An aware neighbour contacted me yesterday to let me know things were happening at the Lime Rd site. (I didn’t go that way yesterday, so didn’t notice. In fact, I try to avoid the hazardous Lime Rd/Yarnells Hill corner altogether now and for the duration of the temp traffic lghts! What a mess!!!)

I have received no notice of planning permission from the Vale, although I’ve been expecting it any day. Neither have I received the construction management plan, which I also expect any day.

Last night I contacted our planning officer at the Vale, Mr Martin Deans, about my lack of notification about planning permission. I heard from him just now.

He said, ‘Planning permission is likely to go out today or Monday. Although not condoning commencement of work in advance of a planning permission, government guidance is clear that the council should not take punitive action against a developer who starts work when it is likely that a planning permission is to be issued shortly, otherwise there is a clear warning that the council will be hit for costs for taking unnecessary action and holding up a development that was likely to be authorised within a matter of days.”

So, no penalty for jumping the gun a bit.

I’ve also contacted Mr Alan Cook of Bovis homes for a copy of the construction management plan. He’s away until Monday, so Martin Deans is going to see if he can source a copy. When I get it, I’ll publish it and send out a link.

I’ll keep you posted.