News
Ship's Anchor causes Bank Holiday Website Access Problems
There were problems for those trying to accesss certain websites including BBC news, weather and i-player over the bank holiday.
This was nothing to do with cbb or other local services. Millions were hit.
A large number of connections were severed by a ship dropping anchor on an optical fibre cable. The London Internet Switch was unable to cope with the necessary rerouting.
Tuesday to Thursday 28th to 30th August
Road Closure 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
The road from Gestingthorpe to Little Maplestead will be closed from its junction with the
Hedingham to Sudbury Road to just north of its junction with Cock Road.
Despite possibly confusing diversion signs, Cock Road, the centre of Little Maplestead Church Road and Oaks road are all open (to traffic<7 tons and buses).
From Moat Street turn right for Great Maplestead and Braintree, and left for Halstead.
27 July 2012 UPDATED 4 August 2012
Ellis Farm Planning Application for stables etc. and diversion of Footpath 58
(See last news item but one)
At the Emergency Parish Council Meeting on Monday 16th of July, a representation to Essex County Council, opposing the propose diversion of Footpath 58 was agreed.
On the evening of the meeting the PC was sent modifications to the diversion proposal. At the ordinary Parish Council meeting on the 19th of July a second response, which took account of the changes to the proposal and added some new points made by members of public was approved.
When asking Braintree District Council, by phone, for guidance on procedures for making representations on the proposed Footpath Diversion Order, the PC were given the impression that the Planning Application for for stables etc, made in April had been withdrawn. The BDC website appeared to confirm this (or indicate that it had been abandonned).
Both the Parish Council responses to the informal Footpath 58 Diversion consultation assumed the Planning Application to have been withdrawn and the Footpath Diversion Application to have been made separately. We subsequently learnt that the application had only been delayed for additional information and adjustments.The objections and other points made in the PC submissions will be reviewed in light of the new information.
Revisions to the Planning and Footpath Diversion Applications were posted on th BDC website on the 2nd of August
The Parish Council and the Public have until the 29th to make objections or comments to BDC.
To view the Planning Application
and then enter the application number in the appropriate box
------------------------------------------------------------------
18July 2012
New giant transformer substation proposed for a location near Gestingthorpe's border.
In National Grid's proposals, to accommodate the new Ipswich to Twinstead 400 000 V line, our 132 000 V backup supply route via the 132 volt from Ipswich via Twinstead is to be removed and replaced by a new feed from the existing 400 000 v line.
Two of the three shortlisted sites for the giant pair of 400 000 V to 132 000 V transformers are very close, one just in Castle Hedingham close to its order with Gestingthorpe and one on the Twinstead Bulmer border.
Stour Valley Underground (SVU) has suggested some alternatives.
UK Power Networks (UKPN) have publish their need case for the new
400 kv to 132 kV transformer SUBSTATION
for the Twinstead - Castle Hedingham Area
This examins the options and still comes down in favour of the local transformer.
SVU suggest the most easterly site, site at Butlers Wood Twinstead/Bulmer, is favourite with UKPN anmd NG.
The most westerly site suggested, the one on the east side of the main A1017 north of Crouch Green.
Very close to our border is the site near the Pannels Ash end of Delvyns Lane.
The Needs Case document is on
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
July 2012
Diversion of Footpath 58 Gestingthorpe
Town & Country Planning Act 1990 Section 257 I wish to inform you that Braintree District Council intend to make an
Order to divert Footpath 58 Gestingthorpe as shown on the attached Plan.
The landowner will be submitting an application to the District Council to erect fencing for horses , which will effect the line of the Footpath.
This is an informalconsultation before the Order is to be made and we invite any comments you have on the proposal.
We will allow a period of 21 days to receive comments before we send the Order to the legal department to be sealed; thereafter there is a further 28 days in which there will be an opportunity to comment.
If you have no comment to make, there is no need to respond to this email.
Regards,
Laurie Page
Definitive Map Officer
Public Rights of Way - Highways Management
Environment, Sustainability and Highways
Essex County Council | telephone: 01245 437197 | extension: 51197 | email: Laurence.page@essex.gov.uk
Subject of Emergency Meeting of Parish Council in Villlage Hall, Monday 16 July, 6pm
----------------------------------------------------------------------
400 000 V line
Underground across the Stour Valley
National Grid has announced the new 400 kV line will be underground across the Stour Valley and through the Dedham Vale AONB.
The Stour valley undergrounding will be for about 1.1 km on the Suffolk side and 2.8 km on the Essex side, including the entire length along the side valley (Hinkbush Loshes area) far as the existing line to Braintree.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Village organisations requiring changing detailed information can apply for an editable page.
VILLAGE CONTACT LIST
The Parish Council is setting up an e-mail list to circulate important information from the Parish Council, Neighbourhood Watch, the Village Hall Committee the PCCC and other information especially relevant to the village (for example National Grid's proposals for a new transformer station in or very close to Gestingthorpe.
The list will be kept by the Parish Clerk under proper data protection conditions. E-mails will be sent blind so that your address cannot be seen by other recipients. E-mail your name and address and the e-address you want to use, to the clerk frances.wells@virgin.net
Note. Send your e-address even if the clerk already has it for some other purpose. She cannot add you to the list without your permission.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Thomas Gainsborough: Preserving a Pylon Threatened Masterpiece.
This month as we head into another round of National Grid's pylon consultation events, be bring you just one issue: the value of our landscape and the importance of our local knowledge of it.
Along a public footpath below an historic church lies what is perhaps a uniquely intact landscape view that in 1748, inspired one of our greatest landscape painters:-Thomas Gainsborough.
This must be a rather unique opportunity for lovers of landscape art. In Sudbury, Suffolk it is possible to visit the birthplace of one of our most revered landscape artists, Thomas Gainsborough. The Gainsborough’s House Museum is internationally recognised and houses some important works including the oil painting, Wooded Landscape with Herdsman Seated.
The unique opportunity comes from the fact that you can then drive just a couple of miles south and walk down a public footpath below the historic St Mary’s Church, Gt Henny and take in the very view that inspired Gainsborough for yourself.
Details www.stourvalleyunderground.org.uk
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
updated 14 January 2012
PLAN YOU ROUTE IN ICY WEATHER
For a map of roads given a salt dressing when icy conditions are expected use the link below.
http://www.essex.gov.uk/Travel-Highways/Winter-service/Documents/Winter%20Full%20Network.pdf
The hill between Bulmer Street and Kitchen Hill is not salted. If going to Sudbury via Bulmer Street, turn right to Bulmer Tye.
The road to Halstead via Little Maplestead is also unsalted. In adverse condition use Wickham St Paul for Halstead and the Hedingham route to Braintree.
Nether Hill is unsalted, but the Belchamps may be reached on treated roads via Northeys (turn right just before North End).
In extreme conditions, please report your experience of local routes and public transport to our news page. sbolter@cbb4u.co.uk 01 787461604
updated 7 December 2011
Braintree District Council
Local Development Framework panel
7th December at 6pm Causeway House
BDC has to review its Local Plans to meet Government requirements.
BDC suggested the Parish Council considered various minor amendments to the Village Envelopes. Also a developer had put in three alternative applications to enlarge the Village Envelope in the Pound Farm area to allow housebuilding.
Braintree District Council Officers have accepted the Parish Councils recommendations on the minor amendments to the Gestingthorpe Village Envelope and have agreed with the Parish Council view that the developer's applications would be unsustainable. Officers have recommended that Councillors reject the developer's suggestions GE 1, 2 and 3. The PC suggested no change for the Audley End Envelope.
A question was raied by Cllr Lager. The PC position was defended by Cllrs Wendy Scattergood and Lady Pat Newton
The Panel accepted the recommendations agreed between Officers and the Parish Council.
Links
Map of existing, proposed and reccommended Village Envelopes are on pages 20 and 21
----------------------
BRAMFORD (Ipswich)TO TWINSTEAD OVERHEAD LINE PROJECT UPDATE
Basically National Grid Need to double up the 400 000 volt line between Ipswich and Twinstead. See previous item below (Oct 2010) for more details.
The need to strengthen the electricity grid is accepted. Locally suggested strategic alternatives, such as offshore cables via the Thames estuary have been rejected by National Grid, who have instead decided on the option which involves demolishing the existing Bramford to Twinstead 132 kV line, which supplies the local area from Sudbury to Thaxted and Ugley, and building a new 400 kV line along a similar route.
This means that a pair of transformers is required to supply the remaining part of the 132 kV line from the existing 400 kV line which passes through Gestingthorpe. They could be sited within, or very close to Gestingthorpe's southern border.
Gestingthorpe Parish Council is represented on the consultations on the detail of the project.
Following powerful local representation, National Grid are now considering putting part of the route underground. discussions about which are under way.
Consultation on transformer sites starts in the new year.
added November 2011
Antarctic - Scott Expedition
BBC news magazine article on the scientific achievements of the Expedition
Use the link below
www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-15384729
November 2010
Affordable Housing, Oats Cottages
The vacant cottage has beeen let to someone who has lived all his life in the village (and partner)
October 2010
To the Clerk
Gestingthorpe Parish Council,
Re Affordable Housing, Oats Cottages
As I mentioned on the phone, a two bed property in Gestingthorpe has become available. The property will be advertised on the Gateway to Homechoice website (www.gatewaytohomechoice.org.uk) between 14th and 20th October. Although it is a two bed property we have decided to allow those with a one bed need to bid on it to try to maximise its appeal. We will obviously short list the property according to the terms and conditions of the section 106 agreement but within this we will also give priority to those with a two bed need first in order to ensure the best use of the property.
In order to be considered for the property, applicants will have to have an active housing application and then bid or register their interest in the property. If you have someone that is interested in the property but not yet registered then please give them my name and contact details and I will try to ensure that their application is fast tracked so that they can bid on the property.
If you have any queries or would like me to discuss the scheme with anyone, then please do not hesitate to contact me on 01376 552525 x 2184.
Regards,
Helen Iles
Housing Assessment Team
Braintree District Council
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
October 2010
BRAMFORD TO TWINSTEAD OVERHEAD LINE PROJECT
National Grid are doing a review of this project. Revised proposals willl be some time.
January 2010
HALSTEAD LOCAL COMMITTEE
AGENDA
THIS MEETING IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
http://www.braintree.gov.uk/Braintree/councildemocracy/committees
Date: WEDNESDAY 20th January 2010
Agenda Item 7b
BRAMFORD TO TWINSTEAD OVERHEAD LINE PROJECT
Portfolio Area: Enterprise and Culture
Report Presented by: Paul Munson, Head of District Development
Background Papers:
Bramford to Twinstead 400kv Overhead Line Project – Route Corridor Study for Public Consultation and Draft Substation Siting Study
Corporate Implications:
Please refer to table at end of report
Options:
1. To agree the response to the consultation as set out in the report
2. To amend the response to the consultation as set out in the report
3. To agree an alternative response to the consultation
Risks:
The main risk is that the Council’s preference will not be selected and that additional overhead lines will be constructed across the Stour Valley thereby damaging the appearance of some of the best landscape in the District
Executive Summary
National Grid is carrying out consultation on options to provide a new 400kv power line between Bramford in Suffolk and Twinstead. 4 corridors have been put forward for consultation all of which affect the Stour Valley in this District. One option involves replacing the existing 132v line with the 400kv line. If is option is selected it will require a new substation to be built and the consultation also puts forward site options for this should it be required.
Decision
1. To advise National Grid that it objects to proposals for the construction of additional 400kv overhead lines across the Stour Valley in Braintree District and that they should be placed underground
2. To advise National Grid that if overhead options are pursued then the Council’s preference would be Corridor 2 (replacement of existing 132kv lines) with Site C being the Council’s preferred location for a new sub-station at this stage
For detail of the Braintree District Council and maps, please follow the link above.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub Station to provide local 132kV supply if the new 400kV line from Ipswich area to Twinstead replaces the existing 132kV line
[ Extractred from www.stourvalleyunderground.org.uk from where more info. ]
Sub-station, Grid Supply Point (GSP) call it what you will,
it will be an eyesore.
As already pointed out, we are currently lead to believe that corridor 2 is National Grid’s preferred route for the new power line. Adopting corridor 2 involves taking over the EDF 132kV power line from Bramford to the Twinstead Tee and replacing it and its pylons with a much larger 45.6metre tall 400kV line of pylons.
This means that the 132kV cables that supply the local area will be removed but the need for a 132kV supply remains. Accordingly, National Grid have conducted a study which has identified 3 potential sites for what they call a Grid Supply Point (GSP) or sub station.
The study identified three potential sites in the area between the A1017 at Castle Hedingham and the A131 near Twinstead. Following further investigation, a site at Rushley Green was rejected because access improvements would have required tree and vegetation loss in a Special Landscape Area and development could have had an impact on a scheduled monument. The remaining sites are listed below:
Site A: At the intersection of the A1017 and the 400kV line north of Colne Valley Farm Park, Castle Hedingham
Site B: Delvyns Lane, north east of Castle Hedingham
Site C: At the intersection of the A131 and the 400kV overhead line close to Butlers Wood, east of Wickham St Paul, near Twinstead.
From the consultation documents is seems that this last is likely to be National Grid’s favoured site and due to the weight of the transformers that would be installed, that they would want to place the GSP within 250 metres of the A131 (Sudbury to Halstead road) between the woodland areas which lie between the Henny and Twinstead junctions, to switch electricity from the 400kV line onto the 132kV one. This would imply that new pylons would be needed to link the GSP to the existing pylon runs.
Sound Pollution: From the first consultation meeting in Hadleigh we now know that there would be 2 transformers at the prospective GSP which will hum loudly at 100Hz, twice the normal “mains hum” frequency but still a low frequency noise. Low frequency sound carries long distances and can “wrap round” obstacles making it difficult to mitigate. This means that we must insist than any such installation must be housed in a sound deadening enclosure because this area of the countryside is notably quiet. The result of a failure to sound deaden the transformers would be to blight local homes with a continuous humming noise.
