Proposed Development of Long Crendon Baptist Church

Proposed development of Long Crendon Baptist Church
Early last year Long Crendon Baptist Church (LCBC) notified their parishioners and local residents of their intentions to develop the existing building in Long Crendon High Street.
The original document was titled ‘Gearing for Growth’ and outlined their plans to increase the premises overall size to accommodate additional activities and worshippers by around 40%. Many of the current users of LCBC come from surrounding villages and Thame, a fact that has been confirmed in conversation with LCBC.
Residents living in the High Street and adjacent roads will be aware of the considerable parking and traffic problems that the current usage creates. There is a great deal of concern that additional numbers using LCBC throughout the week as well as on Sundays will exacerbate this situation.
At the request of the immediate residents, LCBC held a meeting during the summer informing these villagers of their intentions and asking for feedback. There was negative feedback about the proposed designs which were viewed as inappropriate for the conservation area and also about the lack of any provision for parking.
Since then we have had contact with LCBC representatives but no real information about progress. The following letter was written in October last year.

Letter to LCBC dated 9th October

There are certain questions that you may feel able to answer that would
at least keep all interested parties more in the picture....your
informed response will be appreciated.

1. What are the issues that you are sorting out with AVDC? Until you
put a proposal in they will not discuss with the public and so we are
kept in the dark!!

2. Have AVDC requested that you provide parking for any additional cars
on a permanent basis......rumour has it that they are looking for you
to provide space for eight cars!!!!! .....can you clarify please and
let us know if this is the case and where this might be?

3. Have you drawn up alternative plans that will alleviate our major
concern about the entrance area encroaching further towards the Old
Police House?.....you did say that you were still considering this in
the light of our issues with the original plans.

You will be aware that in the absence of information the grapevine
thrives .......please try and give us more information.

After receiving an inadequate response with no further information, we again wrote on the 12th October expressing our disappointment requesting that LCBC reconsider our questions and let us know what exactly is happening.
To date there has been no response to the specific questions.

Posted 2010-01-22 14:47:30 by Rowly Willis

Proposed Development of Long Crendon Baptist Church

Our property is also situated in the immediate vicinity of the Baptist Church and we co-wrote the communication listed in the entry posted by Rowly Willis. We have always endeavoured to keep all interested/concerned parties informed of the proposed developments of the neighbouring church and look forward to hearing the opinions of other Long Crendon residents.

Posted 2010-01-22 16:10:31 by Cathy Jones

How disappointing a response from LCBC in January's edition of the Crier. The article fails to address the questions posed by local residents in December's edition and it is this lack of direct communication that makes us feel so anxious.

Whilst LCBC may be congratulated on increased congregation numbers let's not be under the pretence that the proposed rebuild is for the benefit of the village. After all, if it were really for the village then surely discussion groups would have been held with local residents long before any plans were even considered.

Posted 2010-01-22 17:43:19 by Charlie Eckton

I share the major concerns already expressed about the modernisation and expansion of the Baptist Church. Parking is already a huge problem in the High Street and if these changes lead to more clubs, more use and larger congregations it will only make parking significantly worse. We appreciate all that the Baptist Church contributes but the impact of the proposed changes on local residents needs to be carefully considered.

Posted 2010-01-27 21:56:44 by Philip Wootton

Having read the above, does anyone know how many village organisations have been consulted by the LCBC planners/architect?.
The two articles in the Cryer and presentation to the PC in the summer cover some very laudable aspirations, but provide no detail as to how the known concerns of the local residents are going to be met.

Posted 2010-01-30 14:21:55 by Guy Walker

I can only reiterate what has been said before; whilst I don't have any argument with what the Church provides, I am very concerned that most of this is not for the 'local community' (where are most of these people coming from?). Also, that the residents are struggling to get clear answers to very reasonable questions.
Parking is a very real problem all along the High Street, but especially near the Baptist Church. It is not just lack of space for the number of vehicles, but the inconsiderate drivers who, when parking, have no regard for local residents. The latter are already a cause for concern for some of the cottage owners, and if this expansion goes ahead, I can only see this becoming a bigger issue causing misery for those who live in the vicinity.

Posted 2010-02-03 12:28:24 by Fiona Giles

Surely it would now be in the interest of everyone in the village if another public meeting were held so that all the issues and concerns could be aired and straightforward answers given. The lack of information fuels rumour and suspicion and creates division. The village has a reputation for being friendly, welcoming and inclusive. Let us not lose this. We should talk openly and honestly.

Posted 2010-02-03 12:40:04 by Joanna Rope

Further reason for concern.
This morning at approximately 9.40 a delivery of building materials was taking place in the The High Street. The road was blocked to traffic both ways for at least ten minutes.In itself this is not a big issue but imagine the chaos if the development of LCBC goes ahead. We need to understand how and when the issue of traffic flow during any development work would be accommodated. What do other residents think

Posted 2010-02-04 10:13:45 by Rowly Willis

I too share the concerns expressed above.

I would have expected the planning advisors to LCBC to have been exemplars of communication and consultation rather than keeping us locals in the dark - do unto others?

And I have real fears about future pedestrian safety, especially for the very young and old if the High Street gets overwhelmed with extra traffic (from Thame).

It is my view that the proposed expansion of the existing site is the wrong solution to the problem - a projected 40% growth in the congregation warrants a new 'out of town' purpose built facility with far safer and more convenient road arrangements than this plan.

Posted 2010-02-06 09:53:54 by Clive Weston

I agree with all the concerns listed above.

Would it not be possible to
build a premises for the Baptist Church on either of the Industrial Estates in Long Crendon. This would solve the parking problems in the Village, which are already extremely hazardous, especially for the elderly trying to get to and from the doctors surgery.

Posted 2010-02-06 18:17:42 by Liz vipond

My husband and I have been visitors to Long Crendon for many years. We have noticed how the parking and congestion problems, particularly in the vicinity of the High Street, have progressively become worse and we feel this truly is a great shame. As a visitor, part of the unique attraction of this Buckinghamshire village is the sense of history and preservation. Having read the proposed plans for the Baptist Church we fear that the village landscape will alter to the detriment of Long Crendon, not only visually - what place does a glass-fronted structure have in a conservation area with a predominance of period housing? but also surely a structure that looks to increase its congregation size by up to 40% will only cause the already problematic parking and congestion situation to deteriorate even further. Lynne Harris

Posted 2010-02-11 10:22:05 by Lynne Harris

Disappointed in the response given in the C.C. by the Baptists as it does not address key concerns raised. Also the drawing chosen shows the front elevation of the church with a limited view of the planned extension; which has been compared negatively to a bus station, T5 and a leisure centre by many residents of L.C.!
I understand the architect does not do "pastiche" and wants to make a "modern" statement and I don't disagree that modern in the right environment works. However this is wholly inappropriate for a building that sits in a conservation area surrounded by listed buildings!
If we are forced to endure an extension of the proposed buiding (which raises other issues and concerns) at least make it one that is architecturally pleasing!

Posted 2010-02-19 16:48:11 by Janine Whittaker

I have been visiting Long Crendon for a number of years now, and delight in it's historical buildings and strong community feel.

I think it is great that the Baptist Church numbers continue to increase, however I do not feel that the High Street can physically support this growth, without the dynamic of the town suffering adversely.

The High Street gets tested enough with the number of lorries and cars trying to pass one another, without the further increase to the congregation that the Baptist Church are proposing.

I agree that the better approach would be to look for an 'out of town' purpose built facility as suggested by Mr Weston - somewhere that allows them to continue to grow.

I am not a resident of Long Crendon, but I would also like to comment that in reading the above postings - that it is disheartening that the residents do not feel like they are being consulted in the planning process. One of the things I love about Long Crendon, is the village feel - where everyone speaks to everyone. It is a shame that a number of them feel that they are not being given the answers that they seek.

Posted 2010-02-20 06:46:51 by Sarah Cattell

The Baptist Church has been part of the High Street for longer than some of the adjacent houses. It is obviously very successful in acting as a spiritual and social centre for many people. An important role of a large village such as Long Crendon has always been to provide facilities (schools, churches, pubs)for the surrounding area.The Baptist Church (apparently) is following this tradition in attracting people into the village on a number (how many?) of occasions every week. Maybe we should be celebrating this fact rather than criticising it. But the redevelopment must not be allowed to spoil the appearance of the High Street, which is appreciated by so many. And the car parking problem needs to be solved.
The planning process has not yet been exhausted, and provides the formal opportunity for addressing the concerns expressed in this discussion (even control of contractors' vehicles during construction). I believe that there is room for an extended building in the High Street - but maybe the excess cars could be parked in the Industrial Estate?

Posted 2010-02-20 13:09:51 by Steve Graham

My wife and I live virtually opposite the Baptist Church on High St.
Like the Bapists, I too, provide a service to the community, that is, a part time clinic offering medical care, including free consultations to local community.
For this, I underwent a rigorous assessment by Aylesbury Vale District Council (AVDC) and was required to provide ON-SITE parking for THREE cars.
Now bear in mind, this was for ONE doctor (no receptionist) and one patient at a time.

At a meeting with local residents recently, the Baptist Church officer airily suggested that their parishioners park "somewhere".
AVDC insisted that such an arrangement would not be permitted for my patients.

The mathematics is not difficult: they wish to accommodate 150 parishioners: therefore they would need at least several hundred car spaces.

My clinic is authorised by AVDC to run for FOUR hours a week. I have every reason to believe the Baptists will be using their premises somewhat MORE than four hours a week. Until we see where the ONSITE parking for their several hundred cars will be located and the traffic arrangements to coordinate this, I remain somewhat dubious how this proposed development will do anything to assist the village and avoid a danger to children and the infirm on the High Street.
The other (NHS) Practice is only a few doors down the High Street and by definition, the elderly, infirm and the children of this village will be walking along the High Street to attend it for the foreseeable future.
The proposed development appears to have the interests of the Baptists at heart and absolutely nothing to do with the rest of the community.
Do they actually believe they are above the law?

Their stubborn refusal to engage in a meaningful discussion with the local community gives us grave misgivings regarding their true intentions.
As other writers have indicated above, there is no shortage of accommodation in the nearby industrial estate for example and Churches who provide such a service with adequate safe parking have no difficulty in attracting a congregation.
We are all aware of the stated values of the Baptist Church. Perhaps they might wish to reflect these in their plans for expansion of services to their congregation.
Dr Eric Asher

Posted 2010-02-21 17:06:08 by Dr Eric Asher

One important tenet of the Christian church, and I write as a regular worshipper at the Parish Church, is to put others before self. Like several of the above messages, I too find it extremely difficult to discern this attitude in the proposed development. I am truly delighted for LCBC that they have managed to increase their numbers so significantly over the years - something the C.of E. has found very difficult to achieve! However, when thinking of others, you don't select the people you wish to serve, you take life and communities in their entirety. It is on this point that I cannot support LCBC's wish to bring even more traffic into the village, where it is not just the High Street that is disadvantaged (although I agree that people there take the brunt of the problems).
I live in Wainwrights, - a prime target area. What concerns me most here is that, mostly on Sundays, although sometimes on weekdays/evenings too, the road becomes so overfull that Baptist worshippers coming in to the village often park (badly)on both sides of the road, especially at the junction with the High Street, so that in an emergency no emergency vehicle would have free access. A very disturbing thought.
As Clive Weston has already put forward, a purpose built meeting place on industrial land, where there is no parking problem would seem to be the obvious and sensible answer. Easier for our Baptist friends too. Annoying others, causing unwanted and un-needed problems to others is not, to my mind, a Christian way of behaving and I urge LCBC to seriously reflect on this.

Posted 2010-02-22 11:59:32 by Avril Neal

I was relieved to read in the February edition of the Crendon Crier that Long Crendon Baptist Church (LCBC) has been encouraged to organise a public exhibition on Saturday 27 March, 10.30am – 12.30pm, to display the proposed development plans.

As you will be aware from reading the postings in this discussion forum, in the absence of answers to important questions we have raised with LCBC, many villagers feel disappointed with the lack of communication from LCBC and are very concerned about a number of fundamental issues relating to the proposed developments.

I am pleased that through our perseverance the Baptist Church have responded and the village will now have the opportunity to speak in person to the project architect and members of the project team. I sincerely hope that all the issues and concerns that the local community has can be aired and straightforward answers provided.

Posted 2010-02-23 16:10:08 by Cathy Jones

Nearly all my concerns about this proposed development have been raised in the previous letters.
However, I feel I must add that what is being proposed here is not so much a Church but a large community centre, which by the Baptists own admission will be in daily use by large numbers of people. Many of whom will be travelling from Thame and the surrounding area.
The resulting increase in traffic in the already congested High Street area would make life even more difficult for local residents. Many of whom do not have the benfit of off street parking.
The Baptists have said, many times, that they do not want to upset their neighbours and wish to take their views into consideration.
I think their neighbours are making their views very clear, and would suggest that the Baptist Church withdraw this application and seek a more suitable site on one of the two industrial estates surounding the village.

Sandy Hooper

Posted 2010-02-23 17:02:26 by sandra hooper

Yes, I also noticed the carefully chosen view of the building in the Crier!

I also agree wholeheartedly with all the above on the proposed design of the extension and the distict lack of designated parking and note with interest a paragraph from AVDC's Advisory Guide to Concervation Areas;
'Proposed works which are within or adjacent to
a Conservation Area and require planning
permission, are constrained by the need to
respect the special character of the area.'

Surely then, this extension will be turned down on the grounds it will not be respecting the special character of the area in more ways than one?

Posted 2010-02-23 22:57:16 by Fiona Giles

As has already been pointed out by other residents of our lovely village, there are two problems with regard to the proposed development of the Baptist Chapel in the High Street. The aesthetic and the practical, ie. traffic.

In Pevsner's "Buckinghamshire" the building (built in 1853) is described as "classical", and I think we would all agree very much part of the village scene. The proposal to add on what appears to be an enormous conservatory seems to me to be an insult to the building. It is no doubt a very clever solution to the accommodation problems, but totally inappropriate in a village setting and conservation area.

When I and my late husband arrived here 29 years ago we were warned there would be a parking problem outside on Sundays. This we accepted. However, over the years, no doubt caused by members of the congregation coming from further afield, the situation has now become, on many occasions chaotic. This happens not only on Sundays, but frequently during the week. This causes not only great frustration to local residents, but also problems to people wishing to attend the doctors' surgery, many of whom are infirm.

It is patently obvious that any further development will create further activity, hence greater traffic problems. I dread to think what chaos would ensue while the work is in progress! TIME TO THINK AGAIN.

Posted 2010-02-24 17:43:50 by Anne Allerton

I believe I can explain why the new rear extension looks like "a leisure centre". It goes like this:

By their own explanation, it is evident that the 30 seat increase in main hall capacity, apparently required to accommodate the "remote audience in the back", is achieved entirely by internal remodelling of the main hall. Principally this involves removing the internal entrance lobby, turning the congregation around through 90 degrees, and subsequently rebuilding the upper gallery along the longer dimension of the main hall.
Accordingly, it can be seen that the entire rear development is in fact an amenity and leisure facility available to the congregation for auxiliary use; and indeed all other uses, seven days a week.

So, the reason it looks like a leisure centre is because it is one.

Do you think an application to build a leisure centre, in the high street, to a modern design, accommodating hundreds of visitors, with no site parking, would even get considered for permission?
Beacuse this is what is proposed, literally "by the back door" - of the church.

Posted 2010-02-26 11:25:39 by Tim Whittaker

We live in the High Street and it seems to us that in order to protect its integrity, character and historical value it is axiomatic that as a matter of principle there must be a fundamental objection to any proposed redevelopment of the Baptist Church site.

The absence of specific proposals makes detailed objection nugatory at this stage, however you only have to look at the AVDC Local Plan to find policy to support an objection.

The following is extracted from the Plan:

It is a central theme of planning that good neighbourliness and fairness are among the most important factors against which development proposals should be measured. While planning decisions should always be made on balance in the public interest, this should not be at the expense of unreasonable harm to people’s peaceful enjoyment of their property.

GP8 states

Planning permission will not be granted where the proposed development would unreasonably harm any aspect of the amenity of nearby residents when considered against the benefits arising from the proposal.

As no benefits from redevelopment flow to neighbours or residents of the High Street it is difficult to see what grounds there would be for AVDC to grant planning for any proposed redevelopment.

Posted 2010-02-27 11:30:51 by Nick West

Having just recently moved into the village we have been very surprised by the proposal for this development, mainly because of the obvious lack of parking and the impact to residents.

Posted 2010-02-28 22:12:16 by Andy Crichton

As a local resident I share the views communicated by my neighbours. In particular I am concerned about the negative impact of such a building would have upon the High Street. In addition the increased volume of visitors would only cause to exaggerate the existing parking problems experienced by residence of the High St and adjoining lanes such as Harroell where my family and I reside.

Lee Gibson

Posted 2010-03-01 20:34:34 by Lee Gibson

As a near neighbour of the Baptist Church I echo the views of my neighbours. Whilst it is laudable the church has grown and is very obviously popular, the growth has come not from the immediate community. It is hard therefore to see what benefit this new building with its attendant extra facilities will bring to the village.

The disruption to life already experienced during the week, noise from events, parking with out any seeming care for the local residents will be exacerbated to an unacceptable level, causing bad feeling and resentment, something the Church says they will do everything they can to appease but have been slow in their demonstration of same.

This is a wonderful place to live, and cannot be spoilt by the arrogant actions of the LCBC.

Surely the basic Evangelistic tenet of the Baptist Church has been served in this community as shown by the number attending the Chapel . Isn't it time to move on to a more challenging environment where the message is more needed instead of just increasing church revenues and local resentment .

Karen Hodsdon

Posted 2010-03-02 08:05:25 by Karen Hodsdon

Dear Baptist People
Having seen the rather disorganised, cramped facilities at the back of the Baptist Church, I can understand your wish to rationalise space and smarten up this shabby area. You seem to have well attended services - for the moment - the kids' club seems popular and mothers no doubt appreciate Toybox, (although I am surprised at the claim that 100 regularly attend). These extra activities are what a church does to bring in the punters.
Fair enough. But delusions of importance seem to have taken over here. No doubt the architect is keen to make his mark, but adding a glass carbuncle to a fine Victorian church is no way to go about it. And presumably, this desire to expand is to potentially draw in even greater numbers of people from the surrounding area. This may be more kudos for the church but is not really serving the local community is it?
Along with all the many people who oppose this ill-considered plan, and, with gritted teeth, have had to endure all the current parking chaos, never mind what looms in the future, I suggest that if you are 'gearing for growth', you get yourselves into gear and grow elsewhere.
Consider the High Street and the village. We are all of equal importance here and riding roughshod over everyone else is not the way to behave.
Incidentally, it is interesting that no parishioners have put their view to this forum. They are having to fork out for these plans - surely they have opinions? Or could it be that they have been instructed to say nothing? Just as they are now being instructed to park away from the High Street on Sundays.

Posted 2010-03-02 14:06:46 by Jenny Asher

Expanding on the Extension

The following letter was sent by the immediate neighbours of LCBC to the project manager of the proposed expansion. It was also copied to the project architect, AVDC, Long Crendon Parish Council and the Preservation Society:

We were delighted to hear that you are holding an update review of the LCBC development on the 27th March and look forward to hearing how the plans have changed since the last exhibition.

We are sure that you are aware of the concerns of local residents expressed on the Long Crendon Village website www.long-crendon.co.uk and hope that you will be able to allay some of the fears and reservations that people have about the proposed development.

To provide further focus for the exhibition we have drafted a list of issues which you may consider in advance to provide residents with answers to some of their concerns when they visit the LCBC exhibition. These are in addition to the ones that we have already requested and are still outstanding, also mentioned on the website:

1) The Baptist Chapel lies within the heart of the designated Long Crendon Conservation Area and any proposal should pay special attention to preserving or enhancing the special architectural and historic interest and the character and appearance of the area. AVDC’s Conservation Area appraisal describes the chapel as being a “Classically influenced Baptist Church constructed in 1853” and as a “Distinctive building within village, important example of mid 19th Century architecture”.

2) How does the proposed extension respect the classical form of this distinctive village building and its traditional appearance, historic layout, apparent open gaps on either side, street aspect, natural features and views from adjoining properties and gardens?

3) How do the proposals respect and complement the character, design and materials of the main chapel building and its aspects from the High Street and adjoining properties?

4) In terms of the possible impact of the proposals on the character and appearance of the area and on the amenities of High Street residents, please can the information be provided for the following subject matters?:


a. Present and proposed activities in terms of days and times of functions, numbers or persons attending and their settlements of residence.

b. Present and proposed vehicular attraction levels and parking areas. Proposals for parking of vehicles during any period of construction.

c. Floorspaces (gross floor areas) existing and proposed and assessment of parking requirements, location of parking and provision for proposed overall increase in floorspace.

d. Existing and proposed assessments of noise levels especially affecting nearby dwellings.

e. Effect of proposals on daylight and sunlight impacts on adjoining dwellings.


5) Design and Access Statement. It is expected that all of these important issues will be addressed in the Design and Access Statement and displayed at any forthcoming public exhibition of the proposal to extend Long Crendon Baptist Church.


As local residents and immediate neighbours of the Baptist Chapel we would appreciate your consideration of, and answers to the above questions.


Rowly & Wendy Willis
Cathy Jones & Charlie Eckton

Posted 2010-03-03 12:10:23 by Rowly Willis

As a Long Crendon resident, I am pleased to hear that the Baptist church are prepared to meet and discuss the concerns voiced on this forum. I share the views of my neighbours. The high street cannot cope with the current level of traffic from visitors.Living in Burt's lane, we regularly experience the inconvenience caused by traffic/parking on Bridge night and on Sundays (unable to park outside our house, driveway blocked, car scratched etc. Although we celebrate that LCBC are able to expand their congregation the proposed expansion is completely inappropriate in the current location both in design and size. I agree with Clive Weston that LCBC should consider finding an alternative site where it would not impact on the character and parking facilities for local redidents.

Posted 2010-03-04 14:22:40 by Mary Frew

Being in close vicinity of the church, I am disappointed with plans to build a modern extension to the church in such a beautiful village. The extension is too ambitious for the High Street . Parking is already challenging with the Surgery, the Library , the amount of renovation that continually goes on in the village, and traffic that uses the High Street as a short cut. The disruption created by the church traffic if plans go ahead will not be sustainable in the long term in such a narrow part of the High Street.

Posted 2010-03-04 15:30:31 by leslie rossi

Further to the comments posted by Jenny Asher, I too would like to question why LCBC now feels it is appropriate to ask parishioners to park away from the immediate vicinity of the Baptist Church. Re-directing the traffic only moves the existing parking problems to other places in the village. The Square, the tennis court car park and the Village Centre car park are designated areas for users of these facilities. Similarly, streets such as Burts Lane, Harroell, Wainwrights, Fells Close and the Chearsley Road already have to cope with limited parking facilities.

This presumably temporary action may be an attempt to appease the immediate neighbours in the short term, but surely it will only be a matter of time before these cars migrate back to locations closer to the church.

I feel I would also like to stress that there are always many vehicles parked in the High Street, Wainwrights and other village roads whilst LCBC events are in operation from Monday to Saturday. This morning during Toybox some of the cars of those in attendance were parked so poorly that they obstructed neighbours’ front doors, whilst others had wheels parked on the pavement. LCBC needs to find an acceptable solution to the traffic chaos on every day of the week.

Posted 2010-03-08 21:20:16 by Cathy Jones

As a local resident my concerns are the same as many of those already raised. I am delighted that the Baptist Church has been so successful that they now find they have out grown their current building. But that is the point – the building is no longer suitable for their use and this is the time that they should be seeking different premises to accommodate the new additions to their congregation. Although technically the land may be there to accommodate an extension, the village cannot accommodate a 7 days a week community centre which will be used largely by those coming into the village from other areas.

The traffic increase that we have already seen as the attendee numbers have risen has put intolerable strain on an already congested High Street. I think it is wrong that a 7 day a week community facility has been proposed with no consideration to resulting parking problems. Over recent weeks visitors to the church on Sunday have been encouraged to park away from the immediate entrance to the church and as a result there has been a dramatic increase in cars parked in Wainrights, Burts Lane and further along the High Street towards the parish church. Moving the traffic further along the street does not mean that the issue has gone away, it has just moved! No such measures have been taken on Mondays and Thursdays when ToyBox meets and the resulting traffic congestion is verging on madness. I share the concerns of others that on many occasions the road becomes so overfull that in an emergency no emergency vehicle would have free access.

Eric Asher writes - "Their stubborn refusal to engage in a meaningful discussion with the local community gives us grave misgivings regarding their true intentions." I agree - as a resident of the High Street I am disappointed that the community has received so little information from the Baptist Church on their plans.

Posted 2010-03-11 13:36:05 by Geraldine Dodds

As part of the community of Long Crendon it has surprised and disappointed me that the leaders of the Church have been so reluctant to talk to the local residents about their plans. There is a lot of speculation about what is going to happen which is inevitable when no information has been made available. Secrecy is not the way to gain local support so I look forward to an open and honest presentation on 27th March followed by proper discussion so that a compromise can be reached.

Posted 2010-03-11 14:12:24 by Philip Dodds

A 'Parking Policeman' (Sundays only) is not the answer to the High Street and surrounds' parking problem. Who will monitor the traffic from Mondays to Saturdays? As has already been pointed out on several occasions, directing traffic to other parts of the village only pushes the problem somewhere else.
Since the majority of comments on this site are hostile to the current plans, I am concerned that LCBC feel that they would not get a fair hearing if a debate between themselves and concerned people of Long Crendon were to be set up. May I reassure LCBC that the majority of those living in Long Crendon are very supportive of them - the hostility of the comments is not against LCBC per se, it is mostly about traffic and parking! We are delighted at their growing numbers but see that great success as the nub of the whole problem. LCBC have become the victim of their own success!
So one more time LCBC - let's get an interactive forum established, set up a meeting where both sides can argue their case in a reasoned and thoughtful way, which may, we hope, lead to an acceptable solution on both sides. We don't want war; we want peace and tranquility to return to the village and the ability to have reasonable access to our own properties.

Posted 2010-03-12 12:30:55 by Avril Neal

Posted by Fiona Giles for Ann Howard.

Although LCBC must be given credit for their work with the community, I wonder if they really thought of the effect of the proposed enlargement of the building and activities on the very local community.
The parking in the High street at the moment gives rise for concern, so what will it be like with the extra vehicles that more activities will cause?
The extra vehicles cause problems for others, for example unwell and elderly patients visiting the surgery. I saw this recently when an elderly couple visiting the surgery had to park a long way down the High Street as there was an activity on at the Baptist Church.
As I am a resident living opposite the church I am concerned about the change the proposed building extension and activities will have on the village, especially those who live close by.
I came to live here for the peace of a country village, and it saddens me that this proposed development will alter the character of this very attractive village.
Would it not be possible for LCBC to have a new building somewhere where there is ample parking and less interruption of local people?
Ann Howard

Posted 2010-03-13 23:07:06 by Fiona Giles

I would express my dismay & disappointment to the LCBC proposed development.Surely AVDC will refuse permission on the grounds of not being in the publics interest.Some extra 30 seat capacity = more traffic = more chaos = more anxiety to both residents & parishiners alike
living for some 7 years in close proximity to the Baptists Church having first hand experience to the primary problem of the High Street " LOTTERY PARKING" seemingly without care for residents and in some instances enormous disrespect. It's clear the problem needs a conclusive solution.... a tough decision to be made.
You can't move the High Street but you can move the Baptist Church.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION,
In the interests of ALL a new location allows freedom of space for the LCBC with immediate impact for some 40% anticipated growth knowingly they can increase their numbers without further concern,also having onsite parking faciity- what an attribute. so perhaps the suggested industrial area may be the right option?
NO DEVELOPMENT - NO DISRUPTION- NO PROBLEM....THE HIGH STREET @ ITS BEST

I would thank Rowly & Wendy Willis/ Charlie Eckton/ Cathy Jones for their massive input to date & especially for opening up LCBC door for negotiation to what seems to be a turbulent day ahead.

Posted 2010-03-17 12:11:57 by Byron Rees

I have to agree with all the comments made so far and, although most valid points have been covered, I am adding a few comments so that the Baptist Church and the council understand the concerns of the residents.

I would like to say first of all that I think the Baptist Church provides an excellent service for the village in terms of support for the elderly, children and new mothers, in addition to the support that they offer spiritually.

However, word of the good events they offer has obviously spread to surrounding areas and they have now over-reached capacity in terms of what the village can sustain. It cannot therefore make sense to increase the size of the building and make the parking problems worse. The village, and in particular the High Street, is just not large enough.

There was a fire near Church House a few days ago and 5 fire engines were called out as the house has a thatched roof. If a fire occurred closer to the Baptist Church where the road is much narrower, it would cause a very serious problem if the road was blocked with cars, as the speed in which they reach fires in these old buildings is crucial.

In terms of the extension itself, I do not see it enhancing the current building at all. It has been notoriously difficult for residents of Long Crendon to obtain planning permission for even the smallest of alterations or extensions to their houses as the council are adamant that the village is historically preserved. Why then would the council allow such a modern building, that will look out of place and that will detract from the charm of the village, to be added to a building of 'historic importance'?

Posted 2010-03-18 12:05:29 by Miranda Salwey

I have lived in Long Crendon since 1967 and in the High Street since 1975. I have served on the Parish Council and was, for a number of years, Parish Clerk.

For many, many years the problem of parking at the Baptist Church has been a thorny issue, never resolved, and entreaties for cars to be parked considerately seem to have fallen on deaf ears. With more people attending the church, matters will only get worse. There is nowhere for more vehicles to park. Indeed, very often parking is so bad that it would be impossible for an ambulance, let alone a fire truck, to drive along the High Street, or access Wapping, and Wainwrights.

As to the design of the extension I endorse all that has been pointed out by Nick West.

As Mr West says, absence of specific proposals "makes detailed objection nugatory at this stage", and he details reasons why planning consent should not be granted based on what is stated in the AVDC Local Plan.

I would submit that the only suitable plan for the future growth of LCBC would be for the church to move from the High Street to somewhere more suitable, possibly one of our industrial estates where adequate provision could be made for parking and where noise would not be an issue.

It is wonderful that the church is growing, but further expansion in The High Street - please - no.

Posted 2010-03-22 16:29:47 by Catharine Meek

Firstly, I think it is wonderful that we live in a beautiful village that has so many facilities. The Baptist Church, along with other facilities, make a real contribution to the village being such a great place to live. I applaud the Church in sustaining its growth of congregation. I also seriously question whether the intended extension is the best solution for the local residents and also the long term growth of the Church.

I agree with previous comments regarding the aesthetics of the proposed plans and most especially about the issues of parking. Could a better solution not be found that would address the needs of local residents and the Church congregation? A new building which can be designed to accommodate both the immediate need for more space in the church and also allow for future growth of congregation does appear to be an option worth pursuing. This would have the benefit of designing a better facility for the Church whilst also planning a more appropriate infrastructure so local residents are not unduly affected. In the short to medium term perhaps other larger community facilities could be used to accommodate the expanding congregation, the local schools would seem to be a good place to start....

Posted 2010-03-23 19:43:38 by Samantha Hornsby

I too have major concerns about the effect the proposed development of the Baptist Church will have on the character and appearance of this part of the High Street & also the effect it will have on the character and setting of the surrounding listed buildings.

I am a direct neighbour to the church and I do not feel the design and bulk of the proposed extensions are in keeping with the historic setting of the High Street nor do they do anything to enhance the building as it currently stands.

The scale of the development is too big, too dominant and out of character for its setting. All the listed buildings around the Baptist Church have to comply with strict planning & listing regulations particularly in regard to their external street-facing appearance, in order that the valuable character and historic appearance of the street-scene is maintained. This seems a little pointless if a building right in their midst is allowed to develop with little regard to maintaining the historic character of the overall street-scene.

This development will have a negative impact on the visual appearance of High Street and I believe should be reconsidered in order to preserve the character of our High Street.

Another issue, which many people have already raised in this forum, is the increase in traffic & parking this development will generate throughout the day. As the Church has stated, it wishes to increase the functions it offers in terms of clubs, meetings, events, etc which will take place throughout the week, during the day and in the evenings. Residents already find parking a problem, particularly if their return home coincides with an event taking place in the Church, and I can only see this situation becoming worse. The Church already uses a ‘traffic controller’ in an effort to lessen the number of people parking on the High Street but this only transfers the problem to the surrounding streets which are even less suited to mass parking.

Overall, there appears to be little to commend this development to the neighbourhood whilst there is much to be of concern. Perhaps enlargement on this scale is better suited to a location that can provide the additional amenities it requires and where the historic character and appearance of the surroundings will not be detrimentally affected.

Posted 2010-03-24 13:06:32 by Vesna Rodic

as a resident of long crendon high st, it is lovely to live in a popular village with many facilities which encourage many visitors from neighbouring villages and towns. However,my concerns regarding this expansion to the church are both the visual and safety/parking impact to what is potentially one of the prettiest High Streets in England.
The beauty and history of the buildings are, and should continue to be protected, for next generations to enjoy which AVDC and we are responsible for. I do not think the planned building will visually melt with the surrounding architecture - somehow I cant see it blending in subtly in the scenery of a Midsummer Murders episode.
I recently renovated an outbuilding in my garden, under strict rules to comply with listed building and conservation regulations. The rules included, height restrictions, archeoligists reports plus visits,and using materials in keeping with the surrounding area, ie clay tiles,matching bricks.I whole heartedly support these rules to keep our village beautiful and fear the expansion may not do so.
the safety, and parking is already an issue, which can only get worse.
I live further down the high street, but already, by the moving on of cars from the church they are blocking areas outside the church house. Where there was a recent chimney fire, if these cars had been there on that day, the fire brigade
would not have been able to get close to the house.We already have problems on bridge night outside church house with double parking and cars being hit.
I agree with many , would it not be better for the congregation to go to another venue, where they could park safely with piece of mind they may not be potentially interfering with residents parking, fire brigades, and , most of all, not causing an eye sore to a quaint historic village?

Posted 2010-03-24 23:58:53 by mary wiles

I have just read a letter from the Elders of LCBC to the members of the Parish Council and am appalled.

Any process of consultation has to be meaningful and to suggest that mail drops in 2008 amount to a genuine process of consultation in 2010 is ridiculous! And to also suggest that the modern use of ‘blogging’ is ‘unhelpful’ tells me that the advisors to LCBC are frightened of receiving critical feedback in channels over which they have no control – surely the internet at its democratic best!

But isn’t it somewhat bizarre those advisors listened to and acted upon the inputs of 10 people back in 2008 but today choose to ignore the 40 blog contributions made so far? And to attempt to shift the issue of parking to being a general matter for the Parish Council when the specific cause of future congestion/road safety would be the proposed development of LCBC is just perverse.

So I’m delighted that the time has now come for the advisors to LCBC to account for their position, which appears to this concerned resident as blatant ‘self interest’.

Posted 2010-03-25 08:49:20 by Clive Weston

Posted 2010-03-25 08:52:22 by Clive Weston

I look forward to attending the exhibition on Saturday.

Posted 2010-03-25 09:07:35 by Mary Frew

I look forward to attending the exhibition on Saturday.

Posted 2010-03-25 09:07:47 by Mary Frew

Entry posted on behalf of Stephanie Fast

I came to live in Long Crendon 30 years ago opposite Long Crendon Baptist Church. It was a joy to see so many people walking into chapel on Sunday mornings and evenings with an occasional wedding and funeral.

Unfortunately things have changed considerably. There are now so many noisy events most days of the week including in the evenings: car arrivals and departures, car doors being slammed and much noisy talk with no regard that THIS IS OUR LIVING AREA. We are regularly disturbed by the children charging around the graveyard, climbing on the gravestones; also the frequent drumming from one young member of the congregation is extremely anti-social and despite the requests from immediate neighbours nothing has been done to address this problem.

With regard to the traffic/parking concerns, it is always extremely difficult for friends and relatives to visit and many of them share our concerns wondering what has happened to our delightful village.

The chapel has developed into a very noisy leisure centre, no doubt doing a great deal of good, but its location on the High Street is NOT the place for such a large facility.

Posted 2010-03-25 11:58:24 by Cathy Jones

I was astounded at the recent letter from LCBC to the PC. I have several comments to make;

Firstly, let me politely remind the Elders that only adjacent neighbours were invited to the initial meetings and it was only on their(the neighbour's) suggestion that those living opposite LCBC and therefore also immediate neighbours, were then included.

As for only a few people turning up on the first public exhibition - I suggest that this was because many interested parties had other commitments - the beginning of December is a busy time of year. I for one had other commitments on both the 4th and the 6th Dec - this does not mean I wouldn't have liked to have attended!
Remember also, we were told that we could come and view but that there would be no discussion!

In the letter they excused their lack of communication by saying 'there [had] been no new information of any consequence available'. This is no excuse for silence - it would have been curteous to acknowledge enquiries and actually tell neighbours that at that point they had nothing to report.

A public Forum is the best way for everyone - Baptist's included, to air their views about topics. We, thankfully, live in a democratic society which allows this, and being in the form of a 'blog' on a website is how it's done in the 21st Century. Years ago the above comments would have appeared as letters in the local press. So, dear sirs, don't tell us this is 'an unhelpful means of communication'. I believe, like Clive Weston, you do not like the very understandable reaction from the villagers. Remember, this is where they live and so what you propose has great impact on their lives.

Every contributor has been open and honest about how they feel and what this proposal means. Everyone has put forward balanced opinions and, it should be noted, included a great deal of praise for the work that LCBC do - we know you provide a good service - but the time has come to rethink the location - not the building, as you have well and truely outgrown your current venue. Please, listen to what we are all saying.

Now parking and the 'proactive approach'; others have already said before, this does not solve the problem - it just puts it somewhere else. Are LCBC going to provide traffic wardens every Sunday, every month, all year? I think not and anyway isn't this just going to annoy other village residents when it's their turn to have additional parking in their street?

What about parking during the week - are parking wardens going to be employed for all of these events? No amount of 'guidance' is going to stop those discurteous, even rude, drivers from continuing to park badly, or keeping engines running on pavements outside cottage windows and doors. Of course not! These drivers ignore residents so why should they take heed of guidance.

And what about the months of building alterations and the ensuing chaos - builders tend to come in their own vehicles - so that will be a van or truck for each man working on site, then there will be the deliveries - in lorries and trucks - waste skips on the road side, plus the lorries to bring them and take them away...need I say more?

Lastly, they say 'we have no wish to cause problems for our neighbours and we want to deal with matters in a responsible and caring manner accepting our responsibilities to both our immediate neighbours and the wider community.'
I have to say that, as the daughter of one and friend of other immediate neighbours, I can see that this proposal is causing problems; great stress and unhappiness over this whole matter - LCBC really must, as good Christians, listen to what is being said and consider the people who will have to live with the results. Please reconsider the location!

Posted 2010-03-26 11:31:23 by Fiona Giles

While it is good that the Baptist Church has continued to attract support, this proposed growth and expansion is entirely unworkable within the confines of the Long Crendon High Street because of the extra cars involved.

Currently at certain times during the week when there are events on in the church the parking on either side of the road causes the road to become very narrow and at times impassable. After seeing the recent chimney fire in the High Street, it is essential that the road is kept clear for emergency vehicles to pass through at all times.

The proposal of suggested additional parking outside the Church House is again unrealistic. We would urge both the planners and the Elders to come and observe Wednesday evenings and other regular weekly busy periods when the area is already double and even triple parked, by people using the Church House, surveyors and Surgery. This area will not absorb additional parking. Already it is difficult, if not impossible to park outside your own house at busy times. Perhaps residential parking only is a way forward? But this will only push the problem to other roads.

Posted 2010-03-28 20:51:51 by Jill Holmes

Having spent time at the exhibition on Saturday looking at the proposals and listening to people, I came away convinced that the LCBC is acutely aware of the current parking problems on a Sunday, due to the success in attracting a large congregation. The use of parking 'marshalls' and trying to identify where a couple of parking spaces may be available to visitors here or there in the village may help, but does not address the fundamental problem of where do 60 or so cars park.

This issue obviously needs to be managed carefully for the current usage of the facilities. However, it appears not plausible to consider any development of the facility which would increase traffic on a Sunday and other days of the week if it is not possible to create dedicated parking capacity.

I believe most of the comments posted in this forum are sound and are as valid after the exhibition as before.

Posted 2010-03-28 23:44:08 by Tim Soar

"I, in keeping with many other residents of Long Crendon, value the achievements and endeavours of the Baptist Church in our community. But therein lies the nub of the current issue - the proposed building expansion is designed not principally to serve our local community but the wider populace.

I attended Saturday's open day at the church and welcomed the opportunity to learn more details of the current proposals. However, nothing was said which alleviated my fundamental concerns that the end result, if approval is given, will encourage and benefit the growth of the Baptist congregation but to the detriment of local residents.

We live in what is widely regarded as an archetypal English village with fine traditional architecture. To my eye the proposed structural changes to the fabric of the church are more in keeping with an airport terminal building - and in that context would be attractive - than the ambience of a countryside village.

We have to live with the modern day blight of parked cars on our narrow streets, but why support any initiative which would exacerbate this already major problem on our High Street?

I am surprised too that, with only one exception, all of the blogs are negative reactions and that very fact illustrates the divisiveness of this whole issue between the Baptist Church and the village community."

Posted 2010-03-31 17:34:12 by Carol Strong

The letter from the 'Elders' of the Long Crendon Baptist Church, is mis-leading, self serving and lacks reasoned arguments.

Even if one detaches the emotive issue of parking, the sentiments expressed by the 'Elders' lacks even the most basic understanding of the words "serving the community."

The residents of Long Crendon are, by definition 'the community' that the Elders are serving.

This being the case, it follows that unless there is an outbreak of Baptist conversion in the homes of Long Crendon then the 'Elders' would do well to listen to the community they are seeking to serve, rather than expanding a village church, to serve a community that is of their own making.

Posted 2010-04-03 12:38:11 by James Frew

As a resident of the High Street, like many others, I also have major concerns about the adverse effects the proposed development of LCBC will have, both on the historic character of the High Street , and on the lives of the people living on and around it.

While we have been tolerant and accepting of the weekly Sunday parking problems, I fear this would become a daily issue, should the proposed development go ahead. Not being able to park outside my own house on a daily basis is not acceptable.

I agree with others that the proposed development is too large and out of keeping with the character of the High Street and would look like a "monstrous carbuncle" in historic surroundings.

As already said, the Baptist church has grown too much to fit comfortably into this small village, and if as they say, they take residents concerns seriously, then it is time for them to re consider and move to a more suitable, larger purpose built location at the outskirts of the village.

Denise Stott

Posted 2010-04-08 17:46:14 by Denise G. Porter

Still Waiting – silence is not always golden.

The following letter was sent on 2nd April 2010 to the Project Manager of the LCBC Proposed Development. The letter was sent following a commitment from LCBC of more information and also a response to an earlier, as yet unanswered letter (the earlier letter was posted on this discussion forum on 3rd March 2010).

To date we have not received the information we have been promised:


Dear

Thank you for the opportunity to review the latest plans at the exhibition last Saturday.

I understand that you have a letter drafted ready to send to us regarding the request for information that we made to you earlier this month and this may indeed cover the following requests.

Regardless, we would really appreciate the following information:

1. You referred to a twin strategy for parking and this was not covered at the exhibition
2. Could you please let us know the date that you are formerly applying for Planning Permission so that we can open a dialogue with AVDC.
3.We were also promised copies of the revised plans.

Thank you in advance

Wendy and Rowly Willis & Cathy Jones and Charlie Eckton

The following official bodies were copied :
AVDC Planning Dept.
Long Crendon Parish Council
Long Crendon Preservation Society.

Posted 2010-04-14 18:06:34 by Rowly Willis

On Monday 12 April I presented a letter to the Parish Council. I was encouraged to write the correspondence following the publication of a letter on the village website sent from “the Elders” of LCBC to the Parish Council.

Many of my neighbours and other residents of the village have expressed their unhappiness and disappointment having read “the Elders” letter. Consequently I felt it was important for the Parish Council to know how many concerned villagers there are at this time.

My letter is displayed on the Long Crendon village website under “Latest News”. To date 73 villagers, who had previously expressed their concerns, have provided their signatures in support of the sentiments expressed in the correspondence.

Posted 2010-04-15 09:45:35 by Cathy Jones

At the recent public exhibition, I spoke to members of LCBC at some length about my one concern with the project - that of parking in and around the High Street. I am sorry to say that I came away not remotely reassured.

All LCBC's proposals for addressing the parking problem rely on nothing more than good will and are likely, I'm afraid, to be temporary measures only.

It says a great deal that efforts currently being made by LCBC to ease the parking problem have only materialised along with their wish to build a sizeable extension to their building.

Once planning permission is gained, all talk of parking policemen, shared driveways and park & walk schemes will quietly disappear and we will be left with a problem far worse than the one we have already.

Sorry to sound blunt, but I'd rather be thought cynical than a fool.

Posted 2010-04-22 13:20:42 by Sharon Burtenshaw

Having recently discovered this site and having attended the open day at the LCBC I wanted to add my voice. Like a lot of correspondents I too live on the High Street and arriving here accepted the fact that there was a church close by which attracted additional cars on Sundays. Over the years I have seen a steady increase in the number of vehicles and also in the number of usage days. I feel that all of the above inputs express the main concerns so I will not repeat them again but I would urge the LCBC, in a good neighbourly manner, to think very carefully about what they are considering and how that might impact the local community. I see this application as not simply a church expansion more an additonal multi day community service for which Crendon is well served but the community appears to be at least 50% visitors. I too would not wish to see the introduction of resident parking to the High Street as it would simply move the problem elswhere in the village.

Posted 2010-04-23 15:24:32 by Peter Nunn

The primary objective of this discussion forum, started by the immediate neighbours of Long Crendon Baptist Church, has always been to provide relevant information to the residents of Long Crendon concerning the proposed expansion of LCBC.

The immediate neighbours of the church have recently received the following correspondence from LCBC in response to letters requesting important information. Please note the church advise they intend to formally submit their application to AVDC by today, 29 April:


Dear Rowly, Wendy, Cathy & Charlie

Thank you for your letters of March 2 and April 2. Much of our response to the issues you raised in your initial letter and identified on the village website were hopefully addressed in the exhibition and I provide additional information that we have available which will provide further clarity where possible, which I discussed with Charlie at the exhibition.

Issues raised in your letter of 2 March

1. Special attention to preserving and enhancing the Conservation Area etc – the exhibition covered this matter. We consider that the building design is a contemporary approach that responds to its context and is “of its time” in accordance with good practice promoted by CABE – the Commission for Built Environment and is a considerable improvement on the existing building. The design approach does not seek to blur the interpretation of the Victorian Chapel by a form of pastiche but respect it by ensuring the additions are sensitively designed and well scaled. Careful selection of materials is also important and will be fully detailed in our submission.

We have employed an experienced and well respected architectural practice to advise us on all matters of design following a careful selection process. They have extensive experience of working in historic contexts including Oxford city centre. Ultimately it will be for AVDC to determine from the case officer’s perspective, the impact on the immediate area and what to recommend to the planning committee. At present we have had favourable feedback on the design from AVDC.

2. Response to:
- classical form and tradition – see above
- historical layout – the chapel has a large flat roof extension which was started in the 1970’s with more recent additions. The new design broadly follows this footprint with localised changes to the south, north and east.
- apparent open gaps on either side – the elevations provided at the exhibition demonstrated the change in appearance on the south and north side of the church when viewed from the High Street which demonstrates the relatively small change in the nature of any “gap”.
- street aspect – the alteration in street aspect will not be significantly altered. The proposed elevations viewed from the High Street at pavement level, will be apparent at glimpses through the entrance gate and possibly above the wall but the extent of deflection of the view from the pavement caused by the wall is significant, screening a lot of the view towards the building.
- views from adjoining properties – we have prepared detailed perspective views from Wendy and Rowly’s garden and conservatory which we offered and issued some months ago. Since we first issued these perspectives we have lowered the roof line of the southern area of the building which we discussed at our last meeting.

3. Respect and complement the character of the main chapel and its aspects from the High Street and adjoining properties. See above. The buildings in the High Street are characterised by many periods of architecture employing many material types and colours. The propsed alterations to the building will use good brick to match as close as possible the brick of the chapel, use well detailed windows and doors and recessive coloured roofing material. The architect has given careful consideration materials etc as the detailed design has progressed.

4. Information requested
a) The present activities of the church were detailed at the exhibition and are available on the church web site and in the set of exhibition information enclosed. There is no plan to substantially alter this pattern of activities. Historically the events have altered in response to changing patterns and need ie the Toybox has been running for some 10 years and moved from one to two sessions but the children’s activities have been run for a lot longer albeit under different names and times etc. We envisage that flexibility in the pattern of activities will be retained but not alter significantly in scale.

As we explained at the exhibition the church attracts people and children from the village and elsewhere, much like any of the activities in the village be it the tennis club, football club or Catholic church for example. Our main focus of ministry and service is however the village. The proportion of those attending key activities at the church who come from Long Crendon will vary from week to week but is approximately as follows:

45% of Sunday Morning congregation (a change in attendance proportion from 33% since the establishment of Cornerstone)
50% of Gap
55% of Jucos
70% of Adventurers
70% of Thursday Toybox
40% of Monday Toybox

b) and c) The application will be supported with a parking strategy. The strategy will explain our response to planning policy on parking and our strategy for provision including measures to encourage a reduction in car use. We will issue the parking strategy to the Parish for information prior to our submission once it is completed and should you wish a copy we would be pleased to issue this to you.

As discussed at earlier meetings and outlined at he exhibition the management of construction vehicles will be addressed as and when the project moves forward and we will clearly intend to ensure the matter is appropriately addressed having particular regard to our neighbours on the High Street. We would anticipate that AVDC would wish to have sight of a construction phase strategy.

d) We have not been asked to provide any assessment for noise levels by AVDC and do not anticipate this to be a requirement for a project of this type.

e) We have not been asked to provide any assessment of light levels by AVDC and do not anticipate this to be a requirement for a project of this type and this has been confirmed by our architect.

5. Design and Access Statement

The statement will address the relevant issues for the project as agreed with AVDC in our pre application discussions.

Issues raised in your letter of 2 April

1. Twin Strategy for parking – not covered at the exhibition – The parking strategy will be detailed in our report. In brief the strategy comprises: management of parking and drop off activity, encouragement to reduce car dependency through car share, encouragement to walk and provision of parking.


2. Date for formal application – The application will ideally be submitted by 29 April. If it is delayed I will advise you. The application will need to be validated by AVDC before it goes “live” for consultation. The application will be subject to consultation with neighbours and the Parish as part of AVDC’s normal approach. The application will include a copy of a consultation statement and also the parking strategy, both of which are being prepared at present.

Whilst we intend to submit our application “on line” we will provide printed information to both our immediate neighbours and also the Parish Council to assist in the dissemination of information. The application will be validated by AVDC. AVDC could seek additional information etc. If that is the case we will provide the additional information which would be circulated by AVDC.

3. Copy of the revised plans – all the exhibition information is being placed on the web site. I enclose a printed copy of the exhibition for your information.

Response to some issues raised at the exhibition

The congregation has outgrown the building and should move elsewhere

Long Crendon Baptist church has been part of the village for over 150 years and over that time the make up and size of the congregation and the activities of the church has changed to address local need. Our pastoral team and administrator are based in the village and our main area of ministry is to the village. We provide support for home/pastoral visits for many in the village, run activities for all ages which are strongly supported by village residents and we are regularly involved in this village wide work with many weddings and funerals through the year. The building continues to serve us well but it needs to be updated and the facilities improved to meet present day standards and expectations for the emerging generation. The project seeks to grow the building to a scale appropriate to the village. Our strategy has importantly included the establishment of Cornerstone in Thame with the idea of attracting residents of the town to this new congregation and this plan has worked well. We aim to be a “growing and planting” church and will continue to look to establish new congregations in other areas around us as the opportunity arises.

Building design not in keeping with the village – We have outlined the approach to the design at the exhibition and above which has been endorsed by members of the Preservation Society and by officers at AVDC. Our statement of consultation, to be submitted as part of our application will outline the changes we have made to the building in response to matters raised.

cc: Mr Paul Hemms – AVDC
Mr Mike Le Brun – Long Crendon Parish Council
Commander Everett – Long Crendon Preservation Society

Posted 2010-04-29 15:39:02 by Cathy Jones

The parking in the Chearsley Road is already a serious problem at week ends, particularly Sundays. This is due to already insufficient offroad parking for people coming to play or watch sport on the Recreation Ground (Rec'), exacerbated by the current parking issues in the High Street, whose residents already have parking problems due to the visiting Baptist Church congregation. Today there was only one football match going on, but cars were parked almost the whole length of Chearsley Road along the Rec'. It is even worse when Juniors are playing as well, and continues throughout the year with the advent of the cricket season. Every weekend we see near misses & road rage along the Chearsley Road due to an excessive number of vehicles parked along the road.
I have two questions for the Parish Council & whoever else is empowered to provide a solution:-

1. What is going to be done about the existing parking problem on the Chearsley Road at weekends?

2. What are the additional plans to cope with the anticipated further increase in parked vehicles in the Chearsley Road as a result of the proposed development of the Baptist Church with it's additional rear entrance onto Chearsley Road?

Finally I want to stress that I am fully supportive of all the sporting activities that take place on the Rec', but the parking problem urgently needs sorting now & for the future.
Thank You
Chris Plumb
"Ketchmore House"
9, Chearsley Road

Posted 2010-05-02 12:16:26 by Chris Plumb

Quite aside from the issue of LCBC, increasingly all parking is becoming more 'careless', selfish and 'thoughtless', drivers are even rude and aggressive if asked to park more carefully.

Near the Parish Church there is a row of 5 cottages with no pavement outside. Increasingly cars are carelessly parked outside these dwellings (often when there is plenty of kerb side parking opposite) The thoughtless parking restricts or even prevents access to the buildings,with cars sometimes parked right onto door steps, making it impossible for emergency access, and extremely difficult when it is necessary to climb over the bonnet of a car to get into a home. As a result residents are putting out cones to try to retain safe access to their homes. People attending events such as weddings and funerals at either church, ignore the cones & park right across or onto doorways.

I understand that it is in breach of law to prevent free access or egress to homes & buildings, and this should be taken into consideration in all future planning for use of all buildings in The High Street.

Posted 2010-05-10 17:32:08 by Catharine Meek

Chearsley Road parking issue

It is my view that the car park at The Recreation Ground should be reserved for use of those who have booked any of the facilities on the 'Rec', including the tennis courts and bowls green, or who are using the 'Rec', Pavilion & Play Area for any legitimate purpose. If this was the case the parking issue in Chearsley Road might be alleviated.

It should not be assumed that LCBC or any other organisation or event can expect to use the small amount of parking at the 'Rec'. Therefore any planning application for additional use or enlarged facilities, anywhere in the main part of the village, should be considered without factoring in the 'Rec' car park as part of the application.

Posted 2010-05-10 18:12:12 by Catharine Meek

Further to LCBC’s letter received by the immediate neighbours on 25th April, which states, “We have outlined the approach to the design at the exhibition and above which has been endorsed by members of the Preservation Society”, I thought it was particularly interesting that when pressed on the matter at the Preservation Society AGM on 27th of April, the Chairman very clearly stated that the Preservation Society does not endorse the proposed expansion plans for LCBC.

LCBC seems to think it can bully local residents who oppose the expansion by making broad unfounded statements about how widely the expansion is supported. It is clear from this blog and from comments made at village events such as the Preservation Society AGM that there is a very large number of local residents who are incredibly unhappy and staunchly opposed to an expansion.

LCBC the village has spoken; if you want to serve the local community then why on earth have you applied for planning?

Posted 2010-05-11 16:30:50 by Charlie Eckton

I would like to add my two pennies worth to the discussion, having read much of the blog. and talked to folks around the village there seems to be some fundamental issues/questions that have not as yet appeared to have been addressed.

One of the issues is there seems to be a lack of real facts,.. There is a lot of discussion and hearsay,.. but little in the way of facts.

The fundamental question that keeps coming to my mind is,.. how are the LCBC going to support the increased traffic and consequently the additional parking that will be required, the High Street already suffers with poor parking,. how will it survive with the additional demand on the already stretched parking resources. I have also heard there may be access via Chearsley Road, ( but again no factual info ), how will traffic operate when the football or cricket is on at the rec., I’m not saying either has right of way but someone needs to think of the implications before committing Long Crendon down this possible course.

I have the greatest respect for the churches and the different variations of religions they all support, but surely they are here to support The "local ( Long Crendon) community", and not necessarily all the local villages.

This may sound a little brutal but if there is not enough Church facilities locally in the outlying villages surely this is something for those local villages to address,. Not Long Crendon.

If as one of the previous bloggers comments the beauty and Charm of Long Crendon is its peaceful quiet setting, we should all look to preserve this for future generations.

Posted 2010-05-18 08:25:46 by Mark Hamblin

I would like to add my wieght to the arguement above.

We have been reaching out to LCBC Elders and Project Management team since Rowlie's first letter in October requesting information and assurance that they understand and take into consideration the concerns raised by villagers to the proposed Church extension. What litle response there has been contains no hard facts, on how tey prpose to absorb extra capacity this extention will bring to the village. It apprears from the lack of response to questions at the recent open meeting, LBDC Elders have given little thought to this issue which is exacerbating anxiety and negative feeling toward the development and the LBDC in general. This is an amazing village to live in. We are all very jealous of the close community and are very priviledged to live in a place that people want to come to and spend thier free time. However, first and foremost this is our home and we have to live day to day with the outcomes of this planning application- I therefore ask LBDC to take this issue seriously and give us some facts upon which we can make a consideraed and reasoned response.

Posted 2010-06-22 11:55:30 by Karen Hodsdon