Enforcement action against Croudace in relation to closed play area
Dear Cherwell District Council,
On the Croudace estate on the west side of Ambrosden there is a children’s play area. This was constructed by the builders Croudace, but the surface was incorrectly laid and so the area has never been opened and remains cordoned off.
The practical certificate of completion has not yet been issued because of this, and once the council issue it, a 12 month countdown will begin until the Council take over management of this area.
The estate management company – HML – have liaised with the Council who are apparently chasing Croudace to complete the necessary works.
I wanted to report updates on progress to the residents and so contacted Dan Sames (District Councillor) on 4th March 2020. This was then immediately referred to Councillor Lucinda Wing who then wrote to Karyn Panting (S106 Development Monitoring Officer– Planning and Enforcement Team).
Karyn responded on the 6th March to confirm that they are indeed chasing Croudace and that they were in the process of getting an independent inspector out on the site to write a report.
Lucinda then replied to Karyn saying “What is the next step if Croudace won’t play ball? And how are we keeping residents updated on progress? Can we write to them or send updates to the original email distribution list we had from site meet?”
Since then we heard nothing, so I emailed Karyn on 25th May saying that I was updating an article in the Parish magazine about the issue and what was happening. Her response was “Can you advise me where you are writing an article for? I will then need to direct you to the comms team for information.” I sent her a link to our Parish magazine and heard nothing back.
So I emailed Karyn again on the 8th June for an update, and received absolutely no response.
So on 14th June I emailed Lucinda and Dan again, and Lucinda replied immediately, chasing Karyn.
Since then I have heard nothing.
The communication from Lucinda and Dan has been excellent, but from Karyn, non-existent.
So I want to know, on behalf of the residents, what action has been taken by the Council.
Has a survey been carried out, and if so what did it conclude and how was it then used?
What correspondence has there been between the Council and Croudace and what has been discussed and agreed?
I continue to update residents in our local parish magazine.
Yours faithfully,
Martin Richardson
Reference: 0625 EIR – CDC
Dear Mr Richardson,
I am writing to update you on your request for information.
Unfortunately, the Council has not been able to supply you with the
response to this request. Please accept the Council’s apologies for this
delay.
Due to these unprecedented times with regards to COVID-19, resources are
having to be diverted elsewhere. As such, we are endeavouring to respond
to information requests within timeframes where possible. This is because
the Council will necessarily need to prioritise its staff and resources on
the delivery of key services. The Information Commissioner recognises that
this may occur during this unprecedented time and [1]has given guidance.
Please be assured that officers are actively working on this request, and
will update you again as soon as possible.
As the Council has not met the statutory deadline for responding to this
request, you do have the right to request an Internal Review now. However,
you may wish to reserve your right to do this until you have received and
considered the Council’s response.
Kind regards,
Marianna Marou
Access and Disclosure
Law and Governance
On behalf of Cherwell District Council
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Dear Martin
I am writing to you with regards to your freedom of information request
you made to us in June regarding the play area in Ambrosden.
I just wanted to ask have you been updated with the latest information
that has been sent to the Parish Council with regards to the play area and
the progress of this site.
If you have and are happy with this, would you be happy for us to close
your FOI request.
Regards
Caroline
Caroline Croghan
Management Support Officer
PA to Ed Potter
Environmental Services
Cherwell District Council
Direct Dial 01295 221916
Extension 7023
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Dear Caroline Croghan,
I have at last received a reply to say that something is pending, so I will wait a little longer to see what happens. You can therefore close this request but it will be re-issued if my requests for information are again not actioned.
Yours sincerely,
Martin Richardson
Dear Martin
Thank you for your email.
I am glad to here that you are awaiting information.
I will close this request.
Regards
Caroline
Caroline Croghan
Management Support Officer
PA to Ed Potter
Environmental Services
Cherwell District Council
Direct Dial 01295 221916
Extension 7023
mailto:[email address]
www.cherwell.gov.uk
Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/cherwelldistrictcouncil. Follow us on Twitter @Cherwellcouncil
Did you know Cherwell carries out MOT's for local residents and businesses?
To make a booking please contact us on 01295 221916
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