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Residents march against plans for VT site
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| The Vosper Thornycroft site. |
HUNDREDS of people will take to the streets on Friday in a protest march against plans for 1,650 homes on the former Vosper Thornycroft site.
They will parade through the city centre before handing over a detailed objection to the council's planning chief and mayor.
Campaigners have already sent out 6,000 leaflets warning that plans for the £500m development by Crest Nicholson could end in "disaster" for Woolston.
It proposes 148 houses and 1,505 flats, some of which will rise up to 25 storeys in three landmark towers. The development also includes a public plaza, shops, a supermarket, a hotel and 1,400 residential car park spaces.
Luxury US boat-builder Palmer Johnson has also submitted plans to create 800 new jobs by building a new manufacturing facility on the former VT site.
March organiser Jane Foster, of Woolston Community Association, said: "We are protesting against high-rise flats and the amount of housing, the density of housing and the traffic and access issues we will get if we have another 4,000 people living here."
She also claimed the development would devalue surrounding properties and lead to a loss in quality of life for residents.
Labour ward councillors Richard Williams, Carol Cunio and Warwick Payne are also objecting.
A water taxi, junction improvements and cycling schemes are proposed.
Crest Nicholson said the mix and number of homes was in line with council policy.
The march will take place from the Cenotaph at 4pm. The deadline for objections is now May 22.
In a statement Crest Nicholson said the Woolston community had been "instrumental" in "informing" its plans and "extensive consultation" had been carried out among residents.
Southampton and Fareham Chamber of Commerce and lobby group Business Southampton have welcomed the economic boost the development will bring to the city.
5:47am Tuesday 13th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: colliwobbles, scummer on 6:10am Tue 13 May 08
"BRING BACK THE WOOLSTON FERRY"
"BRING BACK THE WOOLSTON FERRY"
Posted by: Sarah-Jane Pick, Woolston on 6:37am Tue 13 May 08
I am for the protest also, we do not need high rised flats here in Woolston, the place cant handle what it has now...the streets are filthy, it will not be able to cope with that amount of people...and what type of people will they be...we have so many problem with teenagers drinking down by the water front now, so what will happen then
I am for the protest also, we do not need high rised flats here in Woolston, the place cant handle what it has now...the streets are filthy, it will not be able to cope with that amount of people...and what type of people will they be...we have so many problem with teenagers drinking down by the water front now, so what will happen then
Posted by: Woolston Residen on 6:39am Tue 13 May 08
These nimbys don't speak for anyone but themselves. Yes, they sent out thousands of leaflets and I bet most of them went in the bin.
The development of the VT site is long overdue and I find the tone of these protestors extremely snobbish and ill-informed.
The point about "devaluing surrounding properties" is laughable!
I welcome the development.
These nimbys don't speak for anyone but themselves. Yes, they sent out thousands of leaflets and I bet most of them went in the bin.
The development of the VT site is long overdue and I find the tone of these protestors extremely snobbish and ill-informed.
The point about "devaluing surrounding properties" is laughable!
I welcome the development.
Posted by: simmo, st marys on 7:21am Tue 13 May 08
[bold]Sara-jane pick[/bold] why dont you keep an eye on ya kids then instead of letting them roam the streets. And whats it got to do with dirty streets ?....put your litter in the bins. Thats no reason to stop the flats. Bring back a shipyard to the woolston area so the [bold]VT[/bold] guys can come back home to work.
Sara-jane pick why dont you keep an eye on ya kids then instead of letting them roam the streets. And whats it got to do with dirty streets ?....put your litter in the bins. Thats no reason to stop the flats. Bring back a shipyard to the woolston area so the
VT guys can come back home to work.
Posted by: Sarah-Jane Pick, Woolston on 8:05am Tue 13 May 08
[bold]SIMMO of ST Marys[/bold] ....LOL...the trouble I do know where my kids are, and what they are doing...and I do put litter in bins and try and help this community...obviousl
y from the way you speak you are the ones that I have been complaining about...and there is every reason to stop high raised flats...I dont mind about the rest of it...go ahead we need it...and I agree with the VT development also...so please do not tell me what I do, when you dont even know me...I just know what is going on about these parts...
SIMMO of ST Marys ....LOL...the trouble I do know where my kids are, and what they are doing...and I do put litter in bins and try and help this community...obviousl
y from the way you speak you are the ones that I have been complaining about...and there is every reason to stop high raised flats...I dont mind about the rest of it...go ahead we need it...and I agree with the VT development also...so please do not tell me what I do, when you dont even know me...I just know what is going on about these parts...
Posted by: Obelisk on 8:10am Tue 13 May 08
[quote][bold]Sarah-Jane Pick[/bold] wrote:
I am for the protest also, we do not need high rised flats here in Woolston, the place cant handle what it has now...the streets are filthy, it will not be able to cope with that amount of people...and what type of people will they be...we have so many problem with teenagers drinking down by the water front now, so what will happen then[/quote] The place copes fine with what it has now. In the 15 years I've lived in Woolston, the only time I can remember a little bit of congestion was when Vospers was fully staffed.
The Itchen bridge is always busy at peak times, but most of that traffic isn't local to Woolston anyway.
"What type of people they will be" - What an appalling statement to make. If you are typical protestor, then perhaps it's being organised by the BNP?
Dirty Streets? More than likely the streets will be cleaner than ever because of this development as the city council will want to show it off, as will the construction company.
Sarah-Jane Pick wrote:
I am for the protest also, we do not need high rised flats here in Woolston, the place cant handle what it has now...the streets are filthy, it will not be able to cope with that amount of people...and what type of people will they be...we have so many problem with teenagers drinking down by the water front now, so what will happen then
The place copes fine with what it has now. In the 15 years I've lived in Woolston, the only time I can remember a little bit of congestion was when Vospers was fully staffed.
The Itchen bridge is always busy at peak times, but most of that traffic isn't local to Woolston anyway.
"What type of people they will be" - What an appalling statement to make. If you are typical protestor, then perhaps it's being organised by the BNP?
Dirty Streets? More than likely the streets will be cleaner than ever because of this development as the city council will want to show it off, as will the construction company.
Posted by: in the know, woolston on 8:12am Tue 13 May 08
I’m afraid that this has already been decided as with so many things that this city does.
The City Council had an internal meeting last week with most of it’s departments detailing all of the developments that are going to happen around the city.
It was mentioned that there are still consultations going on for many of the sites but it was said that they will all be going ahead
I’m afraid that this has already been decided as with so many things that this city does.
The City Council had an internal meeting last week with most of it’s departments detailing all of the developments that are going to happen around the city.
It was mentioned that there are still consultations going on for many of the sites but it was said that they will all be going ahead
Posted by: Obelisk on 8:19am Tue 13 May 08
Local residents have had THREE years to put forward their objections to this scheme.
Local residents have had THREE years to put forward their objections to this scheme.
Posted by: Hal Fulglas, Southampton on 9:14am Tue 13 May 08
Unfortunately vermin are happiest in their own squalor, which can be evidenced by the mess left behind by the Great British Public at open air events, picnic sites, cinemas and even aeroplanes. (Strangely, in my travels other nations do not seem so dirty and I have found some are particularly clean).
Anything the Council can do to tidy up this area will be a huge improvement and might even be visually attractive with public access to sea promenades. You never know, improved environment might actually improve some of the protestors' outlook.
Unfortunately vermin are happiest in their own squalor, which can be evidenced by the mess left behind by the Great British Public at open air events, picnic sites, cinemas and even aeroplanes. (Strangely, in my travels other nations do not seem so dirty and I have found some are particularly clean).
Anything the Council can do to tidy up this area will be a huge improvement and might even be visually attractive with public access to sea promenades. You never know, improved environment might actually improve some of the protestors' outlook.
Posted by: simmo, st marys on 9:15am Tue 13 May 08
[bold]Sara - Jane Pick[/bold] your just across the water but might as well be the pond. [bold]Thats the atlantic by the way[/bold] .Im not telling you what to do sara was just a comment. Was thinking you work in the local shops as u want [bold]vt[/bold] back ? Was good trade for them after all. Oh im glad your keeping woolston tidy too good gurl.
Sara - Jane Pick your just across the water but might as well be the pond.
Thats the atlantic by the way .Im not telling you what to do sara was just a comment. Was thinking you work in the local shops as u want
vt back ? Was good trade for them after all. Oh im glad your keeping woolston tidy too good gurl.
Posted by: Sarah-Jane, Woolston on 9:52am Tue 13 May 08
SIMMO - sorry if I was off handed...but I really care for Woolston and the community...I want it to grow, and I want the local shops to succeed too...but at what price...there has to be a limit
SIMMO - sorry if I was off handed...but I really care for Woolston and the community...I want it to grow, and I want the local shops to succeed too...but at what price...there has to be a limit
Posted by: Spindr, everywhere and nowhere baby on 10:21am Tue 13 May 08
Look at Gunwharf and then look at Poole quay. Why have the residents of this potentially great city got no vision or ambition. VT and mass marine industry isn’t coming back; the future is in the service industry sadly. Just look at the opportunity this development could bring to what is a Sh*t hole….sorry to have to spell it out.
As I’ve said here so many time before, isn’t it about time that the glass was half full and not half empty.
Look at Gunwharf and then look at Poole quay. Why have the residents of this potentially great city got no vision or ambition. VT and mass marine industry isn’t coming back; the future is in the service industry sadly. Just look at the opportunity this development could bring to what is a Sh*t hole….sorry to have to spell it out.
As I’ve said here so many time before, isn’t it about time that the glass was half full and not half empty.
Posted by: Spindr, everywhere and nowhere baby on 10:21am Tue 13 May 08
Look at Gunwharf and then look at Poole quay. Why have the residents of this potentially great city got no vision or ambition. VT and mass marine industry isn’t coming back; the future is in the service industry sadly. Just look at the opportunity this development could bring to what is a Sh*t hole….sorry to have to spell it out.
As I’ve said here so many time before, isn’t it about time that the glass was half full and not half empty.
Look at Gunwharf and then look at Poole quay. Why have the residents of this potentially great city got no vision or ambition. VT and mass marine industry isn’t coming back; the future is in the service industry sadly. Just look at the opportunity this development could bring to what is a Sh*t hole….sorry to have to spell it out.
As I’ve said here so many time before, isn’t it about time that the glass was half full and not half empty.
Posted by: simmo, st marys on 10:37am Tue 13 May 08
[bold]Sara[/bold] nice to see some passion for your area. Probably what lacking in all areas thats why there is litter etc.. If this development incorporates some nice shops and maybe a pub this would surely be of benefit to all in woolston. Heaven knows the pubs are so bad there you have to agree that at least
Sara nice to see some passion for your area. Probably what lacking in all areas thats why there is litter etc.. If this development incorporates some nice shops and maybe a pub this would surely be of benefit to all in woolston. Heaven knows the pubs are so bad there you have to agree that at least
Posted by: Obelisk on 11:38am Tue 13 May 08
[quote][bold]Sarah-Jane[/bold] wrote:
SIMMO - sorry if I was off handed...but I really care for Woolston and the community...I want it to grow, and I want the local shops to succeed too...but at what price...there has to be a limit[/quote] Errr, won't the local shops have a better chance of succeeding if the development goes ahead with all the new potential customers it will bring to the area?
Seeing how almost half of the shops in Vicky Road are Charity ones, I wouldn't say that Woolston was ever a retail hub in the same way somewhere like Portswood or Shirley is anyway.
Sarah-Jane wrote:
SIMMO - sorry if I was off handed...but I really care for Woolston and the community...I want it to grow, and I want the local shops to succeed too...but at what price...there has to be a limit
Errr, won't the local shops have a better chance of succeeding if the development goes ahead with all the new potential customers it will bring to the area?
Seeing how almost half of the shops in Vicky Road are Charity ones, I wouldn't say that Woolston was ever a retail hub in the same way somewhere like Portswood or Shirley is anyway.
Posted by: Former VT on 11:43am Tue 13 May 08
[quote][bold]simmo[/bold] wrote:
[bold]Sara-jane pick[/bold] why dont you keep an eye on ya kids then instead of letting them roam the streets. And whats it got to do with dirty streets ?....put your litter in the bins. Thats no reason to stop the flats. Bring back a shipyard to the woolston area so the [bold]VT[/bold] guys can come back home to work.[/quote] I was at VT then had to relocate to Skatesville, 3 months after that my section then had to relocate out to Hurn airport, I had to resign :(
simmo wrote:
Sara-jane pick why dont you keep an eye on ya kids then instead of letting them roam the streets. And whats it got to do with dirty streets ?....put your litter in the bins. Thats no reason to stop the flats. Bring back a shipyard to the woolston area so the VT guys can come back home to work.
I was at VT then had to relocate to Skatesville, 3 months after that my section then had to relocate out to Hurn airport, I had to resign :(
Posted by: Matthew, Woolston on 11:54am Tue 13 May 08
[quote][bold]Woolston Residen[/bold] wrote:
These nimbys don\'t speak for anyone but themselves. Yes, they sent out thousands of leaflets and I bet most of them went in the bin. The development of the VT site is long overdue and I find the tone of these protestors extremely snobbish and ill-informed. The point about \"devaluing surrounding properties\" is laughable! I welcome the development.[/quote] I don't see what's so wrong with residents speaking for themselves, surely rather that than stand by and see something they object take place without any protest.
I fear people have this objection all wrong. The residents aren't objecting to the plans full stop, they're objecting to the high density and lack of associated parking.
Residents of Woolston fully understand the need to regenerate the area and give the retail businesses a kick-start and it's firmly believed that this development will do so. It shouldn't however be at the expense of over crowding, a further congested toll-bridge and lack of open space and recreation as this development offers the potential for.
Woolston Residen wrote:
These nimbys don\'t speak for anyone but themselves. Yes, they sent out thousands of leaflets and I bet most of them went in the bin. The development of the VT site is long overdue and I find the tone of these protestors extremely snobbish and ill-informed. The point about \"devaluing surrounding properties\" is laughable! I welcome the development.
I don't see what's so wrong with residents speaking for themselves, surely rather that than stand by and see something they object take place without any protest.
I fear people have this objection all wrong. The residents aren't objecting to the plans full stop, they're objecting to the high density and lack of associated parking.
Residents of Woolston fully understand the need to regenerate the area and give the retail businesses a kick-start and it's firmly believed that this development will do so. It shouldn't however be at the expense of over crowding, a further congested toll-bridge and lack of open space and recreation as this development offers the potential for.
Posted by: Becky, Woolston on 12:11pm Tue 13 May 08
I lost all respect for Cunio when she applied for planning permission to turn her house into flats having spent years complaining about redevelopment in Woolston
Woolston Community Association doesn't speak for me and I think the area needs regeneration.
People can't see further than the end of their noses.
I lost all respect for Cunio when she applied for planning permission to turn her house into flats having spent years complaining about redevelopment in Woolston
Woolston Community Association doesn't speak for me and I think the area needs regeneration.
People can't see further than the end of their noses.
Posted by: Woolston Resident on 12:22pm Tue 13 May 08
They can speak as much as they want, but often with these groups, they exaggerate the support they have. There has been amble opportunities and time to make protests about the development, it's been open to debate and input for years. It appears instead of due-process, the organisers prefer mob pressure.
The density of the housing is no different than what you find in most modern developments. The builders want to get the best payback they can for their investment. Open spaces = lost commercial income. That's reality, this is not a City council led scheme, but a SEEDA one.
The toll bridge is fine and no more congested than any other main road in Southampton between 7:30 and 9am etc.
This development will open up the waterfront that has never been available to locals before. It will provide new shops, cafes, library, bars and restuarants and breath new life into a very tired and dull Woolston.
You have to live in the real world and developers are only in the business to make money, but without them, nothing would get built as Councils have no budget for schemes like this unless its at the taxpayers expense.
They can speak as much as they want, but often with these groups, they exaggerate the support they have. There has been amble opportunities and time to make protests about the development, it's been open to debate and input for years. It appears instead of due-process, the organisers prefer mob pressure.
The density of the housing is no different than what you find in most modern developments. The builders want to get the best payback they can for their investment. Open spaces = lost commercial income. That's reality, this is not a City council led scheme, but a SEEDA one.
The toll bridge is fine and no more congested than any other main road in Southampton between 7:30 and 9am etc.
This development will open up the waterfront that has never been available to locals before. It will provide new shops, cafes, library, bars and restuarants and breath new life into a very tired and dull Woolston.
You have to live in the real world and developers are only in the business to make money, but without them, nothing would get built as Councils have no budget for schemes like this unless its at the taxpayers expense.
Posted by: Condor Man, Southampton on 12:45pm Tue 13 May 08
Message to Royston Smith. Get down to Woolston and start to make your presence felt so when Brown finally waves the white flag you can win Itchen back from that deadweight Denham- who's noticably absent from this debate despite mouthing off about excessive development.
Message to Royston Smith. Get down to Woolston and start to make your presence felt so when Brown finally waves the white flag you can win Itchen back from that deadweight Denham- who's noticably absent from this debate despite mouthing off about excessive development.
Posted by: Sarah-Jane, Woolston on 12:51pm Tue 13 May 08
I agree...this project will go though, but what people are upset about is the parking situation and the high raised flats...just think what the water would look like...and we have to take a stand in what we believe in, who else will...the council do what they want anyway
I agree...this project will go though, but what people are upset about is the parking situation and the high raised flats...just think what the water would look like...and we have to take a stand in what we believe in, who else will...the council do what they want anyway
Posted by: John, Woolston on 12:53pm Tue 13 May 08
[quote][bold]Becky[/bold] wrote:
I lost all respect for Cunio when she applied for planning permission to turn her house into flats having spent years complaining about redevelopment in Woolston Woolston Community Association doesn't speak for me and I think the area needs regeneration. People can't see further than the end of their noses.[/quote] I'm sorry Becky, I don't remember seeing you at the Residents' Meetings to talk through this development despite widespread local publicity?
Perhaps, had you have been along to the meetings then you could have had your views heard. Don't come on here saying that they don't represent you when you've made no attempt to engage with their processes.
Becky wrote:
I lost all respect for Cunio when she applied for planning permission to turn her house into flats having spent years complaining about redevelopment in Woolston Woolston Community Association doesn't speak for me and I think the area needs regeneration. People can't see further than the end of their noses.
I'm sorry Becky, I don't remember seeing you at the Residents' Meetings to talk through this development despite widespread local publicity?
Perhaps, had you have been along to the meetings then you could have had your views heard. Don't come on here saying that they don't represent you when you've made no attempt to engage with their processes.
Posted by: Mike, Woolston on 12:56pm Tue 13 May 08
"The toll bridge is fine and no more congested than any other main road in Southampton between 7:30 and 9am etc."
Incorrect Sir. The tollbridge is at capacity now as indepenent traffic surveys have shown.
Just imagine what it's going to be like with an extra 3000 residents!
"The toll bridge is fine and no more congested than any other main road in Southampton between 7:30 and 9am etc."
Incorrect Sir. The tollbridge is at capacity now as indepenent traffic surveys have shown.
Just imagine what it's going to be like with an extra 3000 residents!
Posted by: Woolston Resident on 1:11pm Tue 13 May 08
[quote][bold]Mike[/bold] wrote:
"The toll bridge is fine and no more congested than any other main road in Southampton between 7:30 and 9am etc." Incorrect Sir. The tollbridge is at capacity now as indepenent traffic surveys have shown. Just imagine what it's going to be like with an extra 3000 residents! [/quote] Please could you provide me with a link to this survey? I've never seen it.
Are you saying that all 3000 residents will all travel into Southampton all at the same time?
How did the Bridge cope when Vospers employed thousands of people? And no, they all didn't live within walking distance of the yard either.
Mike wrote:
"The toll bridge is fine and no more congested than any other main road in Southampton between 7:30 and 9am etc." Incorrect Sir. The tollbridge is at capacity now as indepenent traffic surveys have shown. Just imagine what it's going to be like with an extra 3000 residents!
Please could you provide me with a link to this survey? I've never seen it.
Are you saying that all 3000 residents will all travel into Southampton all at the same time?
How did the Bridge cope when Vospers employed thousands of people? And no, they all didn't live within walking distance of the yard either.
Posted by: Ideal Development on 1:40pm Tue 13 May 08
It appears, if you listen to some of the objections, the ideal development of this site would be:
No hi-rise buildings
No flats
Some nice mock-tudor 4 bedroom houses instead
No kids or teenagers allowed to live there, only the "right sort of people" allowed to buy (middle class, married & white)
A glorious park named after the leader of the Woolston Community Association.
Waterfront walks, sandy beach, nature trail, but only for Woolston residents, and only for the "right sort" of Woolston residents.
People living there must not own a car or a motorbike.
They must only shop in Victoria Road, no where else.
Out of their own pocket, they will pay exisiting locals for any drop in house prices because of the development.
They are allowed to own a boat, but only if they invite the Woolston Community Association committee round for drinkies every weekend.
Private security firm employed to make sure that any working-class types are not allowed access to the development.
A new bridge to be built into Southampton, just for the use of the Woolston Community Association (who reserve the right to declare independence from Southampton City and form their own government)
It appears, if you listen to some of the objections, the ideal development of this site would be:
No hi-rise buildings
No flats
Some nice mock-tudor 4 bedroom houses instead
No kids or teenagers allowed to live there, only the "right sort of people" allowed to buy (middle class, married & white)
A glorious park named after the leader of the Woolston Community Association.
Waterfront walks, sandy beach, nature trail, but only for Woolston residents, and only for the "right sort" of Woolston residents.
People living there must not own a car or a motorbike.
They must only shop in Victoria Road, no where else.
Out of their own pocket, they will pay exisiting locals for any drop in house prices because of the development.
They are allowed to own a boat, but only if they invite the Woolston Community Association committee round for drinkies every weekend.
Private security firm employed to make sure that any working-class types are not allowed access to the development.
A new bridge to be built into Southampton, just for the use of the Woolston Community Association (who reserve the right to declare independence from Southampton City and form their own government)
Posted by: Mikey, Woolston on 2:01pm Tue 13 May 08
[quote][bold]Woolston Resident[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Mike[/bold] wrote: \\\\\\\"The toll bridge is fine and no more congested than any other main road in Southampton between 7:30 and 9am etc.\\\\\\\" Incorrect Sir. The tollbridge is at capacity now as indepenent traffic surveys have shown. Just imagine what it\\\\\\\'s going to be like with an extra 3000 residents! [/quote] Please could you provide me with a link to this survey? I\\\\\\\'ve never seen it. Are you saying that all 3000 residents will all travel into Southampton all at the same time? How did the Bridge cope when Vospers employed thousands of people? And no, they all didn\\\\\\\'t live within walking distance of the yard either.[/quote] Sorry, there's no online link that I know of although I know that the report is referred to in the offical objection of WCA. I suggest visiting your local library where you'll find a copy.
Of course I'm not suggesting that 3000 residents will use the bridge, it's simply an indication of the fact that traffic over the bridge will increase at rush hour when the bridge is already at capacity.
The main flow of bridge traffic at present is east to west a.m. and vice versa p.m., opposite to that which which would been the case when VT existing, added to that, the majority of the workforce came from the eastern side of the bridge.
Woolston Resident wrote:
Mike wrote: \\\\\\\"The toll bridge is fine and no more congested than any other main road in Southampton between 7:30 and 9am etc.\\\\\\\" Incorrect Sir. The tollbridge is at capacity now as indepenent traffic surveys have shown. Just imagine what it\\\\'s going to be like with an extra 3000 residents!
Please could you provide me with a link to this survey? I\\\\'ve never seen it. Are you saying that all 3000 residents will all travel into Southampton all at the same time? How did the Bridge cope when Vospers employed thousands of people? And no, they all didn\\\\'t live within walking distance of the yard either.
Sorry, there's no online link that I know of although I know that the report is referred to in the offical objection of WCA. I suggest visiting your local library where you'll find a copy.
Of course I'm not suggesting that 3000 residents will use the bridge, it's simply an indication of the fact that traffic over the bridge will increase at rush hour when the bridge is already at capacity.
The main flow of bridge traffic at present is east to west a.m. and vice versa p.m., opposite to that which which would been the case when VT existing, added to that, the majority of the workforce came from the eastern side of the bridge.
Posted by: Woolston Resident on 2:21pm Tue 13 May 08
"Of course I'm not suggesting that 3000 residents will use the bridge, it's simply an indication of the fact that traffic over the bridge will increase at rush hour when the bridge is already at capacity."
How on earth is the bridge "at capacity" !?! If it was at capacity, then by definition, traffic would not be moving an inch over it and we'd have grid lock everyday.
I travel over it everyday at peak times and it's fine! Only for 30 minutes twice a day does it slow, but soon clears very quickly.
If this is one of the major factors the "WCA" have hung their campaign on, then it will rightly get laughed at.
Let's see how many people actually turn out on this march today. Bearing in mind around 30,000 people live in Woolston.
"Of course I'm not suggesting that 3000 residents will use the bridge, it's simply an indication of the fact that traffic over the bridge will increase at rush hour when the bridge is already at capacity."
How on earth is the bridge "at capacity" !?! If it was at capacity, then by definition, traffic would not be moving an inch over it and we'd have grid lock everyday.
I travel over it everyday at peak times and it's fine! Only for 30 minutes twice a day does it slow, but soon clears very quickly.
If this is one of the major factors the "WCA" have hung their campaign on, then it will rightly get laughed at.
Let's see how many people actually turn out on this march today. Bearing in mind around 30,000 people live in Woolston.
Posted by: Becky, Woolston on 3:36pm Tue 13 May 08
[quote][bold]John[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Becky[/bold] wrote: I lost all respect for Cunio when she applied for planning permission to turn her house into flats having spent years complaining about redevelopment in Woolston Woolston Community Association doesn\'t speak for me and I think the area needs regeneration. People can\'t see further than the end of their noses.[/quote] I\'m sorry Becky, I don\'t remember seeing you at the Residents\' Meetings to talk through this development despite widespread local publicity? Perhaps, had you have been along to the meetings then you could have had your views heard. Don\'t come on here saying that they don\'t represent you when you\'ve made no attempt to engage with their processes.[/quote] Actually I did attend and I did listen and I do think that Woolston needs regeneration. I don't remember seeing you there John, doesn't mean you were or were not there .... I don't need a bunch of NIMBYs from Woolston deciding what I want.
John wrote:
Becky wrote: I lost all respect for Cunio when she applied for planning permission to turn her house into flats having spent years complaining about redevelopment in Woolston Woolston Community Association doesn\'t speak for me and I think the area needs regeneration. People can\'t see further than the end of their noses.
I\'m sorry Becky, I don\'t remember seeing you at the Residents\' Meetings to talk through this development despite widespread local publicity? Perhaps, had you have been along to the meetings then you could have had your views heard. Don\'t come on here saying that they don\'t represent you when you\'ve made no attempt to engage with their processes.
Actually I did attend and I did listen and I do think that Woolston needs regeneration. I don't remember seeing you there John, doesn't mean you were or were not there .... I don't need a bunch of NIMBYs from Woolston deciding what I want.
Posted by: secret squirrel on 4:46pm Tue 13 May 08
[bold]Woolston Resident[/bold][italic] "Let's see how many people actually turn out on this march ..."[/italic]
Rain is forecast on the day so I'd guess at less than 2 dozen .
Why are they still whinging ? The number of flats and/or parking spaces has hardly changed since the initial plans about 3 years ago. There's been plenty of public meetings and opportunity to have their say - what new things can this [bold]tiny minority[/bold] think of to moan about now ?
Just get on and build the thing.
Woolston Resident "Let's see how many people actually turn out on this march ..."
Rain is forecast on the day so I'd guess at less than 2 dozen .
Why are they still whinging ? The number of flats and/or parking spaces has hardly changed since the initial plans about 3 years ago. There's been plenty of public meetings and opportunity to have their say - what new things can this
tiny minority think of to moan about now ?
Just get on and build the thing.
Posted by: Pro development on 5:45pm Tue 13 May 08
It would seem a large majority are supportive and as usual the vocal minority against. Let your support be known - the Echo only takes the negative side - email your supportive comments to the letters page. Better still turn up to the march with a placard of support. The vocal minority could ruin this scheme and Woolston would be left with nothing. Flats may not be ideal but the scheme has to be commerically viable to enable the facilties which in turn attract the employers.
It would seem a large majority are supportive and as usual the vocal minority against. Let your support be known - the Echo only takes the negative side - email your supportive comments to the letters page. Better still turn up to the march with a placard of support. The vocal minority could ruin this scheme and Woolston would be left with nothing. Flats may not be ideal but the scheme has to be commerically viable to enable the facilties which in turn attract the employers.
Posted by: John, Woolston on 8:46pm Tue 13 May 08
[quote][bold]Becky[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]John[/bold] wrote: [quote][bold]Becky[/bold] wrote: I lost all respect for Cunio when she applied for planning permission to turn her house into flats having spent years complaining about redevelopment in Woolston Woolston Community Association doesn\'t speak for me and I think the area needs regeneration. People can\'t see further than the end of their noses.[/quote] I\'m sorry Becky, I don\'t remember seeing you at the Residents\' Meetings to talk through this development despite widespread local publicity? Perhaps, had you have been along to the meetings then you could have had your views heard. Don\'t come on here saying that they don\'t represent you when you\'ve made no attempt to engage with their processes.[/quote] Actually I did attend and I did listen and I do think that Woolston needs regeneration. I don't remember seeing you there John, doesn't mean you were or were not there .... I don't need a bunch of NIMBYs from Woolston deciding what I want. [/quote] Well you clearly weren't there Becky otherwise you'd realise that it's not a bunch if NIMBYs and instead a group of residents looking to act in the best interests of those living in the area.
No group can ever be totally representative of all people and all views. At least WCA are doing something about it. If you feel that strongly why don't you write a letter of support?
Becky, you're totally missing the point that WCA also believe that Woolston needs regeneration, just not at the expense of traffic congestion, over-population and people taking your parking spaces.
Becky wrote:
John wrote: Becky wrote: I lost all respect for Cunio when she applied for planning permission to turn her house into flats having spent years complaining about redevelopment in Woolston Woolston Community Association doesn\'t speak for me and I think the area needs regeneration. People can\'t see further than the end of their noses.
I\'m sorry Becky, I don\'t remember seeing you at the Residents\' Meetings to talk through this development despite widespread local publicity? Perhaps, had you have been along to the meetings then you could have had your views heard. Don\'t come on here saying that they don\'t represent you when you\'ve made no attempt to engage with their processes.
Actually I did attend and I did listen and I do think that Woolston needs regeneration. I don't remember seeing you there John, doesn't mean you were or were not there .... I don't need a bunch of NIMBYs from Woolston deciding what I want.
Well you clearly weren't there Becky otherwise you'd realise that it's not a bunch if NIMBYs and instead a group of residents looking to act in the best interests of those living in the area.
No group can ever be totally representative of all people and all views. At least WCA are doing something about it. If you feel that strongly why don't you write a letter of support?
Becky, you're totally missing the point that WCA also believe that Woolston needs regeneration, just not at the expense of traffic congestion, over-population and people taking your parking spaces.
Posted by: Lenny, Woolston on 8:50pm Tue 13 May 08
[quote][bold]Woolston Resident[/bold] wrote:
\"Of course I\'m not suggesting that 3000 residents will use the bridge, it\'s simply an indication of the fact that traffic over the bridge will increase at rush hour when the bridge is already at capacity.\" How on earth is the bridge \"at capacity\" !?! If it was at capacity, then by definition, traffic would not be moving an inch over it and we\'d have grid lock everyday. I travel over it everyday at peak times and it\'s fine! Only for 30 minutes twice a day does it slow, but soon clears very quickly. If this is one of the major factors the \"WCA\" have hung their campaign on, then it will rightly get laughed at. Let\'s see how many people actually turn out on this march today. Bearing in mind around 30,000 people live in Woolston. [/quote] No idiot! That's a reflection of the city and it's ability to take traffic coming off the bridge. The capacity of the bridge refers to the fact that toll booths are at capacity and traffic queues for the entire length of Portsmouth Road and Manor Road South from 8am onwards.
You clearly don't use the bridge at that time or you drive with your eyes closed, I'm not sure which one?
Woolston Resident wrote:
\"Of course I\'m not suggesting that 3000 residents will use the bridge, it\'s simply an indication of the fact that traffic over the bridge will increase at rush hour when the bridge is already at capacity.\" How on earth is the bridge \"at capacity\" !?! If it was at capacity, then by definition, traffic would not be moving an inch over it and we\'d have grid lock everyday. I travel over it everyday at peak times and it\'s fine! Only for 30 minutes twice a day does it slow, but soon clears very quickly. If this is one of the major factors the \"WCA\" have hung their campaign on, then it will rightly get laughed at. Let\'s see how many people actually turn out on this march today. Bearing in mind around 30,000 people live in Woolston.
No idiot! That's a reflection of the city and it's ability to take traffic coming off the bridge. The capacity of the bridge refers to the fact that toll booths are at capacity and traffic queues for the entire length of Portsmouth Road and Manor Road South from 8am onwards.
You clearly don't use the bridge at that time or you drive with your eyes closed, I'm not sure which one?
Posted by: KC, Woolston on 10:25pm Tue 13 May 08
I've lived in the area all my life and all I can say is, bring on the development!
Those ugly sheds have gone and the employment is being replaced by a much higher calibre of ship builder; opportunities for apprenticeships from the construction phase through to the yank "Sunseeker" bods moving in.
That, plus some stunning glass towers of flats allowing people like me to get a nice pad with a glorious view over the port where my Dad worked, and a view up river to St Marys where Saturdays can be mis-spent.
VT site means nothing to the small minded idiots behind this campaign living miles from the site.
Look at the dereliction along Victoria Road shops - what they need is another few thousand punters driving past their shops or walking up to catch a bus to go to work.
100's of people? more like the family behind it and their dog!
I've lived in the area all my life and all I can say is, bring on the development!
Those ugly sheds have gone and the employment is being replaced by a much higher calibre of ship builder; opportunities for apprenticeships from the construction phase through to the yank "Sunseeker" bods moving in.
That, plus some stunning glass towers of flats allowing people like me to get a nice pad with a glorious view over the port where my Dad worked, and a view up river to St Marys where Saturdays can be mis-spent.
VT site means nothing to the small minded idiots behind this campaign living miles from the site.
Look at the dereliction along Victoria Road shops - what they need is another few thousand punters driving past their shops or walking up to catch a bus to go to work.
100's of people? more like the family behind it and their dog!
Posted by: King Mush, Woolston on 11:02pm Tue 13 May 08
Just think - anybody moving in will be one of my near neighbours!
(That should work)
Just think - anybody moving in will be one of my near neighbours!
(That should work)
Posted by: SAvewools101, Woolston-Southampton on 12:04am Sat 17 May 08
Dear People
The aim of the march was simply to put across a few points....okay I heard it this way from someone who is in the know. When you look at the Weston Towers they hold 638 total apartments and thats all the blocks. What these monkeys are trying to impose is nearly three times that.
I do love the plans and housing above shops is a fabulous idea. But honestly the high rises are where the trouble starts. What about they reduce the top one which was already proposed to say sixteen storeys and the second to eight and the third four! That would probably reduce the propsed population cramming to what the density is like now say plus 15% and that wou.ld make it livable for everyone who livs around here.
Also you could chase up on those plans to get granting for a large casino and say instead of building 800 houses bring the casino to Woolston and make it a social hotspot not a residential nighmare.
I have heard some ludicrous debates on here tonight! I organised the March AND I AM NOT BNP! I dont have a party I just stand up for what I believe in...as should anybody! And today totally proved that. We did great guys...ignore some of these freaks...SAVE WOOLSTON....Town planning is key here stick to the density debate..
Dear People
The aim of the march was simply to put across a few points....okay I heard it this way from someone who is in the know. When you look at the Weston Towers they hold 638 total apartments and thats all the blocks. What these monkeys are trying to impose is nearly three times that.
I do love the plans and housing above shops is a fabulous idea. But honestly the high rises are where the trouble starts. What about they reduce the top one which was already proposed to say sixteen storeys and the second to eight and the third four! That would probably reduce the propsed population cramming to what the density is like now say plus 15% and that wou.ld make it livable for everyone who livs around here.
Also you could chase up on those plans to get granting for a large casino and say instead of building 800 houses bring the casino to Woolston and make it a social hotspot not a residential nighmare.
I have heard some ludicrous debates on here tonight! I organised the March AND I AM NOT BNP! I dont have a party I just stand up for what I believe in...as should anybody! And today totally proved that. We did great guys...ignore some of these freaks...SAVE WOOLSTON....Town planning is key here stick to the density debate..
Posted by: Monkeytalk, Woolston-Southampton on 12:17am Sat 17 May 08
[quote][bold]Woolston Resident[/bold] wrote:
They can speak as much as they want, but often with these groups, they
exaggerate the support they have. There has been amble opportunities
and time to make protests about the development, it's been open to
debate and input for years. It appears instead of due-process, the
organisers prefer mob pressure.
The density of the housing is no different than what you find in most
modern developments. The builders want to get the best payback they can
for their investment. Open spaces = lost commercial income. That's
reality, this is not a City council led scheme, but a SEEDA one.
The toll bridge is fine and no more congested than any other main road
in Southampton between 7:30 and 9am etc.
This development will open up the waterfront that has never been
available to locals before. It will provide new shops, cafes, library,
bars and restuarants and breath new life into a very tired and dull
Woolston.
You have to live in the real world and developers are only in the
business to make money, but without them, nothing would get built as
Councils have no budget for schemes like this unless its at the
taxpayers expense.[/quote] You seem to completely miss the point...the density of proposed dwellings is too high for the city and the earth to deal with. What would happen to these highrises if we have a natural earthquake. No- leave Woolston alone. bring the business and make it exclusive and touristy but please do not invite 4000 new people to the area on a permanent basis this suburb will suffer terribly.
Woolston Resident wrote:
They can speak as much as they want, but often with these groups, they
exaggerate the support they have. There has been amble opportunities
and time to make protests about the development, it's been open to
debate and input for years. It appears instead of due-process, the
organisers prefer mob pressure.
The density of the housing is no different than what you find in most
modern developments. The builders want to get the best payback they can
for their investment. Open spaces = lost commercial income. That's
reality, this is not a City council led scheme, but a SEEDA one.
The toll bridge is fine and no more congested than any other main road
in Southampton between 7:30 and 9am etc.
This development will open up the waterfront that has never been
available to locals before. It will provide new shops, cafes, library,
bars and restuarants and breath new life into a very tired and dull
Woolston.
You have to live in the real world and developers are only in the
business to make money, but without them, nothing would get built as
Councils have no budget for schemes like this unless its at the
taxpayers expense.
You seem to completely miss the point...the density of proposed dwellings is too high for the city and the earth to deal with. What would happen to these highrises if we have a natural earthquake. No- leave Woolston alone. bring the business and make it exclusive and touristy but please do not invite 4000 new people to the area on a permanent basis this suburb will suffer terribly.
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