The excellent Pratts Bottom newsletter, edited by Laura Dimbleby, is available here for download:
Pratts Bottom Newsletter March 2018
Previous editions of the newsltter are available here.
PB Village Newsletter for March 2018 Out Now!
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Broke Hill Golf Club – update from the Residents’ Association
Broke Hill closed at the end of last year and has been sold to Quinn Estates, a development company based in Canterbury. The site is entirely in Sevenoaks District and is designated as Green Belt. Sevenoaks Council are in the process of reviewing their Local Plan and Quinn Estates have put the site forward as a potential site for development, to include around 800 homes, commercial floorspace, public open space, a secondary school and community facilities. Sevenoaks Council are currently considering whether the site should be removed from the Green Belt to accommodate this. Whilst Quinn Estates could make a planning application at any time, we are not expecting them to do so at the moment.
The next stage will be for the Council to consult on their draft Local Plan, which may or may not include Broke Hill as a potential development site. The consultation is expected to be in Summer 2018 and at that stage, the Residents’ Association will be in a better position to form a view on the proposals. In the meantime, the Association has been in contact with the Council and with Quinn Estates and will be monitoring progress with the proposals.
The Association’s AGM will be on 16th May in the Village Hall and an update on Broke Hill will be provided. It will also be an opportunity for residents to express their views on the future of Broke Hill. Quinn Estates have produced a brochure outlining their ideas and that is available on the Pratts Bottom Community Website at www.prattsbottom.co.uk
WW2 bomb damage to Chelsfied Grange
Photo courtesy of Margaret Fowler
In September 1940, at the start of the Blitz, a German 500kg landmine was dropped by parachute in the field alongside the lower end of Rushmore Hill, causing extensive damage to several houses. Margaret, daughter of Cyril and Amy Fowler who lived in the house from 1930 to 1955, kindly lent this and other fascinating photos.
Knockholt Toad Patrols – 2018
Toads will shortly be migrating back to the ponds from which they hatched and emerged last year. From dusk, our patrols (wearing Hi-Viz jackets and using torches), will be attempting to save many of these animals as they cross our dangerous roads. Many are killed when crossing Rushmore Hill, Main Road, and Shelleys Lane, but please inform us of any other locations.
We specially request that motorists slow down from around dusk onwards for the next month to six weeks.
Kent Reptile and Amphibian Group.
P.S. We always welcome new patrol members!
Domain name for sale: prattsbottom.org.uk
If you are interested please contact webmaster@prattsbottom.co.uk
Cheeki Monkeys, 24 Feb, Village Hall
Model Railway Society Show, 13/14 Jan 2018
Model Railway Society Show at the PB Village Hall on 13th and 14th January at PBVH. All welcome. 10am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday. Lots of layouts and a shop and refreshments.
Murder at Knockholt Station
A 23-year old Bosnian man was found dead on the tracks near Knockholt station on the evening of 5 November. Jamie Simmons of Southwark is on trial at the Old Bailey today for his murder.
Read more at Kent Online…
Local bus services get even worse
On 6 Nov, the R5 from Orpington station was 45 minutes late, then dumped its passengers at Green Street Green, despite protests from the passengers. It was a long walk home in the dark for many.
Pratts Bottom Residents AGM, Fri 22 September, 7.30pm
If you are resident of Pratts Bottom please attend the Annual General Meeting of the Residents Association on Friday 22 September, 7.30 pm at the Village Hall. The dreadful bus service will be one of the issues discussed. Be there early to be sure of a seat!