first mate

Disgusting behaviour and yes, cat poo is also a pain but these are the things we can see and recognise. Fox poo/urine, rat poo/urine, mouse poo/urine, squirrels, birds, snails, slugs...all carry potentially harmful, even lethal pathogens, and as for the things you can catch off other humans who touch stuff that is all around having failed to wash their hands, after urination/pooing/sneezing/coughing......

I think this is a difficult one as it is about a balance of freedoms. People who are severely dog-phobic will almost certainly encounter dogs in the park, but they might also encounter them on the streets too. It is not reasonable to ban dogs from parks and streets since this would impinge on the freedom of the dog owner and affect the wellbeing of the dogs. However, I think it is reasonable to have clearly marked areas of the park where dogs are kept on a lead and it should be mandatory to keep dogs on a lead on public streets etc.. Is it unreasonable to suggest a severely dog phobic person should therefore avoid areas of the park where dogs are allowed to free run offlead? I think overall the only realistic option for the severely dog phobic person is to seek treatment for their phobia and perhaps avoid areas where it is known dogs free run. I cannot see a practical alternative.

The only thing that bothers me about those sonic devices is the potential impact on other animals, both wild as well as pets.

Short of calling in pest control, I don't think there is. The noises can be disturbing when you are not quite sure what is going on and especially if you think it mght be a neighbour that is not monitoring/looking after a dog, but this is wildlife and they are just doing what foxes do. Now you know this you may find it easier to filter the noise out. I hope so. When I first heard these noises I thought something was being killed and eaten alive but now I know it's to do with mating, territory, looking after cubs, it doesn't bother me. In some ways it is nice to have some connection with the natural world in the city. Would good earplugs help?

If the noise sounds like any of these then its foxes.

I wish there was a section for truly valuable threads. I too salute those who have come on here with their personal stories. Enormous respect for you all. I imagine that PaulK is wishing the ground would open up and swallow him- a classic case of forum mouth before brainitis.

Sometimes EDF does feel a bit like a virtual House of Commons with its own little set of self-styled big beasts (or even BSD's). All good old testosterone loaded 'banter' and the inevitable riposte that if you can't stand the heat get out of the kitchen. I do think that most see it for what it is. Just yawn and close your eyes if it gets too much- its only big boys playground stuff after all. Sometimes it can also be quite amusing. Other times it's well.... awfully predictable.

The issue is not M&S, it is the size and ambition of the application and how well it fits with the available space/location.

*Bob* Well said.

Try getting a photo if you can. If these guys are openly flouting H&E my guess its they'll lie about it anyway and it is your word against theirs.

bonaome, Yes, you're are right on that.

Well you on the one hand you accuse those wishing to lodge concerns as being dilettantes and on the other criticise them for asking for a little more time to gather information from more knowledgable sources. Councillors or planners do not always know everything about an application. There are good planning decisions and there are not so good and I imagine that the devil is often in the detail. So this is not a judgement of councillors or planners, it is simply being realistic in trying to make the very most of the consultation opportunity. Actually it won't take that long to get across this, but it is my understanding (I may be wrong) that most planning applications take about 8-13 weeks to be considered, less than seems to be the case here.

Huguenot, In your view. Though I think it is slightly absurd to portray the reasonable concerns of neighbours as malicious interference in process, delaying tactics and attempts to drive the freeholder to bankruptcy and ruin. That sounds much more conspiratorial. It will take some time to get through the application, to compare it with the last, as well as research some areas that appear to be problematic. A degree of planning savvy and know how is required to do that properly. A little more time, beyond 3rd January, would be helpful. We are talking days not months. However, James Barber indicates that this is not an absolute deadline, so we'll see. Have you read either application by the way?

Ho hum.

Huguenot, an opinion can be vague and ill-informed or it can be based on facts. The fact is that the last proposal was rejected, possibly in part because of pertinent objections raised by locals. On that basis there will be those who want to compare this new application to the last one, to see what the differences, if any, there are and to comment. These are not delaying tactics. It is also the case that planners occasionally miss details which are in breach of planning guidelines, but which are picked up by members of the public- I believe this was the case with the last application.

Marmora Man, Agreed. As you imply, licensing of cars and speed fines do not stop boy racers. However, existing legislation could do with tweaking (DDA etc.) The good dog owner would more than likely muzzle a seriously aggressive dog right now. The type of person that deliberately breeds and /or owns seriously aggressive dogs is probably going to break a number of laws as well. The inherent problem is in policing/monitoring/enforcement. I do think councils might implement byelaws where a dog should be kept on a lead ( and therefore under a degree of control)on the street, though the ne'er do wells would probably ignore that too.

I'm sorry but momentary showing of teeth to other dogs can be a perfectly normal part of canine beahviour and does not mean that the dog is 'aggressive'. After all, it is how some mothers teach their pups to back off the teat at weaning. Some dogs may become more aggressive when muzzled- I have certainly seen this for myself. With respect, I think finding a clear definition for aggression is difficult and once you begin to examine what we mean by 'aggression' the problem is clear.

It may have been a lurcher.

I'd worry slightly about what is meant by 'aggression'. Many dogs will show degrees of aggression in certain circumstances, especially to each other, but also as the result of poor ownership or handling. I'd also worry about handing the aggression assessment over to vets. On another note, it is a shame that councils are not more proactive in working with canine trainers and behaviourists who have a real service to offer the community. Finding community centres or parks that will allow space for any dog training is almost impossible, I wish the councils would drop the blinkers on this.

Seems like Bellenden may be the new ED/Northcross rd, with a number of new little indie shops. The Xmas street event was great. Think if M&S lands it probably will make the way for more chains to open in ED. Do we know if a chain store is also involved in the garden shop development by the station? I've heard it rumoured that some streets where old cracked pavement has been dug up and replaced with tarmac will be paved properly, but only if certain chains move in, so presumably the shops would in some way be funding this work?

Marmora Man, Thanks and it is good to know that those comments will be "taken into account in deciding the application". So immediate neighbours need a little more time to digest and consider the application properly, perhaps seeking advice about bits they do not understand so they can make informed comments.

Soutnwarks own guidelines on planning consultations: What can I comment on? The following checklist gives examples of the type of thing you can comment on that will be taken into account in deciding the application: Design and size of the development Use proposed Traffic generation and parking Will it be a nuisance because of noise etc Will it fit in with the surrounding area Will it affect my amenity in terms of daylight, privacy etc. How it complies with planning policies and guidance Possible Section 106 planning contributions or benefits for the community that could be secured from the proposal Any other relevant material planning or environmental issues.

I have not heard of this trainer but having had a quick look at his site I would say his advice to 'practice removing your dog's food' without proper context or comment, does not invite confidence.

bonaome, so you'd rather no be involved?

Huguenot, Unless they happen upon a genuine planning issue- not beyond the bounds of probability. I'm also not of the view that planners never ever make bad decisions or mistakes. That aside, I'd be interested to know if the opinions/observations of residents next the site carry any weight whatsoever or are, as you state, sought merely to add a bit of flavour. Perhaps James or another planning savvy councillor, would enlighten us? Why even have a consultation if this is so?