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Feedback on community concerns

Index

  1. 2017 Community Safety - top concerns
  2. 2012 Comments on parking difficulties
  3. 2006 Open Spaces - should Round Hill's existing greenspaces remain underdeveloped?

2017 Community Safety

1. Community Safety Concerns of which we are aware

2. Residents' feedback on top three concerns

3. Suggestions on how we use the feedback:

Actions on poor street lighting and flytipping and dumping

4. Should we become a Neighbourhood Watch?

5. Grants of up to £5,000 may be given to support a Neighbouthood Watch scheme.

1. Community Safety Concerns of which we are aware

Although we live in a lovely, congenial area, a few current problems might benefit from attention. Recently, the Round Hill Society has been made aware of some concerns about:

  • Theft of/ damage to bikes;
  • Dangerous driving and excess traffic speeds on residential roads;
  • Rat-runs causing excessive volume of traffic on Wakefield Road/ Princes Crescent;
  • The lack of pedestrian crossings on the busy Upper Lewes Road;
  • Drug dealing and discarded needles;
  • Doorstep crime;
  • Burglary;
  • Graffiti and tagging;
  • Fly tipping;

These concerns are in the context of noticeable reductions in neighbourhood policing and some frustration associated with reporting crime via the 101 facility.

What can we do to improve matters?

Following initial discussion at Round Hill Society meetings, and some research into what has worked in other urban areas, we are proposing to look at the feasibility of introducing a rejuvenated and amplified Neighbourhood Watch Scheme, a 21st century version, possibly in conjunction with a bid for funding for Community Safety initiatives from the PCC. Through such an initiative we would aim to strengthen our relationship with local police officers and develop a mutually supportive relationship. In the end we want to support each other and make our community as safe as possible.

We would like to know:

  1. Do you think this idea is worth pursuing?
  2. What are your priorities regarding community safety? Please name your top three.

Over to you!

2. Residents' feedback on top three concerns

  • Sounds great! As an active window twitcher I'm all for anything to deter the scallywags. I think awareness is key, they need to know we are all watching.
  • Yes! Priorities for me in this area are: drug dealing, graffiti (& other anti-social behaviour) and dangerous driving.
  • I agree an active 21st century neighbourhood watch sounds ideal. I'm thinking pro-active reporting to the council/police and cctv surveillance of homes and streets.
  • That's a really good summary Sandy. It seems as though almost every street has its own specific problem. I like the idea of a modern NW scheme but it can't be left to a handful of people to run it; needs mass participation really to make Round Hill a no-go area for people up to no good. My 3 priorities are anti social behaviour, tagging and litter/dumping.
  • I’d like better lighting up cats creak or whatever the steps are called. I know this might be a problem for the nearby houses but it’s pretty scary up there and a couple of times people have defecated there. Yuk! Thanks for doing this.
  • I’d be keen on getting some streetlights where the motorcycle parking bays are, as this helps deter thieves, or perhaps move the MC parking bays to be next to streetlights!
  • My priorities... anti social behaviour, litter and junk dumped on the streets, speeding cars.
  • I’m definitely in. My priorities are firstly, street lighting - it’s so dark walking home from work. Burglaries and fly tipping.
  • I think we need some sort of traffic calming, especially in Upper Lewes Road. The way it’s laid out now makes crossing the road quite scary with drivers racing from either side to get to the next passing spot. When there’s no traffic ahead cars sometimes race from one end to the other. Is it supposed to be 20mph or has that gone out the window? Apart from that, graffiti and general antisocial behaviour both seem to have increased in the last few years.
  • Fast driving (more aware now as a cat owner I guess!) Dog poo Overhanging foliage.
  • Cats creep - seen drug deals on a few occasions just from parking my car near on RHC. Anti social behaviour, burglary/theft.
  • Lighting is awful. Particularly round Mayo and up to the Ditchling Road.
  • Some illustrative photos of dumping on Upper Lewes Road.
  • I think neighbourhood watch is a great idea. My 3 priorities are street lighting, burglaries and fly tipping.
  • I do agree that we need to take some form of action of protecting our neighbourhood. Since the demise of our local policewoman who we could discuss concerns, I have notice deterioation in our streets. My three major concerns are: Graffiti and tagging, Drug dealing and discarded needles and Rat Runs.
  • Speeding rat runwise, fly tipping, bike theft.
  • Excessive speeding, lack of crossing on Upper Lewes Road and antisocial behaviour which includes fly tipping, drug dealing/needles.
  • How about bollards at the junction of Princes and Mayo? That's where I encounter the most speedy drivers ? Sorry to Supermarket vans but there are other routes.

3. Suggestions on how we use feedback

Some of the concerns mentioned by Round Hill residents are also addressed by members of the Neighbourhood Watch network:

See their Frequently Asked Questions and their table below:

Antisocial behaviour   Elder abuse
Bicycle theft   Hate crime & incidents
Burglary   Password protection
Car crime   Rural crime
Child sexual exploitation   Scams
Dog theft   Serious violence
Domestic abuse   Terrorism

Another good knowledge base is what Local Authorities are doing to address residents' concerns. Brighton and Hove City Council responds to many requests and complaints - thus contributing to community safety.

3a. Volunteers (i.e. Round Hill residents) are already checking street light performance

Brighton and Hove City Council has a web page on Street lighting with a link to Report a Faulty Street Light. Interestingly,  our Council has been involved in a major New Street Lighting project. They are attempting to replace more than 18,000 lighting points, providing new energy efficient LED lighting in several parts of the city.

See Brighton and Hove City Council's street light work schedule (XLS 31KB) for streets affected. The upgraded lights will be more efficient and low maintenance, reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions by up to 61%, and eventually saving the council around £200,000 a year.

Local resident Dom Furlong writes: "I've spoken with the Acting Manager of the Street Lighting Team at the Council, Dan McParland. The Cats' Creep steps have four lights on them: one at the top, one at the bottom, and two on the actual steps. Dan's agreed to escalate the change over of the three orange lights on the Cats' Creep to white LED lights -- the fourth light's already been done. He said they couldn't add any more lights due to the private gardens on either side of the steps. This should slightly improve the lighting there but the LED lights are more spot-focused and not as diffused as the old-style orange lights. There is also the issue that if people are better able to see on the Cats' Creep, this may encourage drug-taking there. On balance, however, I think the white LED street lights should be an improvement and make people feel safer."

Note that Brighton and Hove City Council shows willingness to address concerns on an individual basis and provides the contact details [Tel: 01273292517 or Email: streetlighting@brighton-hove.gov.uk ] of its street lighting department.

Some common concerns [e.g. removal of historic cast iron columns; lights shining into properties] are addessed in the FAQ section: scroll to bottom of The Council's Street lightening improvements page.

One such concern is whether the appearance of the structures associated with the new LED lighting will be in keeping with the character and appearance of our conservation area? How well will the new designs blend in with our historic cast iron street light columns. See Brighton and Hove City’s Council web pages: Local List of Heritage Assets and illustrated PDF on our historic street lights.

3b. Extra measures to prevent dumping?

Our community could perhaps do more to keep tabs on who is doing the dumping and police follow-up. If we could increase local awareness and obtain better liaison with the police through Neighbourhood Watch, that might help.

It is also worth publicising existing channels for reporting:

If you witness flytipping, know who is doing it, or see items left abandoned in public space, reporting options are:

Reporting not only deters dumping, but as the report goes to Cityclean it usually ensures that the offending items are fairly quickly collected.

 

4. Should we become a neighbourhood watch?

See: Setting up a neighbourhood watch scheme

The  advantage of the Neighbourhood Watch model is that many groups around the UK have applied themselves to finding solutions for several concerns which we share in Round Hill. Also, it offers a structure which the police is used to working with. The signage used by Neighbourhood Watch groups is recognisable - we might get help in financing it -  and probably a bit of a deterrent to thieves. Belonging to the Neighbourhood Watch network entitles residents to discounts from certain home insurance companies (e.g. 10% at the Coop). Feedback would be welcome on whether residents would be happy to adopt the umbrella of Neighbourhood Watch. We would then need to structure ourselves according to the guidance in Setting up a neighbourhood watch scheme and find residents to fill the necessary positions.

Each scheme has a coordinator who acts as the key contact point for the scheme. They liaise with the police, scheme members and the general public – for instance, people who are interested in joining the scheme – as well as non-member residents when necessary. A scheme may have more than one coordinator as long as members and police know who the key contacts are. The coordinator ensures a smooth flow of information and communication between the police and scheme members.

If we are handling a budget, expenses and bidding for fund money, there ought to be a Treasurer involved as well. Shoud it be difficult to find volunteers to cover roles such as 'Treasurer', The Round Hill Society could probably double up on certain roles. We have a 'Treasurer' and already address community safety at our meetings, but getting further residents giving time to this topic would be our ideal.

Click here for details of grants of up to £5,000 which we may be awarded in support of a Round Hill neighbourhood watch.

Please note: The comments below were made in 2012. From Monday 1st July 2013, Round Hill became a Controlled Parking Zone.

Comments on parking concerns

Princes Road
•"Parking anywhere remotely close to our homes has become increasingly impossible. CPZ for Princes Road is now long overdue. This situation needs to be reconsidered and addressed as a matter of urgency. It's only a matter of time before frustration turns into an angry situation due to either double parking or non-residents taking advantage of free parking and leaving vehicles for weekends or in many instances longer and without road tax! No more deliberation, decision time for CPZ to be granted."

•"I want to be able to park my car either in my street or nearby, which I am unable to do due to displacement parking since Zone 3 commenced."

•"so many vans and cars being left for days and weeks at a time."

•"Parking on the street has become very bad mainly due to residents from other streets who refuse to pay on street parking charges parking in our road.The problem is made worse by the fact that one particular resident regularly parks several cars and vans in the road.."

•"Parking needs to be reconsidered for roundhill due to the large influx of non-resident parking now in the area."

•"Parking around Princes Road is outrageous. I arrive home from work at 17:30 & there's never any spaces. I have to search forever & when I eventually find a space it's very far from my house. I know for a fact people park in & around Princes Road when they do not live there just because they don't want to pay for a permit in their own road. Also people park their cars in Princes Road all day so they can get a train from London Road station irr morning & collect car in evening. Enforce CPZ!."

•"I am all for our area to be a controlled parking zone. I for one am sick of not being able to park anywhere near where I live and actually know of several people who live as far away as the Marina who park their car on Princes Road!."

•"One problem with the council's previous proposal was the introduction of many more no parking zones so reducing the already limited number of parking spaces available. Most of the narrow corners and difficult junctions in the area are now yellow lined so CPZ YES please, more parking restrictions -NO."

•"Fed up with having to park in another street, especially with a car load of shopping/children. The street is always full of tradesman vans who leave their vehicles here over the weekend. Several cars and vans have been in the same position for 6 months or more."

•"Our street has become a parking lot of the London Road Station, as well as and long term parker and weekend shoppers. The Council need to provide a park and ride service on the Ditchling Road side of town! Once in a while I would like to be able to park near my house to save me been forced to double park and dangerously unloading children and shopping."

•"I am a 71-year old grandmother who travels from Crowborough once a week to look after my grandchildren. It is very inconvenient to have to drive round for 20 minutes to find a parking space, only to have to park in the next street. I really don't know how you all deal with this every day."

•"Parking is a nightmare since the permits were bought in on other streets. Please reconsider!."

•"Now exceptionally difficult to park in Round Hill esp when taking/bringing back two small grandsons (both under 4) from school."

•"I regularly visit my grandchildren in the Princes Road area, and find it increasingly difficult to park in the locality."

•"When we visit our daughter and her family on Princes Road we are aghast at the parking difficulties people in the Round Hill area face."

•"I often visit my son and family and cannot believe how difficult it is to park for residents. I travel from Birmingham and have never seen anything like it. It is a real problem in Brighton!"

•"I've been a regular visitor, soon to become resident, to Princes Road for the last two years. Finding a parking space has always been difficult but has definitely become harder in the last few months. Parking on some street corners also makes negotiating them difficult and I've noticed the recycling vehicle reversing up Princes Road having been unable to get round the corner at Mayo Rd because of parked cars."

•"Parking is a problem when we visit relatives in Princes Road."

•"In favour looking at parking"

•"Unable to park due to no residents' parking

•"There has been a marked increase in the number of non-residents' parking. Number of long-term parked cars are now in the road."

•"Unable to park"

•"Unable to park, evenings and weekends"

•"To whom it may concern, In view of the increased pressure on parking in Princes Road and the immediate area, which appears to be a result of the changed parking status in other roads, we would wish to voice our support for residents parking in Princes Road. We ask that the council review this situation as a matter of urgency."

•"My attention was drawn to the small white saloon car parked opposite my house because of the large duvet on the back seat. I went on holiday, it was still there when I returned, three weeks it was parked in all and then it went. That very day a similar car appeared and stayed for ten days. I have now managed to park my own car outside my own house, first time in months."

•"Please add my name to the list of people who would like the parking in our area looked at again."

•"We are tired of fighting for ever diminishing parking spaces on our road and do not want Round Hill to become a dumping ground for vehicles from non-residents. It's at a point now where we think twice about moving our car and it shouldn't have to be like this. No one wants to have to pay more but we think a CPZ is the only solution as this situation will only get worse!"

•"I've just taken delivery of my shopping from Sainsburys; the driver was saying how much he hates our road as there is never any parking even during the day. It indicates clearly that our complaints/fears are not simply the product of concerned residents!

•"Parking in Princes Road is now very difficult, especially after 5.30ish. I would never take out my car in the evening as it is impossible to park. I have had a white transit van permanently parked outside my house for one whole week now. A blue camper van was parked opposite; it was recently removed but had been there since Christmas."

•"I do not believe that Round Hill can offer safe and pleasant streets if we turn our conservation area into the last bastion of free parking for all. Circa £2 per week is a small cost for vehicle owners to pay for a cleaner environment and preferential treatment for our own residents' parking, access and pedestrian needs."

•"There has been a marked increase in the number of non-residential parking. Number of long-term parked cars are now in the road."

Crescent Road
•"in favour of resident parking scheme."

•"This was always going to happen. I cannot think why so many voted against last time. Fifteen years ago, this was an easy park area. Failing to act will only result in a chaos of double parking and gridlock in the future. Even better, junk the car and join the City Car club."

•"I'm feeling very frustrated about not always being able to park near my house. I would much rather pay 30p a day to be able to park outside my house."

•"Roundhill is now being used as a free parking area for many people who do not live in the area but wish to avoid payment over the other side of Ditchling Road. This can be seen on any day by a stroll down Ditchling Rise in comparison to Princes Crescent, Belton Road, Crescent Road in Roundhill. This is not an acceptable way in which to deal with traffic issues in the area and needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency."

•"We need contolled parking as soon as possible."

•"Just today, Saturday, I happened, by chance - once when going to the post box and the other when putting out rubbish - to see two people come and collect cars which, to my certain knowledge, had been parked overnight. Neither of those people was a resident of this street."

•"It can be impossible to park now that permit only parking has been introduced locally..we need cpz to incorporate the roundhill area."

Princes Crescent & parts of Sylvan Hall
•"I was unsure the last time we were offered CPZ but now I realise that we have to go ahead with it. Yellow lines will eventually be put on certain streets and corners in any case as large vehicles are increasingly causing traffic jams etc. Imagine what our streets would be like to park in with alt the yellow lines and no CPZ?"

•"Parking ANYWHERE near our house would be nice for our family of 5. I use my bike most of the time, but sometimes a car is an unfortunate evil necessity."

•"As a mother of young twins, I really need to be able to park somewhere near our house. Most of the cars parked in our street and outside our house are LONG-TERM car leavers. Many cars have been left outside our house for MONTHS, without being moved at all."

•"I have asked Brighton Council on two separate occassions to strongly consider introducing CPZ in the Roundhill part of the city. The long-standing difficulties of parking in this area have been exacerbated by the recent introduction of CPZ in neighbouring streets. As a result, large numbers of commercial and non-resident vehicles are now parked on our streets, some legally, others not. I earnestly ask the Council, on behalf of Roundhill residents, to introduce CPZ to our neighbourhood."

•"Since controlled parking has been introduced in adjoining areas the situation in the area is now out of control.[*]"

•"I return home between 6-8.00pm most evenings. I can never park outside my house, or along the stretch of road where my house sits. Most of all, very often I have to park several streets away as there are so many vehicles on Princes Crescent. Please bring in controlled parking."

•"It is impossible to find a parking space in the Princes Crescent area, if one returns in the evening, from visiting elderly parents or friends. Please help!"

•"I see people park up for work every morning. Large converted vans are left parked up for weeks on end as are some cars. Parking in the evenings and weekends anywhere near your own home is practically impossible."

•"Find it impossible to park outside my home."

•"Parking on Princes Crescent has been a nightmare since parking charged were introduced on nearby streets. It would be great if we could get residential parking introduced."

•"Yet again I've seen two people park their cars and catch the bus into town."

•"I fully support the implementation of controlled parking in the roundhill area. Parking in the area for residents is getting noticeably worse."

•"As a GP I need to have access to my car to go to work and from there do home visits each day. Sometimes I come home late after evening surgeries and have to park 5-10 minutes walk away form my house. As someone whose work relies on me having access to my car, the difficulty finding spaces convenient to my house is very frustrating and time consuming."

•"Being a resident of the area for over 33 years, seen many changes to the Crescent all mainly caused by the overcrowding car/van and the pavement damage they cause. Would all residence be guaranteed a parking space as there'll be many additional double yellow lines introduced? I say bring it on and clear out our Roundhill."

•"Please put CPZ on Princes Crescent as it's getting increasingly difficult to get parking near my street. I often end up parking illegally overnight as absolutely no spaces anywhere near. Also, have noticed other cars parked in such a way as to obstruct road access. It's dangerous."

•"I have 6 month old twins and a 3 year old. I find it very hard to safely transfer them to and from my car as I have to park a long way away from my house frequently."

•"Look again at parking"

•"Having recently moved to the area (June 2010) we are finding the parking increasingly difficult and would welcome the introduction of parking control."

Roundhill Road
•"I hate CPZs as it is another way for the council to cash in on the motorist but alas as they have increased so has the problem of not being able to park in my own road, so it is with regret and a firm finger of blame pointing at the council that I sign this petition. But I am cheered up by the fact that working for the council is no longer a secure career option for the obtuse."

Roundhill Street
•"My husband and I totally support this initiative. Parking in the Roundhill area is very difficult mostly because of cars and vans from outside that are left in area. Minimum 4 days a week we need to left our car at least 3-4 blocks away from our home. We are willing to pay an small amount to change this situation."

Belton Road
•"in response to Round Hill Reporter article March 2011 “Speaking of traffic”. I support parking controls and would have voted yes last time but Belton Road was only going to have parking along one side of the road"

Wakefield Road
•"I am a single mother with young children. I cannot park near my home and sometimes it is a 10-minute walk to my house from the nearest space. Frightening after dark."

•"This is now essential. Unless you are home to park by 7pm you simply can't. Vehicles sit in Wakefield Road for days on end."

•"Sometimes I have to walk 15 mins to get home late at night and park up near 5 ways. My car has been badly damaged from being hit by a large vehicle when I did manage to park because of the road becoming so narrow with cars parked on both sides...cars from other roads with zoning. I have 3 children...4 of us to one car. I am a single mum. I have an elderly father who depends on me. That 15 mins to get to my car just may cost him his life. Is it worth it?"

•"We can't park near our house. Sometimes I have to walk for 15 minutes to get home in the dark."

Richmond Road
•"The ownership of a car is becoming a luxury. We need to control parking facilities in neighbourhoods such as Round Hill, where neighbouring areas already have CPZs and the overflow comes here. It is becoming difficult for large service vehicles to negotiate the corners in Mayo and other Roads.."

•"We do not own a car but our quality of life is affected by the volume of traffic, cars parking on pavements (I have 2 small children and use a pushchair and often have to cross the road to get round parked cars) and missed refuse collections (due to poor parking). We are also concerned that emergency vehicles may not be able to access our property in the event of a fire, again due to poor parking on tight corner."

•"It's impossible to park anywhere near my house after about 6.00 pm at night (Richmond RD, D'Aubigny, Roundhill Crescent). If I try later than 9.00 pm, on some nights there is nowhere at all within the Roundhill area. This is particularly difficult when you have tired young children with you."

•"It’s a yes from me we need controlled parking some nights when coming home from work I end up parking up Ditchling Rd."

•"I have long been opposed to CPZ and the idea for paying to park outside your own home, but the introduction of it in the London Rd Station area has merely displaced free car parking seekers to Roundhill. Taking your car out of a space anytime past 7.30pm and the worry that you won't find anywhere to park it on your return (as a single woman) means I heavy-, but whole-heartedly support it!"

•"Sort it out."

Mayo Road
•"We need to have enforcement of the highway code as well as controlled parking - vehicles park on corners and bends without consideration of emergency vehicle access, others obstruct pavements and cycle lanes in Lewes Road and between Lewes Road and Upper Lewes Road."

Ashdown Road
•"Please review the parking within the area or at least introduce permit parking at least to reduce the amount of cars in the area. I don't care if I have to pay per year, that's the price of owning a car!!!!."

Roundhill Crescent
•"Residents find it very difficult to park and I often have to park ten minutes away from my home as the road is crowded with cars from other streets."

•"Parking is increasingly problematic in Roundhill Crescent - there's no doubt that CPZ will make life easier for residents."

•"We are a city centre residential area close to a shopping area, main line railway station and a further train station and surrounded by other CPZ's. The parking situation has become impossible!"

•"Friends who have a CPZ have commented how it has made parking so much easier."

•"Since CPZ was introduced in neighbouring areas of Brighton, finding parking space in my area let alone near my home is a daily challenge."

•"Roundhill Crescent has long been a nightmare for residents who wish to park in the road in which they live. If parking were restricted to residents, the quality of life for these residents would be considerably enhanced and a persistent strain of low level---and sometimes intense level---stress would be removed. It seems that the road is a convenient place to park ( sometimes for days at a time) for people who live elsewhere. Also, stolen cars have been left in the road--once outside my house!."

•"Current situation is intolerable with both displaced parking from other controlled zones and commuters using it as nearest free parking to station. I regularly waste 20-30 minutes hunting for a parking space and then end up 10minutes walk from home."

•"I am currently working abroad, but my wife needs to be able to park near our house and avoid the constant stress of coming back and finding it difficult to park. I do not like to think of my wife having to walk back to our house alone from a parking space some distance from the house. Many of the cars parked are from other roads and often during the daytime are from much further afield. Some non- local cars are left for days, even week."

•"CPZ Yes"

Ditchling Road
•"The problem was created by the Council in the first place. If there had been no CPZs there would also be no displacement. Now that they have us over a barrel with this glorified protection racket, what choice do we have but to say yes. So, yes please give us an additional tax, I sign."

2006 Open Spaces

See illustrated article on using heritage policies to protect Round Hill's distinctive green ribbons from development.

These responses were compiled in the wake of the Council's 2006 Open Spaces Questionnaire, which caused many Round Hill residents concern by focusing almost exclusively on parks and recreation grounds at the expense of privately owned open spaces. At the time, this omission was contrary to the Government's PPG17 Guidance at the time. However, the latter guidance is now archived as the government's planning policy framework has changed to give greater priority to housing targets.

Question 1 - Do you think the remaining green spaces in Round Hill should remain undeveloped? Or do you think it is reasonable for landowners to develop land for occupation by new residents? If so, would some types of building be more acceptable than others? 


1. I think the remaining green spaces in Round Hill should be left undeveloped. The area is already over populated, parking a great issue (we moved here a year and a half ago and have noticed a huge difference in our ability to park our car in that short space of time)Also, how would builders etc access these areas to build these houses suggested behind the Round Hill crescent without a great deal of aggravation to the local residents?

2. They should remain undeveloped, there are little enough green spaces as it is and further development means an addition to the already critical parking problems in the area.

3. I am totally against these proposals. I think that these spaces should remain undeveloped. The area has such a high concentration of buildings already with the attendant problem of parking that any more would add to it. Also I greatly fear for the wildlife in area. I live on the Upper Lewes Rd and have no garden to speak of, but still see foxes, squirrels and various birds passing through it. It would be a disaster if the green area was taken away and all these disappeared and all we have is houses,houses,houses.

4. With so many empty houses + industrial premises, build there if they must. The water table is disturbingly low, and wild life and trees threatened. Leave our green spaces alone.

5. Yes, they should remain undeveloped. There seems to be little point in calling Round Hill a Conservation Area if people are allowed to build more houses on our precious 'green ribbons', which are part of the area's unique character. We have to avoid town cramming. The Council's own character statement mentions our green ribbons. If another Council department were to give the go-ahead for building on those same spaces, it would make a mockery of all the work that went into the preparation of the character statement.

6. I believe that we should endeavour to preserve the green spaces that exist in Round Hill wherever possible. The issues of provision of adequate parking and access in an area that is already densely populated remain unresolved. Round Hill is a conservation area and it will not be possible to preserve and retain the character of Round Hill if we develop the few remaining green areas in this already congested part of Brighton. Developers always make assurances that any new buildings will have parking provided and they will not impact on existing residents, but the reality is often different. I cannot see any new developments that will not adversely affect the area. I hope planners will refuse the latest planning application as they have refused others previously.

7. They should remain undeveloped. The area is crowded with insufficient green areas.

8. The green spaces should remain untouched by the developers. There are many empty, unused existing buildings across the city that could be developed into affordable housing, rather than expensive loft style apartments for Londoners.

9. This is already a crowded hill. What green we do have, much of it enclosed and safe for wildlife, must be preserved as our city's lungs. What is neither green nor yet built on should be helped to become more green open space.

10. I would very much like to see green spaces remain, although the principle of redeveloping inner city for higher density 'dwelling' (rather than having sprawling suburbs or 'green-field' development) is also important because of implications for transport etc.

11. In my opinion Round Hill area should not be developed anymore. Too many people live here already with too few community facilities.

12. YES - Green spaces should remain undeveloped. Building on green spaces reduces levels of vegetation and wildlife which directly affects residents' quality of life. It also encroaches on the unique skyline and vistas (not to mention privacy) of the area. With more houses accomodating more people via flat conversions and student accomodation (paticularly prevalent in Round Hill) the introduction of more residents into the area compounds existing issues relating to car parking, traffic 'rat-runs' and pollution levels. The effects of continued 'urbanisation' of the area, with its strong sense of community, is an irreversible and derogatory option.

13. What little is left of 'green space' should remain green to preserve the numan and wild-life well-being. It is an area of conservation, where owners cannot alter features but new build is permissible?

14. I would prefer the remaining green spaces to remain undeveloped - absolutely. Though I understand that landowners may want to develop land - greed is a powerful driver. Single/two storey dwellings are more acceptable.

15. Yes they should remain undeveloped, this is already a crowded area with little enough green space left.

16. YES [to first question] NO [to others] The Roundhill is now densely populated and to have an increase in the numbers living here should NOT be allowed. Where would vehicles generated by these proposed developments park? There is already a severe parking problem in the area. How would emergency vehicles, delivery vans etc. access these areas?

17. The 1978 "Town Plan" designates these areas as conservation areas.

18. The spaces should be kept green.

19. I think that the remaining spaces should be left alone. Roundhill is very developed already and there is no room left for any more buildings. If every inch of land is built on it will feel claustrophobic (even more than it already does).

20. Small houses in keeping with the area are probably ok. Taking up no more than say 50% of the plot, and of course they must have off road parking.

21. YES - should remain undeveloped (We have no local park - the least we can do is keep the few green bits we have).

22. I think green spaces which are rare enough in this day and age are being overdeveloped and a halt should be put to it immediately. Perhaps more of hte brownfield type spaces should be developed and the green spaces left well alone before we totally destroy the natural diversity.

23. These areas should remain undeveloped. If the land has development on already, re-developement is an possiblity but not at a cost to the nature/green areas or to the character of the area. Acceptable and desirable properties that fit in with the surroundings. No more flats parking is at a premium now and it's getting worse.

24. We do think that any remaining green space in Round Hill should be left undeveloped, after all there is little enough green space in the area.

25. Green spaces in Roundhill should be protected against encroaching development. Our gardens and few remaining green areas act as wildlife corridors. The trees and flora also offset CO2 and pollution as well as providing a peaceful sanctuary for residents. There is too much overdevelopment in Brighton and Hove. Many rundown dwellings could be brought back into use.

26. Yes I think all green spaces should remain undeveloped - I am hoping to remove the paving in my back garden (on hte grounds that the land needs to breathe. I think there is a case for making it a requirement to request permission to put paving down in gardens especially in a conservation area.

27. There needs to be a balance between open space and development, with each proposal considered on its merits. That said, the balance in Round Hill seems uneven, so remaining open space should be carefully considered.

28. Generally do not think all these green spaces should be developed. The old garage site may be acceptable. We are particularly concerned at the Cat creep development or any other development actually in Roundhill.

29. YES they should remain undeveloped, the land should be left as it is; due to wildlife that have made their homes and flora.

30. Although I appreciate the need to build new dwellings in the city, this must not be at any cost. The spaces between the buildings in Round Hill are historically important as part of the original road layout but also provide much needed visual amenity for residents who are already crammed into an area with little open space available.

31. Should absolutely 100% be undeveloped, can we not ever stop building and allow the small amout of nature we do have to flourish? Its a disgusting thought of more blocks here. The area is just about bursting at the seams with cars....more flats means more cars. Yet again we can see the city council bowing to more thoughtless development ideas which take away the beauty we still have...I don't think any type of buildings are suitable....why not maybe invest money into keep and caring for the nature there...city council do you actually care? Can you see past ££££? It's not just about us here now it's about the future....and how our next generations can continue....with no nature it does not look bright!

32. Yes - because we have no public open space within Roundhill and because they are one of the features which define the area from afar - a unique townscape vista. We are all only caretakers and should consider that we need to add to the quality of the area by replacing original features such as slate roofs and windows - and defining features of conservation areas such as the green ribbons.

33. Yes - the green spaces are part of the character of the Roundhill conservation area, and it would be a great loss if that character changed.

34. I believe yes good to develop in areas that can take more people. Already Round Hill is sardine packed with people. No more room for cars here. Let alone more bodies.

35. We think the green spaces should remain undeveloped. They are our 'lungs' in an otherwise built-up area with no public open space. Also important for wildlife.

36. We are not opposed in principle to small-scale development eg. extensions, granny flats etc. by owner-occupiers for their own needs and use. However, we are opposed to larger scale developments as we feel that this will impact on the wildlife habitats locally and will remove valuable green space which is at a premium. We also feel that the infrastructure (parking in particular) in Roundhill cannot support larger developments.

37. Leave green spaces. No development.

38. Remain undeveloped. There are hideous, unused parts of Brighton where houses could be built. We want to keep our wildlife - it's all about profits for the few in these proposals, esp. CARELET.

39. Yes I do think the remaining green spaces should remain undeveloped. Our view would be destroyed. Parking the car is impossible here so any more developments would be most unwelcome due to volume of traffic.

40. Yes certainly.

41. Definitely remain undeveloped

42. Yes - they add to the quality of life of residents and most are quite unsuitable for building on ie. on steep slopes or sandwiched between other buildings.

43. Yes I think the remaining green spaces should remain undeveloped because (1) we do not have any parks within walking distance, especially for the elderly (2) the green spaces provide a vital habitation for wildlife under threat (3) there are enough people living in the area already.

44. Leave them as they are. Towns/cities also need a certain amount of wildlife.

45. No buildings should be put on these spaces. There is a lack of green spaces in this area. There should be open spaces for wild life.

46. I feel strongly that the remaining green spaces in Round Hill should remain undeveloped.

47. Yes, they should remain undeveloped. The area is already overcrowded and alos lacks amenities. The green spaces contribute enormously to the character of the area and the quality of our lives. Developments in these spaces always crowd into, and impact on, surrounding residential properties.

48. There are very few green spaces in Round Hill. Corridors and areas of greenery are essential for wildlife, providing vital feeding stations. Additional buildings lead to greater pollution by traffic in an area which is already congested.

49. They should remain undeveloped.

50. Yes, the green spaces must be preserved. Development would destroy the character of the Conservation Area.

51. The few remaining green spaces should remain undeveloped. The Round hill area does not have the infrastructure (eg parking spaces) to cope with more development.

52. Preferably leave spaces undeveloped. If not low rise, low density housing.

53. YES - it is outrageous that developers wish to build on this historic area of Brighton. The Cats Creep should remain as it is - it is an essential part of the character of Round Hill. No further development is acceptable.

54. They should remain undeveloped - this area comprises houses divided into flats and parking is limited. It is already an over-crowded area.

55. I live close to the Cats Creep glade. It's private property and he has the right to sell it on. To use the land for development may not be possible as there is no reasonable access for Emergency services.

56. I think green spaces should remain undeveloped for wildlife and to keep our gardens, so rare in central Brighton. There really isn't space to develop here in my view.

57. I most earnestly hope that the area between Wakefield Rd and Roundhill Crescent will not be developed; comparing this side of the valley with the cramped ranks in the bottom and on the far side makes me feel very fortunate to live where I do. The area on the seaward side of the stairs, being open, is a delight; the area on the northern side always seems a bit bare. I agree with all the comments about more parking problems, access during building and to the houses once built, and more pressure on resources. On the other hand, someone had to pay for the land originally and it seems churlish to prevent them releasing any part of their capital. There were many comments in the replies about "green space", but it is green space that only the fortunate 50%, who live on the correct side of the road, can enjoy. I wonder whether there's any form of "community purchase" scheme that could turn it into a publicly-accessible nature area rather than a publicly-visible (to some) one. There is a form of "wildlife garden" project behind Moulsecoomb station, or of course the area contained within Park Crescent, as examples? To bring two strands together, maybe we should suggest the Council focuses the building on the other side of the railway, on Upper Hollingdean Rd in place of their "dump"? The University of Brighton was recently prevented from building student residences on an area by Preston Barracks on nature grounds, so let's hope the Council listens again.

58. Definitely yes. Backland development has not served Round Hill well. Pressure on infrastucture has reached its limit and is a cause of frustration and conflict among pedestrians and drivers (whether residents with cars or service drivers). The clutter of vehicles spoils the spatial appearance of the streets - they are turning into little more than car parks. Our homes have not yet become 'mere dormitories', largely because of the backland - gardens and small plots which provide valuable habitats and stepping stones for the common wildlife which most of us enjoy.

59. We think the remaining green spaces in this area should remain undeveloped.

Conclusion 1: the overwhelming response from respondents was against further development in Round Hill (67 responses out of 69). Many think that the area is already too densely populated (17 responses) and others highlighted the parking and infrastructure problems that would be exacerbated by further development (13 responses). There was a feeling that green spaces should be conserved particularly because of Round Hill's status as a conservation area (8 responses) and the replies showed widespread concern at the general lack of green spaces or community amenities in Round Hill (23 responses).

Some respondents felt that a level of development was acceptable if it was sympathetic and balanced with conservation concerns (2 responses).

Question 2 - Would you like to see a greater level of protection in place for some of the green spaces in Round Hill (such as designation as a Site of Nature Conservation Importance)?

Some of the comments on question 2

1. I would love to see this occur.

2. Yes,it is time these plans were stopped. This is not a suitable area for further development.

3. I personally, would love to see any protection put in place to preserve these areas. This area NEEDS green spaces.

4. YES. We do the best we can in our garden, but already we've noticed the decline of birds, mammals and insects.

5. Yes. With the middle part of the green ribbon between Richmond Road and Round Hill Crescent being an award-winning wildlife garden, it would make sense to designate all of that green ribbon (from Ashdown Road all the way down Wakefield Road), and other green areas in Round Hill, as SNCIs. There is absolutely no public amenity space in this neighbourhood and these green 'lungs' are vital to the character of the Conservation Area and also to the well-being of its inhabitants, human and animal.

6. Yes

7. Yes, protection from 'development' proposals.

8. I would very much like to see this.

9. If the buildings of roundhill are precious enough to preserve as 'conservation area' status, then surely so are the spaces between them.

10. Yes - I think Round Hill is a special case (but then we'd all say that, wouldn't we!)

11. Yes

12. YES - A greater level of protection against planning applications is important. There appears to be political weight behind wholesale house building in the South East which is at the expense of an already densely populated region with implications on the infrastructure (i.e. roads, sewage, power...) Sites of nature that enhance an area should be exempt from developers' plans with brown field areas a priority.

13. The term itself, 'conservation area' affirms the desire to preserve the historical past. Roundhill is congested as it is with a flourishing student population and inadequate parking during term times. Further building would add to the congestion and destroy the character.

14. Yes - I think all the green spaces should be protected as part of the conservation of the area. There is a lot of wildlife in the wooded area bordering the cat creep steps that moves in and out of gardens.

15. Absolutely.

16. YES We have very little in the way of open green spaces in the area and I would not want to lose those we already have.

17. Yes.

18. Yes

19. Yes! Protect all the green spaces left before they disappear forever.

20. Only if they really are important sites.

21. Yes.

22. If this is the only way we can prevent our green spaces being lost to expensive housing developments then yes but I'd prefer councillors etc to use their common sense and realise that the local infrastructure and local natural diversity cannot cope with further development.

23. The area is losing these spaces fast and requires some sort of protection against greedy land owners who don't care about the people or area, they don't live here! All they are thinking about is money. How many people can i fit in the smallest space i can find?

24. Yes we would like to see a greater level of protection for green space in Round Hill.

25. It would be something to aim for - unfortunately planning laws seem to favour development and car parks over green spaces (witness all the fornt gardens being returned into parking lots!). Perhaps we could find a rare species and get the site designated as a SSI.

26. Yes - certainly the orchards behind the (Cats Creep) gardens in Richmond Road and certainly the copse at the bottom of Princes Road.

27. Greater protection is only appropriate if the space or some feature of it, deserves such protection.

28. Yes but apart from catcreep area where is there?

29. Yes there should be more protection for wildlife around this area, there is little enough of it as it is.

30. Yes - provision for urban forestry and wildlife is an important part of making Brighton an attractive and well-planned city. SNCI status will help to highlight the value to residents and the city as a whole.

31. Yes much higher level of protection..if this is not in place, the round hill and other areas will lose all identity and beauty like so many other once glorious places...

32. Yes - particularly more protection for trees which may not on their own be worthy of preservation but when considered as part of their contribution to green ribbons and the immediate environment, are.

33. I think this is an excellent idea and would preserve the green areas for wildlife and those who live and view the Roundhill area from across the valley.

34. Yes I would to see greater levels of protection for our very precious disappearing green spaces. I adore wild life and would like to preserve it. It is a huge pleasure in my life. I'm sure others agree.

35. This would be a very good plan to protect the area from over-development.

36. We would like to see more protection for the green spaces locally. Many local residents live in flats without gardens and for them these strips of greenery must be invaluable. We appreciate the diversity of wildlife (birds, foxes, etc.) they attract and are relieved that the large local cat population have other places to use as a toilet besides our garden.

There are plenty of developments already going up in this vicinity (Lewes Rd Technical College development, London Rd. Housing Association flats, Part ownership flats on Lewes Rd). Many of these are still unoccupied and we can't see there is a need for further developments in light of this.

37. Yes - can't trust the Council adequately.

38. Yes definitely - we are fortunate to have this rich wildlife in the heart of Brighton but it must be protected.

39. Yes - a site of NCI: the Round Hill does have a history which ought to be preserved also. Brighton doesn't have enough green spaces as it is and they are necessary "breathing spaces" to counteract the pollution from main roads such as Upper Lewes Road.

40. Yes, that's very important. We need to make this land safe for the future as pressure to develop this land will certainly increase.

41. Definitely - whatever it takes.

42. Definitely.

43. That is a good idea. What about using some of the spaces for the local community ie public gardens?

44. Yes.

45. Definitely - particularly for the strips of land between Richmond Road/Wakefield Road and Round Hill Crescent & Also Richmond Road/Mayo Road.

46. Yes I would like to see a greater level of green space protection in Round Hill.

47. Yes. Ideas for some kind of conservation garden in the space adjoining Princes Road and railway were imaginative but require a framework for recognition by the Council and local lanowners, as well as developers, that such developments are not encouraged or appropriate. The designation of a SNCI sounds an excellent idea.

48. Yes definitely. There may be planning policies in the pipeline that cover such areas.

49. Yes.

50. Yes.

51. Greater protection is needed to stop the succession of housing proposals. There should be a presumption in favour of using the city's empty buildings before further development takes place.

52. If this is possible.

53. YES - please protect all green space - for the following reasons:

- round hill and Cats Creep - historic context
- nature conservation
- enough people buildings and cars already. No more please!

54. Yes! Many residents loving here because of the garden views and the community spirit. This is threatened by over-development.

55. My cats use the Cats Creep glade as a playground. They don't hassle the wildlife but if it was designated as a conservation area then there would be bird lovers chasing or poisoning them as an excuse to protect the birds. I would hate it if it were to be developed.

56. Definitely.

57. Yes, definitely, as long as the impact is carried by a community effort rather than being imposed on the few people who actually own the land.

58. Definitely yes. As the Council's policies stand, there is little to prevent any land owner doing what Carelet has done (on their own plot) anywhere in Round Hill, and both Carelet's proposals for residential development have been unanimously refused! Note that the Council's Ecologist says that Carelet could have done the same (with chain-saws, an earth-digger and weedkiller) whether their plot was designated as a Site of Nature Conservation Importance or not. However, the SNCI designation is nevertheless a factor which Council and Members of the Planning Applications Sub-Committee would take into account RE the outcome of a proposal. This is why it is so outrageous that Carelet use the tactic of removing trees, vegetation and wildlife, devaluing an Open Space before residents have even been consulted via a PPG17 Open Space Survey on the amenity-value of the plot. Council's failure to insist on such a survey shows total neglect of current Government Guidance. Our best hope is a Supplementary Planning Document RE Nature Conservation that focuses deliberately on privately-owned 'green ribbons'/backland plots and has the status of Policy.

59. Yes.

Conclusion 2 - A significant majority of respondents were in favour of a greater level of protection (66 responses out of 69). Respondents particularly highlighted the value provided by wildlife and trees in the area (13 responses) and the area most mentioned for conservation was the space between Richmond Road/Wakefield Road and Round Hill Crescent which is bisected by the Cat Creep (5
responses).

Some felt that SNCI status would be of limited use or should only be sought if there were particular species/features to be safeguarded or wondered if SNCI status were the best approach (3 responses).

This page was last updated by Ted on 30-Oct-2021
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