Cllr Roy Gerstner – Community Activist

I am informed that at last nights Whittlesey Town Council Planning Committee, ‘only’ 2 Councillors attended – this makes the meeting invalid because the committee is NOT quorate. A member of the public came out on a cold winters night to attend the meeting
.
When Cllr Alex Miscandlon gave an introduction to his chairmainship of Whittlesey Town Council he placed great emphasis on being ‘Respectful’.

This not attending and NOT giving any apologies is most disrespectful as it has happened on more than one occasion – by the same Councillors.
We all miss meetings due to various circumstances, but should always inform the Clerk/Chairman of our absence – …..

The ‘missing Councillors’ not attending and not giving any apologies…. were.
Cllrs Haq Nawaz, Saeed Aarman, Diana Dickinson, & Gurninder Singh-Gill.
Cllr Peter Bibb sent his apologies.

North Bank Road alongside the River Nene, East of Peterborough and West of Dog-in-a-Doublet Sluice

A Flood Warning has been issued by the Environment Agency.

Flood Warning in force: North Bank Road alongside the River Nene, east of Peterborough and west of Dog-in-a-Doublet Sluice.

Flooding is expected for: North Bank Road alongside the River Nene to the east of Peterborough and the West of the Dog-in-a-Doublet Sluice.

Immediate action required.

Heavy rain has fallen in the Peterborough area which has caused levels to rise on the River Nene. During periods of high tide the River Nene will be unable to discharge into the sea, resulting in tide lock conditions. This is likely to lead to localised flooding of the North Bank Road, between Peterborough and Rings End.

Whilst this Flood Warning is in force, the Local Authority will close North Bank Road. Diversionary routes will be put in place and further updates will be available through local media. Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded.
We are closely monitoring the situation and this message will be updated by 07/01/2024, or before, if the situation changes.

The planned mega-incinerator for Wisbech by Medworth CHP Ltd for the Medworth Energy from Waste Combined Heat and Power Facility (also known as the Wisbech Incinerator).

(Some history)  https://www.fenland.gov.uk/wisbechincinerator

See agenda below – there will be a member of the Saxongate Group attending these meetings and if/when I get any update/reports will post up here…

As we go into the new year, we have set up some more chances for you to meet members of your local neighbourhood team.

Whether you want to make us aware of any concerns, or simply want to learn more about the work we have been doing in your area, these events are your chance to do so!

If this is something you’re interested in, come and meet us:

👮‍♂️Between 10am and 12pm at Peel House in Queen Street, Whittlesey, next Monday (6 January)

👮‍♂️Between 10am and 12pm at March Library in City Road, on Tuesday, 7 January

We hope to see you there!

If you are unable to attend on this occasion, we will continue to do these throughout 2025, so keep an eye out on here or Facebook to hear about future events.

Alternatively, you can let us know about your concerns through this short survey.

Working for the Disney Corporation/Cruise Line I had the honor of meeting many people who brought their families for holidays.
Disney are very strict on inter-action and photographing not just the famous but all guests without permission.

Ex President Jimmy Carter who has passed away recently came with his extended family for a ‘Book Signing’ program/cruise.

The threatre was full with 1,500 people wanting a signed copy.
He saw me afterwards and thanked me for my technical support –
We had at various times most Presidents and passed Presidents join us.

Jimmy Carter RIP

Then again, I met Jonathan Ross – thats a different story?

Unusual for me to be ‘quiet’ for so long – I am recovering (hopefully) from my second bout in 6 months of cronic ‘Bronchopneumonia’

My being able to see someone at New Queen Street Surgery on the 27th was helpful – however the medication did little to nothing.

I have today ‘seen’ a real doctor (not at NQS) and hopefully the medication(s) will kick in.
Hope to be back soon (feeling better).

Next Community Movie Afternoon

Queen St Church – Sunday 5^th Jan.

Doors 1.30pm for 2pm start.

“Saving Grace” – stars Brenda Blethyn

Crime Comedy – cert 15
(some strong language and drugs references)

A wealthy widow discovers that she is not wealthy at all: in fact she is £300,000 in debt, thanks to her late husband’s failed business ventures. To get her out of debt, her handyman comes up with a plan to grow a certain cash crop in her greenhouse.

These regular winter events are free with refreshments served during interval. Donations welcomed to offset operating expenses. Card transactions now available if preferred.

Our audience numbers have dropped considerably,
please support it if you value this local resource!

Wishing everyone a Happy, Hopefully Healthy and Prosperous New Year.

Roy & Connie

Below are the major developments approved by FDC during 2024.
Robust debate and representation is always considered at the time,
and as previously stated, there needs to be a ‘planning reason’ to refuse
an application…..and unfortunately doctors and dentists are not part of
planning rules, in many cases here in Whittlesey for example – The New Queen Street Surgery will comment that they do not have any further capacity.

Fenland

425 homes, land south of Barkers Lane and east of Wimblington Road, March

Councillors in Fenland approved plans for 425 homes in March after the developer said they would not make existing sewage flooding issues worse.

The developer, Barratt David Wilson Homes Cambridgeshire, said its plans offered a “fantastic opportunity to create a legacy to support the growth of March”.

175 homes, Drybread Road, Whittlesey

Councillors approved plans to build 175 homes in Whittlesey, despite some concerns being shared about the impact of the development on traffic “chaos” in the town.

The developer, Allison Homes Ltd, said they had put together a “package of mitigation measures” to address the highway’s impact.

249 homes, land north Eastrea Road, Whittlesey

Similar concerns about the impact of the new homes on Whittlesey’s roads were raised by councillors in relation to plans to build 249 new homes.

The developer, Rose Homes (EA) Limited said the development would “maintain highway safety” and that a range of highway improvements were planned.

110 homes, Upwell Road, March

Detailed plans to build 110 new homes on land off Upwell Road in March, were approved by Fenland District Council in November.

The development is due to include a mix of flats and houses.

The developer, Allison Homes, said 22 of the homes would be made available as affordable housing.

1,200 homes, land west of the Avenue, March

An outline application for 1,200 homes on the edge of March was approved, with the homes due to be built across 52 hectares of land west of The Avenue.

A new primary school, allotments, a local centre, as well as parks and open spaces are also proposed.

The developer, Persimmon Homes East Midlands, has said it plans to build the new homes over three phases between 2026 and 2038.

50 homes, land north of Lambs Hill Drove, March

Plans for a further 50 homes on the edge of March were approved in December.

The homes are proposed to be built on a field north of Lambs Hill Drove, and will form part of a wider development of over 400 new homes to the south of the town.

The developer, Cannon Kirk Developments Ltd, said it would make 20 per cent of the new homes available as affordable housing.