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Friends of Troopers Hill Forum - www.friends-forum.org.uk

Messages are welcome on any subject relating to Troopers Hill Local Nature Reserve; the surrounding area of St George and Crews Hole or any of Bristol's Parks and Green Spaces.


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Viewing Page 1 of 1 (Total Posts: 24)


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Rob

rob@troopers-hill.org.uk BS5


Sep 7, 07 - 9:20 AM
Where to put it? - Update

At our meeting on 22nd Aug we decided that the best place to put the flagpole for the Green Flag was near the corner of Greendown and Troopers Hill Rd but set a little way back from the entrance.

The flag will then be visible to cars driving down Troopers Hill Road. Bristol Parks have agreed to this position in principle. It seems that the pole will need planning permission so this is now being sorted out. We will let you know of any further progress when we hear.
Roger



Sep 7th, 2007 - 11:32 AM
Re: Where to put it? - Update

Oh dear, I know that will go down like a lead balloon.

A local resident approached me, and well, lets say, that's about the last place that resident would have wanted it.

I would anticipate very strong opposition to the planning application.
Roger



Sep 28th, 2007 - 7:58 PM
Re: Where to put it? - Update

The planning application was recieved yesterday, information as follows on this link


reference 07/04360/F for a 20 feet tall flagpole.
Roger



Oct 12th, 2007 - 9:11 PM
Re: Where to put it? - Update

"Application Invalid On Receipt"

looks like the application was made incorrectly, no sign of it's resubmission.
Rob

BS5


Oct 12th, 2007 - 11:04 PM
Re: Where to put it? - Update

I'm told that the Planning office require an elevation drawing so that they can see what the pole will look like against the hill. It was initially thought that an elevation drawing of a flag pole wouldn't be necessary. The drawing is being prepared and will be submitted soon.
Susan

BS5


Oct 19th, 2007 - 1:59 PM
Re: Where to put it? - Update

I have dropped a note off to residents of 1-11 Greendown, 41-57 Troopers Hill Rd and 46 Troopers Hill Rd explaining that they will be receiving details of a planning application from Bristol Council to erect a flag pole. I chose these addresses as a best guess that these were the ones the planning office would choose as they have a view on that section of the Hill.

My note gave the residents some background about the Green Flag and they also received copies of our three leaflets.

So far (the notes were dropped off on Wednesday night) only one negative response which I have replied to and copied to John Threadgold.

Cheers,

Susan
Roger



Oct 20th, 2007 - 12:53 AM
Re: Where to put it? - Update

Well, Susan, since you are not the official person asking for responses to the application I am not entirely suprised that you (as an individual) have only had one response (in one day, it has to be added).

Apparently many more responses will be expected should BCC ever get around to submitting a valid planning application, quite amusing that they cannot get it right first time.

Also it seems to have been reported that building work on site has allready been completed prior to planning approval, I am unsure of this fact and I will confirm it myself in the morning.

If that is the case then I am quite shocked, the appearance of a large flagpole in view of a number of houses was never going to be popular, however, doing the building work (on a nature reserve) in advance of actually getting planning permission seems VERY foolish. I expect that the reports I have recieved are in error.

If building work has allready started, then I find the manner that FOTH has disregarded both the planning law and the local community "not to my liking" and henceforth I am disassociating myself from FOTH.

The manner in which it has been decided that "the flag MUST fly" is quite suprising, particularly that (on the councils whim) there might or might not be a GF application next year. Doubly suprising that a foundation has been laid (subject to confirmation).

I do feel strongly over this, nobody really wants a flag flying to 'celebrate' the green flag and 100% of those canvassed would rather have it on the summit of the hill, of course that would put it on the 'skyline' of some viewers whiich would, probably, be quite unpopular

Should anyone wish to comment on my response, please use trunky@gmail.com since using this website my spam has increased exponentially, such that I now have to operate a 'whitelist' - unless I know you, your mail is rejected.
Susan

BS5


Oct 21st, 2007 - 7:40 PM
Re: Where to put it? - Update

Roger,

I am delighted to put your mind at rest - Bristol Parks have NOT done any work towards putting up a flagpole. My respondent mentioned a concrete square inside the Greendown entrance (take the right hand path and you will find it in a few yards). Rob and I went and had a look on Friday, found it, saw it was in the wrong place for a flagpole, and wrote to John Threadgold asking what it was.

The response is that it is intended as the site for a combined dogbin and litter bin. The old dogbin will go and there will be this new one. I am not sure if you were at the meeting when we were told that dogwaste does not have to dealt separately from litter any more and that the council were looking at designs for a dual purpose bin.

As far as I am concerned Bristol Parks are following the correct procedure of putting in a planning application for the flag pole. This has been delayed as John has been asked to supply a drawing of the elevation. The planning process gives everyone a chance to comment and if people don't want it for reasons that follow planning criteria and say so then it won't go up.

Bristol Parks did sound out Friends of Troopers Hill at one of our meetings (see the minutes section of this website) which seemed a good idea as the meetings are open to all and the published minutes plus this forum gives visibility and another area for discussion. The meeting discussed issues like healthy and safety concerns, visibility on the skyline and impact on grassland. All good stuff.

Those of us at the meeting felt that flying the flag was a good idea as a clear symbol of how special the site was. We agreed that Friends of Troopers Hill would support the erection of the flag pole. However if there is strong feedback from our membership and local residents that we should not then obviously we won't. One of the reasons I wrote to local residents was to be sure that people understood what was behind the planning application and to give them the opportunity to feed back to Friends of Troopers Hill as well as the planning officer.

The more input the merrier and when the planning application comes through, do, everyone, let the the planning officer know what you think, whether for or against.

All the best and keep your comments coming.

Susan
A Friend of Troopers Hill via Rob



Oct 23rd, 2007 - 11:11 PM
Re: Where to put it? - Update

The aim of this forum is for as many views as possible to be heard. Therefore I feel I should pass on the following thoughts in respect of the flag pole:
"In a formal park, like St George or Castle Park, a flagpole could be nicely set up with, perhaps, an ornamental flowerbed at the base and made into a feature. Or if there was an official car park then it could be installed there to proudly announce the Green Flag Standard.
Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, Troopers Hill has neither of these nor anything similar. A flag pole would possibly cheapen the site. We KNOW it's unique & special... a "Certificate of Approval" doesn't make it more so... "
Ian



Oct 24th, 2007 - 7:38 AM
Re: Where to put it? - Update

Looking back at the original thread on this August there was a lot of debate about where to put it and no real desire then to put it anywhere.

I then looked at a thread that Rob had written Re: Owl Prowl Thursday 27th 7pm Eastwood Farm

'Troopers Hill Woods' - that sounds much better than Crews Hole Woodland and fits much better since most of it is on the area that always used to be part of Troopers Hill.
It is also called 'Land at Troopers Hill' on the Council's GIS system. Incidentally the council owned bit extends right the way down to Crews Hole Rd adjacent to the Lamb Inn. I have had some thoughts about creating a footpath from there up towards the bench at Little Elizabeth's view..

This area if council owned would make a good visitor point for Troopers Hill - a formal entrance through the woods could be made together with parking and cycle racks. It would not dter from the rest of the hill and if a flag must be flown put it there.
Liz

BS5


Oct 24th, 2007 - 9:06 PM
Re: Where to put it? - Update

After all this time I've completely forgotten why we can't just wrap the flag round the chimney.
Rob

BS5


Oct 24th, 2007 - 9:57 PM
Re: Where to put it? - Update

Not round the chimney because it would spoil the view of the grade 2 listed structure of which there are so many great photos on flickr. Not on a flag pole on top of the hill for the same reason. Somewhere overlooked by houses to reduce the vandalism risk. Somewhere away from trees so as not to upset nesting birds. Somewhere where it can be seen as people drive past. Somewhere with access so it can be erected. Far enough back from the road so that if it was knocked over it can't fall on the road. Not in the acid grassland or heathland that we are trying to protect. No lanyards to be vandalised or make a noise in the wind.

It will be something that says this is a great place that we are really pround of; and is well looked after; and has received national recognition for that fact; and which Bristol City Council are committed keeping maintained to the highest possible standard for many years to come; and which has real community involvement; and is the jewell in the crown of East Bristol.

Or maybe we should just put a sticker on the new bin?
Rob

BS5


Oct 24th, 2007 - 10:00 PM
Re: Where to put it? - Update

Having said all that I think Ian's suggestion is brilliant and should be adopted as our aim over the next couple of years. So the Greendown site would be the flag's temporary home.
Rob

BS5


Nov 20th, 2007 - 12:45 PM
Re: Where to put it? - Update

The Planning Application is now 'pending consideration' which means you can make comments to the Planning Office. The application can be found via this link.
Letters to local residents should be sent out today and responses need to be returned by 11th Dec.
Ian



Nov 29th, 2007 - 7:11 AM
Re: Where to put it? - Update

With what's been going on lately I can think of a few places that are not printable here!!!
Warwick

BS5


Jan 10th, 2008 - 5:17 PM
Re: Where to put it? - Update


I have ony just become aware of all this stuff about flying a flag so I am too late to influnce the planning debate etc. However, this is the response I just sent to chair. I love Troopers Hill but object to a flag. I just hope it works out for all those who clearly want it!

I quote:

Subject: Newsletter email

I dont think there shoud be a flag pole at all.

Its one more case of "taming" - I love the wildness of the place - I understand the need for dog poo bins, prefereably unobtrusive, and understand the need for accessible access and nice benches for people to admire the view (though I don't think they are used that much and I have ony once witnessed someone appearing to need the accessible path)

I think a flagpole is a waste of energy, and natural materials and will spoil the view and provide one more object to maintain and further will attract vandalism. What is the benefit of it? Why is it wanted?

If it does go ahead, perhaps we could put a CCTV camera on the top to make the hill safer and to catch some of the delinquents who vandalise the chimney and benches each year, and dog owners who fail to clear up their poop?

Best regards

Warwick Fortescue.
Roger



Jan 18th, 2008 - 10:05 PM
Re: Where to put it? - Update

Not been following this recently, I do hope that IF subsequent bids for a green flag fail that the flagpole will be removed. In fact, I presume that was a condition of the planning application, if not I am sure it would be the case. To fly any other flag would probably be in breach of planning regs anyway.
Rob

BS5


Jan 18th, 2008 - 11:06 PM
Re: Where to put it? - Update

The planning application was spcifically to fly the Green Flag so that will be the only flag that can be flown. Bristol Parks strategy states that they aim to 'Achieve and sustain a minimum of 10 Green Flag awards by 2012'.
Roger



Jan 18th, 2008 - 11:20 PM
Re: Where to put it? - Update

Bonza! can I join the queue of local residents to aid in the removal of the flagpole in the event of a failure to retain the green flag? Give me 6-12 months and my back might be up to it :-)
Jon



Feb 14th, 2008 - 12:54 PM
Re: Where to put it? - Update

I was very dissapointed, and surprised, to learn that this was going ahead.
As the flagpole is going to be literally outside my bedroom window, Rob - I would like to know ;
A) Is this flagpole going to be visible from from your house?
B) Will you mind me bothering you in the early hours to report any noise the flag generates in the wind, or any kids hanging around it?
Rob

BS5


Feb 14th, 2008 - 7:08 PM
Re: Where to put it? - Update

Jon,

I'm disappointed that it comes as a surprise to you, we have tried to let people know what was planned. Unfortunately I won't be able to see the flag pole from my window. Bristol Parks will be installing it in the next few weeks, they have gone to great lengths to ensure that there won't be any noise from it - no lanyards running down the pole for example. If you want more information you can email bristolparks@bristol.gov.uk.
If kids are hanging around causing trouble or a nuisance then you should call the police on 0845 456 7000. They may not respond each time but if they get enough calls then they will take action. I don't see any reason why a flag pole should make the situation any worse.
Having a Green Flag site on your doorstep should be something that you are proud off, I hope that once the flag is installed you will find that it is not as intrusive as you fear.
Roger



Jul 4th, 2008 - 11:05 PM
Re: Where to put it? - Update

I think that the presentation of the flag looks quite sad, almost pathetic. In particular the attempt to make it look like it's flying actually makes it look rather worse.

Having rattled the flagpole I have found that its internal sections clang against each other in a quite alarming way. With the correct resonance this could be rather annoying. Fortunately, I live far enough away for it not to annoy me as much as it does others, seeing it from my garden is quite enough!

It's not exactly what one might expect to find on a nature reserve. I know that many people have a similar view.
Liz

BS5


Jul 5th, 2008 - 10:46 PM
Re: Where to put it? - Update

Yea, I think it looks a bit naff too. The cable ties don't really do it for me.
Bryan

BS5


Jul 12th, 2008 - 6:38 PM
Re: Where to put it? - Update

Roger, get a life and stop moaning about everything!


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