Page 10 - Phonebox Magazine June 2024

Readers’ Letters
New City Plan
Dear Sir
I note with interest in the March issue of the magazine (Milton Keynes New City Plan: How it Affects You) the plans for yet even more building of houses in the villages and small towns of the Borough, where we are told 32,000 houses must be built. This is not a ‘NIMBY’ letter, but I think any reasonable person would wonder what is going on when there are plans to double the size of villages such as Hanslope and Castlethorpe.
As the article notes, if these proposals were implemented there are no plans to alter the current infrastructure. This sad reality can already be seen in my village of Lavendon, where there have been three sites which have seen fields turned into hundreds of detached and not exactly ‘affordable’ houses.
While the prices of these houses doubtless bring in profit for developers and builders, it leaves the community overstretched in trying to do more with the same resources and infrastructure, especially but not limited to schools and GP surgeries.
Private companies and developers make considerable profits from these projects, and we currently have an Aldi being built on the outskirts of Olney, which will be opposite the
relatively recent Sainsburys. I fully accept that these developers do contribute some money towards the local council (in our case Milton Keynes) but unfortunately this money seems to go into a general pot rather than a specific or local pot of money for the local community affected by the builds.
In fact, the ‘deal’ should be that developers’ contributions should be ring-fenced to be used for local community requirements and needs.
Paul Twigg, Lavendon
Centre AGM
Dear Sir
East Street Community Centre will hold its first public AGM since becoming a Registered Charity at 7.30 pm on June 10th at the centre. All are welcome.
We will be reporting on our recent achievements and on some of the challenges that we’ve been facing. We will also share some of our thoughts on the future. Our Treasurer will provide a summary of our financial position. We look forward to seeing you all and to your continuing support for this great amenity for the town.
Trevor Aldred, ESCC
Bull doors - an open and shut case?
Dear Sir
I am aware of a listed building enforcement notice concerning the Bull Hotel in Olney and its large barn-style doors. (see right) In it, it says that unauthorised works have been carried out including:
1. Without listed building consent, the unauthorised installation of a clear glass screen in the incorrect location and with outward opening double glass doors to the front elevation of a Grade II Listed Building.
2. Without listed building consent, the repositioning of two large exterior wooden carriage arch gates. The exterior carriage arch gates no longer open inwards but are fixed to the front of the building in an outwards opening position in contradiction to their historic arrangements and position within the carriage arch.
Does this mean that the doors are going to be moved? And is that something that Olney people want to see? Or even feel strongly about?
Name and address supplied
A CHAMPAGNE HIGH TEA HOSTED BY ROSE GARDEN EVENTS IN THE BEAUTIFUL TURVEY COUNTRYSIDE
£49 PER PERSON OR £175 FOR GROUP OF 4
AN IDEAL OCCASION FOR:
_ LANDMARK BIRTHDAYS
_ INTIMATE PROPOSALS & ANNIVERSARIES _ OR SIMPLY TO ENJOY AN AFTERNOON
OF ELEGANCE AND RELAXATION
UNIQUE TO ROSE GARDEN EVENTS
Exclusive use of Rose Garden and Bluebell Field overlooking 15acres of idyllic countryside • Your own personal waitress.
• An opportunity for a bespoke photograph of your group. Suggested dress code: Smart casual attire
SANDWICHES
A selection of luxury, mouthwatering sandwiches inspired by the Ritz Hotel in London.
SCONES & PASTRIES
Freshly baked plain and fruit scones • Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserve •
An assortment of afternoon tea pastries and cakes
Champagne:
150ml glass of Pinot Noir
Non-alcoholic:
150ml spring water or orange juice
Tea selection:
Earl Grey
Black Tea Camomile Flowers
Saturdays and Sundays in June, July, August and September.
TO BOOK: WWW.RGE.VISION EMAIL: INFO@RGE.VISION TEL: 07947 718212
10 Phonebox Magazine | June 2024