Page 13 - Archive in reverse date order

Emergency Vehicles
Residents are reliant on the lanes to be clear in case of the need for ambulances or fire engines. Once
vehicles become jammed and there is a stand-off (as is commonplace) there is no way past. Any such
blockage in Parsonage Lane would mean an emergency vehicle reversing back to the bottom of the
lane around a blind bend, turning round and then driving along the dual carriageway to the U-turn,
back to Bexley and then back up the dual carriageway to Bunkers Hill. This is totally unacceptable.
We have already had a recent death in Parsonage Lane resulting from a delayed ambulance because
of congested traffic on the North Cray Road.

Danger to Horses Riders and Pedestrians
There are two riding establishments (schools and liveries) in Parsonage Lane as well as many
privately-owned horses stabled on land in Parsonage Lane, Cocksure Lane and Bunkers Hill. They
are there because of the quiet, unspoilt, semi-rural location and the absence of traffic. That would
change dramatically with drivers not used to being in such an environment and causing danger to
both horses and riders. Additionally the lanes are daily used by tractors/trailers moving horse feed
and soiled bedding, horseboxes and pony & trap enthusiasts which will not/cannot give way to other
drivers. This proposal will also impact on these equestrian centres as customers move elsewhere.

The lanes are also used by pedestrians, rambler groups and dog walkers en route to the wood in
Cocksure Lane and Joydens and Chalk Woods and vehicles often miss walkers by inches. It is
commonplace to have to lean into the hedgerows to avoid selfish drivers who have no spatial
awareness - or just don’t care. The last thing local residents need is increased traffic levels.

Damage to Property, Banks and Hedgerows
Vehicle passing, particularly in Parsonage Lane, causes damage. The banks and hedgerows to the
fields and cemetery are continuously being worn-away/damaged as vehicles ride up on to the banks
causing trees and shrubs to become unstable. In addition cars use the frontage of the properties in the
lower section of the Lane to pass other vehicles, regularly knocking down dwarf walls, posts etc.
This problem will increase significantly. In addition the grass verges to the front of properties at the
top end of Parsonage Lane belong to those properties, being part of their front gardens. With no
pavements and parking space drivers will inevitably try to use these verges or the private farm track
between numbers 39 and 45 causing damage and conflict with residents.

Damage to Parsonage Lane
Any increase in vehicular traffic (particularly heavy vehicles such as mini-buses and delivery/service
vehicles) will have a damaging effect as the water mains are shallowly-laid and fragile with only the
clay beneath the surface holding them together – and not very well. These mains are repeatedly
broken, especially near the application site, resulting in frequent road closures. This is an ongoing
problem and residents are currently pursuing this matter with the Chief Executive of Thames Water.

Parking Problems – Winter Months
The steep inclines and narrowness of the lanes can be treacherous in the winter as the lanes ice-up
from water running off the fields. This will cause parents to leave their vehicles at the bottom of
Parsonage Lane and in Gattons Way while they deliver/collect their children. These narrow roads
already cause parking problems and angry exchanges between residents. The situation will be
exacerbated by visitors blocking access/drives etc.

Noise Pollution
The semi-rural nature of Parsonage Lane, Cocksure Lane and Bunkers Hill is a quiet idyll within the
Green Belt where residents have chosen to live because of the quality of life it provides. A school,
especially one for children with learning difficulties, will bring excessive noise pollution and
disruption and would seriously impact on the rights of residents in the peaceful enjoyment of their

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