M4 (Junctions 12-15) Noise Polution
Continuing our quest, which was driven by The Parish Plan questionnaire, we were able to persuade The Highways Agency to meet with us at Yattendon on 3rd June 2008 to discuss the above problem. Meeting at The Estate Office, thanks to Nigel Petter’s kindness, representatives from Yattendon, Hermitage, Boxford & Hampstead Norreys examined the following agenda with four specialists brought along by The Highways Agency.

- Criteria for prioritising remedial work at noise spots
- List of road locations identified and budget provision
- Graduated contour noise map
- Implications of Hermitage new builds
- Noise levels J12-15 current and projected
- Private land tree planting

It is evident that there is no likelihood of rapid resurfacing of J12 – J15 except for the odd worn patch. Earth bunds and fencing do not look to be practicable and new tree planting will offer longer term benefits only.

However, there are avenues which we are continuing to exploit namely:-

- From our associated meetings with The Transport Research Laboratory at Crowthorne we were able to produce noise maps (not previously acknowledged by The Highways Agency and interestingly showing noise levels exceeding those previously communicated by H.A.)
- Highways Agency has undertaken to provide further data on noise including projecting figures.
- We drew H.A’s attention to noise levels at Burnt Hill.
- Another body, DEFRA (from whom we secured the noise map), is now to be involved with measurement and funding in connection with road noise and we will be seeking their support.
- H.A. provided information for Hermitage to pursue in connection with their new builds.

So, all in all no immediate relief but by developing our relationships with H.A., with Transport Research
Laboratory and now DEFRA plus Richard Benyon’s involvement we will do all we can to accelerate the
calendar for resurfacing J12-J15.

PARISH PLAN - AFFORDABLE HOUSING
You will know that one of the issues that came from the Yattendon Parish Plan was the provision of affordable housing. A small group was set up to investigate the exact need for such housing, and what sites for such housing might be available.

A further development was to involve not only Yattendon Parish Council, but also Frilsham Parish Council. You will appreciate that the small group felt it sensible to keep Yattendon Estate informed of its work. On a professional level, we were able to gain the services of Arlene Kersley, the Rural Housing Enabler for Berkshire. Discussions about, and investigations of, suitable sites in both Yattendon and Frilsham, as well as constant reference to the number of houses required, took up a lot of time. We are very grateful to Arlene for her cheery support and professional guidance.
Eventually, a couple of sites, one in each village, were thought to be possibilities, but it was then discovered that there was insufficient need for affordable housing in either Yattendon or Frilsham at this time. We aim to monitor the situation - Tony Lynn

The Process
From a personal point of view, I have found the whole process of being involved in this project utterly fascinating.It has been good to tramp around the villages looking at the many empty spaces, and trying to imagine how many houses (or “units” as the professionals call them) could be fitted in. Listening to the passionate and reasoned arguments for and against the various sites has also been eye-opening – if listening can be eye-opening! I have been challenged by NIMBY-ism, and encouraged by people’s awareness of real need for housing for others. That some people have wanted nothing at all to change here has contrasted with those open to progress; the arguments have certainly sharpened my attitude.

It would have been good to establish a site for those who need affordable housing. Most of us reading The Broadsheet are very comfortably housed in a truly beautiful part of England. There are many who are not so fortunate. How lovely if we had found enough people wanting to live here, keen to support the shops, attend the school and be a positive addition to the communities.

I am glad that we will monitor the situation. In the meantime, let me express my thanks to those who have worked with me on this part of Yattendon Parish Plan: Sally Leach, Jim Hodgeon, Dorcas Ward, and Tom Bune.

The Reverend Tony Lynn, Team Vicar,

Urgent Request for Volunteers
Many of us would agree that one of the most welcome recent initiatives was the re-introduction of the Youth Club.  The Yattendon & Frilsham Youth Group which meets in Yattendon Village Hall every Wednesday evening has proved very popular for 13-18 year olds not only in Yattendon & Frilsham but also from adjoining areas.

Since the initial grant secured by the Parish Plan team, Carole Lowe with her team has taken the Group from strength to strength obtaining significant extra funding to support a wide range of activities.  Carole’s work deserves the highest praise.  She is however deeply dependent on volunteer help in running the Group from 7.00p.m to 9.00p.m each Wednesday and with recent changes there is a very real need to recruit additional volunteers.  The commitment is not onerous, 2 hours attendance on average once per month but without more help the future of the Group cannot be assured.

IT WOULD BE A SERIOUS LOSS WERE THIS VALUABLE FACILITY FOR OUR YOUNG PEOPLE TO FOUNDER. We urge a few parishioners, therefore, to volunteer to support the Group.  Carole’s telephone is 01635 201177
PLEASE CALL HER

Aircraft Noise
One of the action points included in the Parish Plan as a result of the questionnaire was the unacceptable level of aircraft noise from time to time. Hampstead Norreys similarly identified this problem in their Plan and we have been invited to work with them and other parishes with the same concerns. We would be happy to include in our Parish Plan Implementation Team additional members prepared to lead this action for us. Please let Tom Bune 01635 201699 or tombune@btinternet.com know if you would care to join the team for this purpose.

Yattendon Parish Council
A full complement of Parish Councillors is now installed. Kate Petter has been elected Chairman, supported by Tom Bune, Sally Leach, Ken Mee, Chris Turner and new Councillor Noel Desnos from Burnt Hill with Doreen Davies continuing as our energetic Parish Clerk.

As ever, do utilize your Council representatives by raising with them any topics which you believe need attention in the Parish.

We continue to seek volunteers to support our many activities. Do let Tom Bune 01635 201699 or tombune@btinternet.com know if you can help.