This is running approximately a year behind our own Local Plan and the latest consultation incorporating some of the changes proposed during the first consultation in October last year. This round of consultation commenced at the end of June and closes on the 11 September. There are a number of workshops organised by OPDC and I am extremely grateful to Melanie Whitlock and Angela Clarke for sharing the workload on this task in addition to the work which they did on the Council’s Local Plan.

 

Despite objections from us, the Council and most other consultees, the OPDC Committee have continued to approve schemes in Scrubs Lane, the latest being Mitre Bridge which is the site immediately on the left after the canal bridge going north. This involves a 19 storey tower and many of the units are being promoted on the basis of ‘build for rent’. Another scheme with another tall tower is being launched next week for the Nursery Site at the top end of Scrubs Lane. No-one knows at this stage what effect the Grenfell fire will have on the construction of these towers which all involve single escape staircases.