concert was a great send off for the building’s second century. Roll on 2111. 

Likewise two major events, the Party in the Park and Cranfest are due to kick off on Tuesday and July 7. 

Like the other co-organisers of PITP I have been taken aback at the support shown by local businesses. And it’s notable that long-term residents have started to ask if the village fete could be revived on the back of the momentum. Who knows?

And Cranfest is building up to be quite an event, so well done the Football Club for putting all the time and effort in. Fingers crossed for their weather forecast as well.

Last night  I attended the AGM  and open evening of Thriftvale Scouts (see above) where there has been a revival in adult involvement and leadership. The group operates across Cranfield and Marston and offer young people, boys and girls, all the opportunities for growth, association and fun learning that they dont get locked into a car or in front of a computer. The future looks much better. 

The last example to come to mind is the campaign to Save the Carps. This is a tough one given the large amount of money needed to assemble a strong business plan and buy it out. I’ve known Dick Peake a long time and if anyone can lead the Carpenter’s Arms to the promised land - and a well deserved pint -  it’s him. So, a considerable work in progress. 

But we all need to fight to save our public places and public houses are part of that.  When M and I go out for a drink we leave our smartphones at home and forsake the telly. The result, amazingly enough, is a conversation.  Good grief what would happen if we all started doing that? 

Keeping the Carps in Cranfield

The Carps is going hammer and tongs despite the threat of closure. But...Great news! To assist the Carps Campaigners in the purchase of the Carps, Charles Wells is renewing the tenancy to keep the pub open while they raise the funding.


So, it really IS business as usual. 


Here is the programme over the next few days:

Business as usual @the Carps

During May and June the Carps is delighted to welcome:
On Saturday 26th May – LIVE MUSIC
with the Fruit Flies and friends

On Wednesday 28th May – MORRIS MEN & DANCING
REDBORNSTOKE & OLD MOTHER RED CAP from 8pm

Diamond Jubilee Weekend
(Friday 1st – Tuesday 5th June)
4 COUNTIES + TOWIE BEER FESTIVAL
Selection of OVER 15 Ales from LocAle Brewers from
Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire & Hertfordshire
+ Also showcasing Tippler’s Ales, a new microbrewer from Essex
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT & TRADITIONAL PUB FOOD ACROSS THE WEEKEND.

You can try the New Bar Nibbler Menu
Pie & A Pint or a Platter of Spanish Meats with bread & olives
or a Miniature Ploughman’s choose from Cheddar/Brie/Stilton or fresh baked Baguettes.

And of course, don’t forget the Traditional Sunday Lunch!

The Cranfield Recreation Ground Jubilee Committee wishes the Carps Campaigners all the best. Hopefully there will be some good business alongside the massive Party in the Park planned for 5 June (5 - 10 pm)

Save a popular pub

See the latest moves in the campaign to keep the Carps in Cranfield. 

Well done Dick Peake and his band of visionaries for having a crack at this. Who knows what the support is but at least the village is being asked. My personal belief is that pubs under local control can really enhance our facilities and our sense of community. But like a lot of people I have too often resorted to a bottle of wine (shared I might add) and a DVD rather than going out for a pint/glass of wine etc with neighbours. That needs to change. 

SAVE THE CARPS

BE PART OF THE MOVEMENT TO SAVE A 

POPULAR LOCAL PUB

BECOME A SHAREHOLDER IN THE 'THE CARPS'

If you want to help the campaign to ‘Save the Carps’,  this is an opportunity to own a part of your local pub. 

The Carpenters Arms public house in Cranfield, is due to be CLOSED on 

June 8, 2012 and sold by brewery owners Charles Wells.  Cranfield may soon be a ‘one pub village’.  The ‘Save the Carps’ campaign has concluded initial talks with Charles Wells  Brewery and has been accepted as a serious contender on behalf of the village to  buy the building, the land and the tenancy. 

How will it work? 

We need to raise around £350,000 to buy the pub and carry out some much needed  renovation. To do this, shares could be offered to local residents, groups & businesses which would attract annual dividend payments. You will own the building and land and as we all know, property prices increase. 

If enough people are prepared to contribute – and it could be as little as £250 each - then we can take this forward… but we need to know by Monday 21 May 2012 so that we can 

prepare a business plan and a reply to the Brewery by Thursday 31 May 2012. 

Please register your interest...’cos we need to know! 

How can you register your support? 

• Firstly, tell us your name, address and email to get onto the Campaign News mailing list. 

• Secondly, tell us if you would be interested in helping to help buy the pub  from Charles Wells - it’s not binding, it’s just to help us gauge financial interest and support 

Email: support@cranfieldcarps.co.uk 

Website: www.cranfieldcarps.co.uk 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thecarpscranfield 

or fill out the form and return it to: 

‘Save the Carps’ Campaign c/o 21 Bedford Road, Cranfield MK43 0EU 

SAVE THE CARPS!!!

Further to a recent village petition which has collected in excess of 750 signatures an action 

group committee has been formed to try  and preserve The Carpenters Arms as a 

community village public house.

After years of under investment and a series of short term landlords Charles
Wells Pub Company has decided that the pub no longer fits their businessmodel, and have decided to close/sell The Carpenters Arms.

As a group we are looking into the option of purchasing the property & land
as a locally owned property company which would allow the pub to continue
trading as a tenanted freehold business.

A viability study is underway and a team of professional advisers are being
assembled to set up the private property company and produce a business
plan.

We are seeking indications from individuals, groups & businesses who would
consider buying shares in the property & land which would attract annual
dividend payments.

If you would like further details or to offer your assistance, services or support
in anyway please contact:
Dick Peake Acting Chairman “Save The Carps @ Cranfield”
Email : dick.peake@AperioDI.com
Mobile: 07800 792185
https://www.facebook.com/thecarpscranfield
www.cranfieldcarps.co.uk <http://www.cranfieldcarps.co.uk/>
www.cranfieldcarps.com <http://www.cranfieldcarps.com/>
(Websites are currently under development)

Charles Wells' community policy states: Our home town community in Bedford is important to us, and we want to protect it for future generations.  Similarly, the communities around each and every one of our pubs is precious to them and they play a crucial role in the fabric of that society. It's therefore important for us to show responsibilty for those around us.

http://www.charleswells.co.uk/home/about/social-responsibility/community-activity