Have I Got News For Croydon
ON THIS PAGE . . THE DISCREPANCY/ INADEQUACY OF THE DIRECTOR OF PLANNING PHILLIP GOODWIN. . My reply to his shoddy “investigation” mentioned on the previous page . “Shoddy” ??? . . His investigation failed to discover that the shop below my property was trading with a FLUE that did not have planning permission . . . . not realised by me or admitted by Croydon Council at the time of writing this letter.
THE TOTALLY UNAUTHORISED SITE THAT TELLS YOU THE TRUTH ABOUT THE CORRUPT REGIME @ THE LONDON BOROUGH OF CROYDON. . . . WWW.CROYDONCOUNCIL.INFO
THE Croydon Council information site.
THE Croydon Council information site.
NEW
Croydon Council’s Dirty Tricks Page.
Croydon Council’s Dirty Tricks Page.
BUY THESE
From the corrupt and ignorant to the ridiculous http://www.derbygripe.co.uk/mad4.htm
London MET Police give whole new meaning to . . . “Getting a Brazilian”
Thank you for your letter of the 29th April. I won’t dwell on the six months it took or how much barbed wire I had to spit out to get it. Since you do acknowledge this several times in your letter. I should like to deal with your observations in order they are written.
With respect to “neighbour notification letters”. Of course I do not expect you to contact everyone in the 40,000 letters you send out every year. But if you don’t mind me saying this figure is . . . . . well let’s not say disingenuous . . . since that is a word I save for smart arsed lawyers who try to trick me. . . . let’s just say misleading shall we? From your web-site for the week 22/03/04 to 26/03/04 it lists 20 pages of applications . . a reasonable average as far as I can see. There are typically 4 to a page. Which makes, 80 but lets be generous and say 100 applications per week. That make 5,000 applications per year.
BUT . . . and it is a big but . . . most of those are quite trivial in nature and not likely to raise even the mildest of objections. Ranging from “retention of a velux window.” To “crown an oak tree by 30% and thin out some saplings.” To various extensions. and various illuminated signs and only one change of use to an Estate Warders Office. Even if this is not typical and there are several a week, of a contentious nature, that still only makes 100 applications per year. But many of those applications will be for a property that is solely owned by the applicant and so not very likely to raise objection within the property itself. Perhaps ½ of them . . so that makes perhaps 50 cases per year where such change of use will seriously affect the other occupants of the same building in the way that this one has.
Now . . bearing in mind that many Councils define such traders as ‘nuisance neighbours’ simply by definition. With no regard to the proprietors actual intentions. (well our neighbours certainly lived up to that definition but I have hopes that this might not continue.) And that, if this application was applied for in a Borough that does have a policy of care to it’s customers like Bromley . . . that application would’ve been treated nearer to a public inquiry than in the slipshod manner that this one was. Some Councils even publish details in the press before such applications are accepted.
Now you cannot tell me that 50 – 100 letters a year to the correct parties . . . ie those that pay the Council Tax . . . . . on these very contentious applications is beyond the resources of Croydon Council. And I surely do not have to explain the difference it would have made to us. And yes the doorway used to be shared. But with a shoe shop that closed at a reasonable time of night. Not half way through the night as it does now. And shared with a proprietor who kept the place neat and tidy, helped clean the doorway and didn’t send me offensive letters.
I would not have expected you to enter into a dispute over the doorway . . . but you certainly would have had to hold up the permission until it could be shown that the shop would always have a reasonable access of it’s own . . . . upon my objection.
The works have not created a fire risk at all. Probably quite the contrary. It is the doorway . . or lack of it that is the fire risk . . . which is why I was wrongly bullied by the Police when I blocked it to prove my point.
I would not have expected you to enter into a dispute over the doorway . . . but you certainly would have had to hold up the permission until it could be shown that the shop would always have a reasonable access of it’s own . . . . upon my objection.
The works have not created a fire risk at all. Probably quite the contrary. It is the doorway . . or lack of it that is the fire risk . . . which is why I was wrongly bullied by the Police when I blocked it to prove my point.
I do of course accept that there is very little point in dwelling, and going over all this again, except to say this is the first time I have had a full and considered letter from you . . . to do so. And that very little can be done about it now.
But the soundproofing is a different matter. There is still something that can . . and must . . . and will . . . be done about it.
Now it is very difficult at this point to write in a manner that is not patronising or condescending on this issue. You see I genuinely thought that since the case was so plainly obvious to an intelligent person, you were not replying because you knew you had ‘cocked’ it up. Instead I find that your ‘experts’ don’t actually understand it all. And since the principle is so basic . . .you know . . . primary school basic . . . . it is difficult to explain it in any fashion that will not come out as patronising. I don’t know who your ‘experts’ are so let’s give them some names. Tommy Rot the planner and Adrian Mould the environmental chap.
Could you ask them if they have seen those funny little bricks that are round the base of every house you see? You know . . . . . the ones with holes in. Well of course they have . . . they are called airbricks. . . but do they know what they are for?
Let me explain. If you don’t have them, the wood under your floor will rot. Even though it is probably suspended two feet above the earth. Even though the wood will rest on a non porous plate, . . slate or pitch or damp-proof. And even though they may never be subjected to any obvious ingress of water.
This is a well known fact that that has been understood for over a hundred years by all the rest of the world. . . . except that Croydon Council hasn’t caught up yet. But there is plenty of precedent of so called ‘experts’ getting it spectacularly wrong. (and I’m not even going to mention tower blocks.) Is it the water in Croydon perhaps? Apparently there is a firm of ‘expert’ Solicitors who do not even know the most basic of common law. And that’s not me saying it . . it’s the Law Society.
So I am not the least surprised that this soundproofing method is “typically recommended” by Croydon and most other Councils. When Council’s get it wrong thousands have to suffer, as they have over and over in the past.
This is a well known fact that that has been understood for over a hundred years by all the rest of the world. . . . except that Croydon Council hasn’t caught up yet. But there is plenty of precedent of so called ‘experts’ getting it spectacularly wrong. (and I’m not even going to mention tower blocks.) Is it the water in Croydon perhaps? Apparently there is a firm of ‘expert’ Solicitors who do not even know the most basic of common law. And that’s not me saying it . . it’s the Law Society.
So I am not the least surprised that this soundproofing method is “typically recommended” by Croydon and most other Councils. When Council’s get it wrong thousands have to suffer, as they have over and over in the past.
In the 1930’s millions of homes were built. So well built were they, (apart from the footings) that they still today are much prized, and form the backbone probably of the UK housing stock.
These houses were roofed with baton and tile and have kept those houses perfectly dry for 70 years. (I know because I’ve got one.) But after the war there was an innovation. Slaters Felt. A wonderful idea. It’s use meant that if a tile or two went missing the roof still remained watertight until the roof was fixed. But in the 60’s there was a fashion for loft extensions. Put a bit of plasterboard up and you’ve got a room. But they were cold, so Councils insisted that acres of insulation (usually fiber-glass . . . that dreaded substance) were put in between the rafters first.
4” thick of it, between the rafters of 4” or 5”. And it wasn’t until hundreds of roofs started to fall in that somebody realised what was happening. Water vapour from the house was going straight through the plasterboard and fiber-glass and condensing on the cold slater felt. And this small amount of moisture was enough to rot the rafters. Even though it probably only occurred for half the year. When it was cold, and had the summer every year to dry out. (unlike my own problem)
So what they did was introduce a non porous membrane behind the plasterboard to prevent the vapour getting to the insulation. But even this wasn’t enough and later on they introduced air vents in the soffits, tiles and ridge tiles.
These houses were roofed with baton and tile and have kept those houses perfectly dry for 70 years. (I know because I’ve got one.) But after the war there was an innovation. Slaters Felt. A wonderful idea. It’s use meant that if a tile or two went missing the roof still remained watertight until the roof was fixed. But in the 60’s there was a fashion for loft extensions. Put a bit of plasterboard up and you’ve got a room. But they were cold, so Councils insisted that acres of insulation (usually fiber-
4” thick of it, between the rafters of 4” or 5”. And it wasn’t until hundreds of roofs started to fall in that somebody realised what was happening. Water vapour from the house was going straight through the plasterboard and fiber-
So what they did was introduce a non porous membrane behind the plasterboard to prevent the vapour getting to the insulation. But even this wasn’t enough and later on they introduced air vents in the soffits, tiles and ridge tiles.
If you ask Tommy and Adrian to consult their regulations they will also learn how much trouble you have to go to . . . to maintain the integrity, by ventilation, of a flat roof these days. And I could go on at length about that too.
And this knowledge . . . . that damp is not a good idea and needs ventilation . . . is the perceived wisdom of the building industry today. Except for Croydon Council planning officers apparently. Who recommend that you wait till the ceiling falls in to let some air in,
(Phillip . . . have you got any idea just how ridiculous that paragraph reads to someone who knows what they are talking about?)
“The scenario of a small but persistent leak soaking the underfloor insulation is quite feasible. (at least you recognise that, it is more than just feasible, it has happened). But the consequence of this is far more likely to be that the ceiling of the ground floor shop would also be made damp and be discoloured (it has already but nothing has been done about it) Thus the evidence would be there to see that there was a problem. Even if ignored (which it is being) the more likely result would be that the ceiling would fall down. Long before dry rot would infect any timbers supporting the upper floors, such that it would rot and fail, should it become established on what are treated timbers.”
Well for a start why would Rot try to establish itself on treated timbers. The ones that have been recently introduced and owned by the shop? When there are acres of lovely old timbers less than a centimeter away? My floor joists. THAT IS THE PROBLEM that your so called experts are failing to see.
(Phillip . . . have you got any idea just how ridiculous that paragraph reads to someone who knows what they are talking about?)
“The scenario of a small but persistent leak soaking the underfloor insulation is quite feasible. (at least you recognise that, it is more than just feasible, it has happened). But the consequence of this is far more likely to be that the ceiling of the ground floor shop would also be made damp and be discoloured (it has already but nothing has been done about it) Thus the evidence would be there to see that there was a problem. Even if ignored (which it is being) the more likely result would be that the ceiling would fall down. Long before dry rot would infect any timbers supporting the upper floors, such that it would rot and fail, should it become established on what are treated timbers.”
Well for a start why would Rot try to establish itself on treated timbers. The ones that have been recently introduced and owned by the shop? When there are acres of lovely old timbers less than a centimeter away? My floor joists. THAT IS THE PROBLEM that your so called experts are failing to see.
And you are always assuming there is someone there below to see it. The incidents of first time business in the catering trade going bust is very high. And it is easy to imagine that the shop could lie empty for months or even years as many others in the road have done and do. . . . . what then for your recommendation? . . . .of . . . “wait till the ceilings fall in.”
You are also assuming that the damp gets to the fibre-glass. The lath and plaster old ceiling was not removed and is extremely absorbent and moisture will often spread sideways in such materials. But this was not a problem before since there was a natural airflow over that old ceiling. NOW THERE IS NONE WHATSOEVER. This goes against every single piece of innovation and legislation introduced in the last hundred years. But your planners can’t understand it.
They recommend a game of chance. “it is more likely”. . . . . well I for one will not allow the safety of my property be a matter of chance. By the way, exactly what odds are they quoting do you suppose?
But even that is not the worst of it. If you ask Adrian Mould to go to the web-site below that bears his name he will see an even worse problem. Again it is listed under the terms of a DISASTER . . . as is the Dry Rot scenario I outlined many months ago.
But even that is not the worst of it. If you ask Adrian Mould to go to the web-
THIS LETTER WAS NEVER REPLIED TO AND THAT FAILURE TO REPLY . . . . IGNORED I CALL IT . . FORMED THE BASIS OF MY COMPLAINT TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT OMBUDSMAN (LGO) in JUNE 2004. . . . THAT IS THE BIT Jerry White HAS DECIDED TO SKIP OVER. . . . PREFERRING TO CONCENTRATE SOLELY ON A LATER COMPLAINT REGARDING THE FLUE.
READ the RARE CASE of MALADMINISTRATION. More Dirty
tricks by The Local Government Ombudsman. LGO
No wonder Croydon Council were not concerned about being investigated.
New pages. Click here.
tricks by The Local Government Ombudsman. LGO
No wonder Croydon Council were not concerned about being investigated.
New pages. Click here.
When a property has been affected by moisture, in circumstances such as a leak or flood, or even sustained high humidity, the spores which are everywhere waiting to germinate grow. Water in buildings can create absolutely ideal conditions for growth. All mould is now considered allergenic with some being toxic and health effects can be quite serious if, exposed persons are hyper allergenic, or their immune system has been affected or not yet developed. This can include the young who‘s system has yet to develop, the old or people who are on long term prescription drugs etc.
Typically exposure to hidden or visible mould can result in a variety of effects from flu like symptoms to nose bleeds, coughing up blood and many serious chronic and acute conditions. Prevention techniques should be utilised and where unsuccessful, correct remediation and decontamination procedures must be followed. It should be understood that mould is a complete life kingdom and was on planet earth million of years before mankind. It has developed dramatic self preservation capabilities. Mould is the basis of all antibiotics and even small mounts can have significant effect to human health. The chemical contents of the mould spore are known as metabolites and some of these are mycotoxins, which are in effect mVOCs Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds. It is these chemicals which cause the health problems and as chemicals may not be killed or destroyed by the application of biocides such as bleach which when applied may simply alter or change or release the chemical content into something unknown or more toxic.
The application of Biocides to mould affected areas is not recommended. Mould can develop from long term problems such as leaks or condensation or single events such as flooding. Either way the source of moisture must be removed and thorough decontamination undertaken prior to any restoration procedures. Most importantly, any person exposed to mould is likely to suffer health problems unless properly protected.
Moulds, both viable and non-viable are easily monitored and health concerns can be identified or refuted by scientific analysis. This means live or dead they can cause bad health and even mould long dead and materials dry their allergenic or toxic effects can still present problems.
Generally, porous materials where mould growth has established should be disposed of and non-permeable surfaces should be cleaned. Dust control is essential in mould remediation and the use of HEPA dust filters on equipment is recommended. The USA typically uses asbestos type abatement techniques to control mould and mycotoxic dust. Measurement techniques to identify toxicity issues are now available.
Mould is seen in the USA as the new asbestos. Mould is a serious threat, it can initially be identified by its musty odour and black or coloured marks on surfaces but where conditions may have been right mould should be considered possibly hidden in cavities or hidden areas.
Poorly dried homes or buildings generally can result in substantial health threats from either live or dead mould.
Poorly dried homes or buildings generally can result in substantial health threats from either live or dead mould.
Mould can be a health threat even when dead or inactive. Mould spores cover the planet, they are the planets cleaning system, eating and decomposing dead life forms including cellulose, which in a building includes:
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Wood
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Wallpaper
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Paints
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Wallpaper Glue
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Plasterboard, especially the rear or back hidden side in cavity walls.
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Fabrics
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Mould can even be seen to form on glass windows, where an invisible bio film can support them.
Mould usually grows where a building is wet or moist, its internal growth requirements are not ”normal conditions" and are basically but not always the following conditions may be contusive to growth.
Mould usually grows where a building is wet or moist, its internal growth requirements are not ”normal conditions" and are basically but not always the following conditions may be contusive to growth.
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Where wet or flood affected homes have been dried slowly (over 3 days) or poorly where drying procedures did not achieve satisfactory drying goals, mould health or structural issues may be present.
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Ideal conditions are usually but not always where relative humidity is over 65% and temperatures are around 20 Centigrade and 70 Farenheigh.
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The Government and ABI (Association of British Insurers) support the independent laboratory CIRIA who confirm that where a building has been water damaged and not dried within 3 days toxic mould may grow and that those vulnerable should not live in the property. Most significantly they advise that contractors working in the property should wear a respirator fitted with a toxic gas cartridge. see http://www.ciria.org/flooding/disinfection.htm
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How Dangerous is Mould
Stachybotrys and Trichoderma are typical of the toxic moulds of which only 16 of the several hundred thousand species are known to be toxic. Mould claims have devastated the American insurance industry in claims where poor or incompetent flood restoration resulted in serious health issues. Although present in the normal the indoor environment, significant growth may be triggered following a water damage or flood event not properly treated.
Environmental conditions can trigger the formation and release of mycotoxins which are known to be amongst the most toxic of all natural chemicals. Stachybotrys and other toxic moulds, are used for biological warfare agents, known as T2 toxin they have successfully killed thousands in Afghanistan and Laos. The moulds which produce these toxins can grow quite easily in buildings affected by water damage.
Mould advice
As mould spores are always present it should be seen as normal, however due to today’s building construction "tight buildings" limited ventilation, high temperature and substantial food sources mould can flourish inside our living environment. Mould can also proliferate where condensation forms.
Mould is more likely to flourish after water damage incidents and the following guide should be followed:
Mould is more likely to flourish after water damage incidents and the following guide should be followed:
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Remove standing water
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Install dehumidification
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Regulate and control the temperature
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Introduce air movement
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Introduce UV light where practical
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Control heating, to prevent uncontrolled evaporation.
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Mould prefers dark moist areas such as voids, cavities, stud walls, behind wall pictures, etc.
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If mould has flourished it should be carefully removed and decontamination follow
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Mould remediation is a relatively new process and care is essential to prevent spores and mycotoxins becoming airborne or spreading.
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The use of negative and positive pressure systems should be considered.
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The use of special filter systems may be required to control spread of contamination.
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The use of “Negative Air Pressure may also be a necessary control factor.
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http://www.apexpropertycare.co.uk/Flatroof_Body.html
When Renovating Flat Roofs Please Consider That:
A natural drying process is not feasible for a wet flat roof insulation layer. Even with the assistance of breather type materials it can take decades. Trapped moisture reduces the U-value increasing heating costs. Cold bridges are created enabling the possibility of mould formation in the rooms below. Vapour diffusion pressure in warm months causes stresses in the roof sealing leading to further damage.
A natural drying process is not feasible for a wet flat roof insulation layer. Even with the assistance of breather type materials it can take decades. Trapped moisture reduces the U-
But as I have said before . . . I am not as worried about all this as you might think . . at this present time . . . because my part of the building is insured by Norwich Union. (how much longer I don’t know . . . we will wait and see when the renewal comes up.) Another problem I forsee . . . because if Patel can’t get insured due to your scheme then perhaps he will have a claim against you as well. I certainly believe I would have a case after trying for so long to advice you . . . and being ignored. . . . Are you insured by the way? You might need to be.
I ask you once again to reappraise this scheme. . . . . I promise you that I will never accept your officers recommendations as they stand . . . even if they are “officers of two different departments knowing the subject and agreeing the works.”
They clearly do not know the subject at all . . . . as I have shown.
They clearly do not know the subject at all . . . . as I have shown.
Now I realise that you could not insist that the owner put all this right. . . but I can. . . . .You can at least disown it, since that is what the Party Wall Act is for. To allow such discussions and changes of mind prior to implementation . . . it happens all the time. Except that in this case the Act was not adhered to, but that is the fault of the owner, and the occupier of the shop.
Why don’t Croydon Council try something really radical? Devise a scheme that will be acceptable under these circumstances and then advise all the other Councils around the land and show them how clever you are. I won’t let on the truth.
The scheme I would find acceptable would comply with all the new soundproofing regs. AND provide adequate ventilation. Usually it takes Councils ten years to come up with a scheme that with hindsight they realise is a proper solution to a situation they created but learned to regret.
Why don’t you buck the trend Phillip and lead the way?
Yours Sincerely Colin Cole
Cc David Wechsler, Chief Executive
Cc Jerry White Local Government Ombudsman
CC Norwich Union
Cc P Dyer
See my COMPLAINT against Jerry White LGO
Cc Jerry White Local Government Ombudsman
CC Norwich Union
Cc P Dyer
See my COMPLAINT against Jerry White LGO
Yet your so called ‘expert’ . .Adrian Mould from the Specialist Pollution Team in Environmental Services cannot see what is wrong with this scheme. . . . . doesn’t he understand this? Environmental conditions can trigger the formation and release of mycotoxins which are known to be amongst the most toxic of all natural chemicals. Stachybotrys and other toxic moulds, are used for biological warfare agents, known as T2 toxin they have successfully killed thousands in Afghanistan and Laos. The moulds which produce these toxins can grow quite easily in buildings affected by water damage. . . . . is he really that stupid? . . . . am I to believe that?
As I said previously . . . if he still truly doesn’t understand this . . . he doesn’t know his job and should be sacked.
Now my definition of a fool Sir . . is not one who doesn’t realise at the outset a serious problem . . . as we encountered in the 60’s and 70’s. Not everyone has the sort of foresight that I have. But a fool is one, who even when the facts are spelled out to them, in graphic detail still fails to realise . . or worse . . . . sticks to his guns regardless . . . will not change his mind and look at the problem again. Usually for expediency sake and pride.
I have accused your Council Officers of negligence up to now . . . . but if they still refuse to appraise the scheme . . . I suspect that could change to criminal negligence . . especially if one of my tenants gets ill.
Now my definition of a fool Sir . . is not one who doesn’t realise at the outset a serious problem . . . as we encountered in the 60’s and 70’s. Not everyone has the sort of foresight that I have. But a fool is one, who even when the facts are spelled out to them, in graphic detail still fails to realise . . or worse . . . . sticks to his guns regardless . . . will not change his mind and look at the problem again. Usually for expediency sake and pride.
I have accused your Council Officers of negligence up to now . . . . but if they still refuse to appraise the scheme . . . I suspect that could change to criminal negligence . . especially if one of my tenants gets ill.
There are better ways of redoing this scheme . . . . and if your so called experts cannot think of one I will be happy to advise them. Involving removal of the old lath and plaster. Involving treating the wood exposed, by permission of course. Involving replacement of the fibre-glass with a non porous insulation in between the new joists. Thus providing a clear 100mm airgap not filled with fibre-glass. And most important of all the installation of airbricks at the void height.
And for instance if they go to http://www.hunter-jones.freeserve.co.uk/ans5.htm a site that specialises in training questions for building regulation inspectors. They will find item 6. Which shows that somebody realises the dangers of sound and fire insulation and includes;-
And for instance if they go to
One solution generally accepted is to provide 300mm x 300mm intumescent grill openings at about 2.0m centres in the carried-up-in-to-the-loft-space-corridor walls to allow air to flow into the lower area of roof void over the central corridor. Ridge tiles allows this air to be vented. The diagram shows the air-flow by red arrows. The blue lines shows the insulation above the ceilings. It is believed that this solution meets the criteria for sound insulation, fire safety, and adequate roof void ventilation.”
It’s not identical . . . but the principle is . . . and it does show that somebody realises that just putting in insulation willy nilly, as Croydon Council recommends, just to comply with regs, is not a good idea.
Phillip . . . . perhaps you would invite your so called experts to put their name to their recommendations themselves in any reply. Especially if they have any letters after their names and I would be happy to discuss these matters with whichever Institute is involved about the issues.
I’ll say again . . . . you cannot put an AIRTIGHT box full of fibre-glass under a bathroom and expect to get away with it for long. There is no natural ventilation whatsoever. And anyone after reading all this . . . says you can . . as Croydon Council have done . . . is a bloody fool Sir. Worse they are a bloody fool who is inflicting their inadequacies on the lives of others. . . . . PLEASE TELL ME YOUR OFFICERS ARE NOT FOOLS SIR. . . and are capable of learning.
I’ll say again . . . . you cannot put an AIRTIGHT box full of fibre-
DECADES PHILLIP . . . Just like Mr and Mrs LEE . . . Is that what you and Dave are counting on?. .being long gone with your pension tucked away?
Mr Colin Cole
Tuesday, May 04, 2004
Phillip Goodwin
Director of Planning and Transportation.
Croydon Council
Dear Phillip
Tuesday, May 04, 2004
Phillip Goodwin
Director of Planning and Transportation.
Croydon Council
Dear Phillip
Colin Blasts IWG (Ingram Winter Green off the WEB) Their own site was bottom of page three the last time felt like going that far down the list to look for them.
Croydon Ratepayers against Croydon Council
http://www.cracc.co.uk
http://www.cracc.co.uk
