Carriageline, I really am not very good at explaining myself am I.
Currently, anyone standing on the highway is protected from passing trains by a heavy duty gate. I merely said if you were a young mum with a baby in a buggy, would you prefer to be protected by a set of gates or face the unprotected underside and wheels of a moving train? No matter how slowly the train is moving, it could be unnerving. Or come to think of it, how would a horse behave?
I know we are all simple here in the country, so apologies for that.
(I don't know if Plumpton has separate wicket gates or not).
LDC's planning officer has recommended that the Planning Committee 'approves' the permanent replacement of the rail gates as shown in the letter below. Not all over yet though.....
Dear Sir/Madam, Notification of Committee Meeting Application No: LW/15/0867 Type: Listed Building Consent Application Proposal: Upgrade of Plumpton Level Crossing to a Manually Controlled Barrier (Obstacle Detection) MCB-OD crossing Site Location: Level CrossingStation Road Plumpton Green East Sussex
The above application, which you submitted comments on, will be considered by the Planning Applications Committee on Wednesday 13 January 2016 at The Council Chamber, County Hall, St Annes Crescent, Lewes starting at 5pm. In addition to attending to listen to any debate on the item, there is an opportunity for members of the public to speak (up to 3 objectors and 3 supporters) on a first come, first served basis. Each speaker will be able to address the meeting for a maximum of 3 minutes. You must register to speak before noon on the day before the meeting. If you wish to register and/or receive a Public Speaking leaflet please ring the Team Clerk on 01273 484440 or 484439.
In accordance with the Councils Constitution the Committee cannot consider any documentation that you might wish to bring to the committee and present in support of your representation (such as, petitions, photos, plans and letters). Should you need to present documentation at the committee by reason a special circumstance please notify the planning department in advance of the meeting so that this can be considered. Documentation submitted on the day of the meeting will not be considered. The application is recommended for approval. The agenda for the meeting including the report for this application can be viewed at: http://lewes.cmis.uk.com/cmis5/Committees.aspx
The venue has wheelchair access and a hearing loop but if you require any special facilities to enable you to attend or participate in the meeting please contact Karen Burns
Southover House Southover Road Lewes BN7 1AB 01273 471600 01273 484488 minicom www.lewes.gov.uk
23 December 2015
or Jen Suh on 01273 484440/484439.
Yours faithfully Mrs Alyson Smith Planning Case Officer
Network Rail has received planning permission to permanently remove and preserve the crossing gates at Plumpton level crossing.
The permission, granted by Lewes District Councils planning committee tonight (Wednesday), allows the railway to remove the old wooden gates and put modern equipment in their place.
Work is already underway to reopen the road, which should be achieved by February.
Network Rails area director Steve Knight said: This is a positive step for the many people who use the road, for the safety of the level crossing, and for tax and fare payers.
I am sorry that our neighbours and road users had to endure such a long period of disruption and we are well on the way to getting the road reopened.
The gates have been stored securely and will be kept safely until they can be moved to a new location.
NOTES
The modern equipment being installed at the crossing will consist of flashing red lights, full barriers and obstacle detection technology. It will offer a much greater level of safety for both road users and train passengers.
The gates had been listed as part of the curtilage of the Grade II listing of the signalbox, which will stay where it is.
The latest from the campaign's Facebook page is that they will be petitioning Network Rail for compensation. Fat chance I think.
The latest from the campaign's Facebook page is that they will be petitioning Network Rail for compensation. Fat chance I think.
To whom would the compensation go?The cynic in me gets the impression that that's all they care about- Money, what they can get out of it all in compensation.
Well, the new barriers are in place, but there is still fencing across the road.
Not sure when they actually come in to use / reopen the road.
After they have been thoroughly tested.