Update

BOTRA NEWS AND OLD TOWN PLANNING APPLICATIONS

BOTRA is a group of local volunteers who keep try to maintain The Old Town as a pleasant place to live and work. We liaise with Buckinghamshire County Council, South Bucks District Council and the Town Council.  We also represent the Old Town on The Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG). We maintain the War Memorial, Market Square and provide some of the hanging baskets. We oversee the planning applications and are vigilant regarding The Motorway Service Area (MSA) and the general appearance of our beautiful Old Town.

We staff The Reading Room in Wycombe End on Saturday mornings in the summer. We offer coffee, a fascinating exhibition of local history and local information. We have also invited all Beaconsfield Groups to share this time with us to promote their own organisations and sell tickets for their events.

PLANNING

BOTRA Committee will write to the Town and District if we think the plan is detrimental to The Old Town. YOU need to write as well to ensure The Town and District Council knows our views. The more people who write; the greater the impact.(Address details under Contact Us). Details on website www.southbucks.gov.uk

Beaconsfield Old Town Residents Association
“For the preservation & quality of life in the Old Town”

OBJECTIVES

BOTRA is formed of a small group of volunteers dedicated to supporting activities that protect and enhance the character of our charming market town and promote the interests of its community and business’s. This is achieved in part by involvement with likeminded community organisations such as The Beaconsfield Society; Historical Society; Neighbourhood Action Group; BRAINS (Beaconsfield Residents Against Incinerators) and, of course, Hall Barn Estates. BOTRA also maintains a watchful eye over developments at the Town Council level and is prepared to challenge and indeed support the Town Council regarding conflicting issues that may arise with South Bucks District Council that appear not be in the interest of the Old Town especially when in conflict with its conservation area status.

RECENT ACTIVITIES & ACHIEVEMENTS

•  Enhancement of Old Town with maintenance of Memorial Garden and sponsorship of flower baskets outside Savills and the Reading Room.
•  Monitor planning applications and make appropriate representations to Town Council and SBDC.
•  Make donations to various local funds eg. Church Roof Appeal; Girl Guides Hut; Malt House Square Playground Association.
•  Petition against Post Office closure – initiative failed but further representation planned.
• Working to facilitate a workable solution with Hall Barn and SBDC for Old Town parking problems.
•  Participate in working parties/meetings supporting events such as May Charter and August Bank holiday fairs.

2010 FOCUS

In addition to ongoing commitments and responsibilities, efforts will continue for a solution to Old Town car parking and to improving the appearance of the Old Town.

DATES for your DIARY 2010

• Charter Fair - 10th May
• Beaconsfield Awareness Day - 12th June
• August Bank Holiday Fair - 28th August
• Dominic Grieve annual forum - 22nd October
• Christmas Carols - 17th & 18th December

EVENTS AND MEETINGS

BOTRA Minutes of Committee Meeting 8th March 2010