What’s happening in Chalfont St Peter?
From 1st August 2016 works will be carried out to accommodate a new pavement on the left hand side of Market Place as you travel up the hill towards Goldhill Common. The pavement is being added as part of a housing development being built by Persimmon Homes between the Co-op Supermarket (formerly Budgens) and the Dental Surgery.
To allow space for workmen to carry-out this activity (which includes removing earth and some trees from the current wooded bank) traffic will flow up Market Place where it usually flows down and the current parking bays will be used to accommodate traffic flowing down the hill.
As the work progresses up the hill, parking bays will be reinstated so that by the end of the works, all parking bays will be available as before.
This temporary new road layout will last for about 8-9 weeks, through August and September 2016 – after which time the traffic flow will return to normal.
Why is this happening?
In January 2014 planning permission was granted by the Government’s national Planning Inspectorate for Persimmon Homes to build 194 homes on the former Holy Cross Convent School site, which backs onto Market Place. Permission was granted following a previous refusal by Chiltern District Council and an appeal by Persimmon Homes which included a revised proposal.
The revised development will include 35% affordable housing; a 65-bedroomed residential care home; retention of an existing bungalow; retention of the existing chapel; retention and relocation of the existing playing field, plus provision of open space and footpaths through the existing woodland for public use. Details of the new homes can be found by clicking here and the retirement properties by clicking here.
What are the positive and negative aspects of the work?
It is inevitable that any development works will have an impact on the area, but Persimmon Homes are an experienced firm and a member of the Considerate Contractors Scheme and improvements to the original plans have been made as a result of local concerns.
Once the new path completed, it is expected that benefits such an increase in light and improved visibility of the great variety of shops on offer along Market Place will improve the aesthetics of the area and help local trade to thrive.
Local shop owners are working together as a group – and with the support of the Chamber of Commerce and Parish Council – to ensure that Chalfont St Peter will continue to be open for business as usual while the works take place.
Parking will still be available in the following locations in Chalfont St Peter:
- Precinct car park – 1 hour free
- Church Street car park – ample spaces available and the first hour free (just remember to visit the machine to obtain a free ticket). Longer stays require a paid-for ticket.
Some parking may also be available in the streets surrounding the village centre, but please be considerate to the residents in those streets by choosing the car parks where possible. Traders and local residents are on the look-out for inconsiderate parking, so please help to make Chalfont St Peter a great place to live, work and shop.
What is the Chamber of Commerce doing to help?
The Chamber of Commerce is working with Persimmon Homes and the Council to possibly extend the free parking options while the works are being carried out.
The Chamber of Commerce has met with shop owners and with Persimmon Homes to discuss a list of requests to minimise the impact of the development on the village.
We are also helping traders by developing a promotional opportunities during August & September to encourage residents to continue to support their local shops.
Please keep an eye on our Facebook and Twitter pages (links also above) for future updates.
