Priti Patel chairs public meeting on Witham station upgrade
Witham MP, Priti Patel, chaired a public meeting about the Witham station planning proposals for local residents yesterday evening [Thursday 19 July 2018].
Representatives from Greater Anglia, the planning applicant, were in attendance to listen to the concerns of residents about the planning proposals.
At the meeting, concerns about the design of the proposed new multi-story car park, lighting in the car park at night and the publication of Council notices about the application were raised. Wider issues about highways, road and pedestrian safety issues, pollution and bus services to and from the station were also raised by residents.
Following the meeting, Priti said:
“This was a constructive meeting and I hope all of my constituents in attendance found it useful to raise their concerns about the planning application with representatives from Greater Anglia. It is important that, as the applicant, Greater Anglia representatives were present to listen to the concerns of local residents and reflect on these to see what areas may need to be revised in the application going forward to alleviate concerns.
“Concerns were raised specifically about the planning application, including: the development of the new multi-story car park, but also wider issues regarding highways, road safety, congestion and pollution. It is important that when planning applications are submitted, developers and local authorities consider and address the wider implications of development proposals.
“I have already followed up on all the issues raised at the meeting with Braintree District Council and Essex County Council to ensure that my constituents’ concerns are taken into account when this application is determined by the Planning Committee.
“I will be arranging another public meeting for local residents to discuss this planning application further and I will publicise details about this in due course.”