I may have to return to the Town Hall some time this year after all.

In the Crawley Observer this week is a public notice about a planning application (CR2005/0304/FUL) for Mann Close. As Mann Close is right across the road from me I am very interested in this.

Last year we gave planning permission for a similar development there – a lock-up shop and some flats. It was quite a decent design, and the shop would be a real boon to those of us living at this end of Broadfield. I am interested to know why there is a new, similar application now. Is it because the original was outline permission only and this is to fill in the details? (I can’t remember the details of the original application now and whether it was outline or full) Or is it a larger development? (It seems about the same size) Or is it a different developer with their own design for the site?

I am going to try and get hold of the committee papers to read the report on this. With any luck it will just be a minor change. If it sounds OK and the recommendation is favourable I might not bother going, but it might be interesting to see how my successor is handling the development control meetings.

I just want to see something built there (as long as its not too large or too ugly). We could really do with a shop there. OK, the walk from here, down one hill to get to the main road, then back up to the shop will be a bit of a drag, but its better than going all the way to the Barton. It will be enormously convenient for anyone living in Hammond Road and the other parts of that estate though. This is assuming it will be a useful shop (milk, papers, sweets, bread, fags, etc.) and not a violin repairer, florist, fancy dress hire shop or other specialist establishment.