November 2019
It is with great disappointment we have to report yet again that we are still awaiting the return of a signed lease from KCC. The delay relates to wayleave and right of ways attached to the site. Cllr. Fintan Brett has taken this issue up with the management in KCC, to stress if the site is restricted by these rights, it would render the site near to useless to the community, as we would only end up with a green area and flower beds and a lot more work for our TT committee. We would hope this will be resolved in the coming weeks.
The company JAP has met and engaged several times since last March with Ardstone in order to agree and copper-fasten their commitment to this development. Presently Ardstone continue to develop 2 more sites in Johnstown with very little public amenities being provided. JAP have looked closely at a number of proposals offered by Ardstone, but on detail consideration it was felt that a mix of more funds to the community than work offered would enable the community to complete Phase 1 & 2 of the plan for this site with the aid of additional funds from the Leader Fund. At present these negotiations appear to have stalled on Ardstone’s side, but we feel that the commitment made in their planning application for their first development will be fulfilled. This development is important not only to the community but for KCC and Ardstone as it effects the future development of Johnstown Village and the surrounding communities.
The JCA & the JAP have met up with the Leader fund but on account of the lease not being finalised and the on-going negotiations with Ardstone, JAP has advised the Leader Fund that it will be 2020 before we can see our application been made for funds.
It will also be necessary to look at some form of financial contribution from the community and we will communicate with all residents soon on how we can all contribute to make this happen for the community.
March 2019
We are delighted to confirm that the company set up by the JCA to manage the development of the Old Garden centre site (OGCS), Johnstown Amenity Projects LBG. (LAP), have now signed a Lease for 50 years at a nominal yearly fee with KCC. We now await the returned signed copy from KCC to enable us to progress matters further. The lease allows us to develop the site in line with our proposed plans within planning guidelines.
The company LAP has written to Ardstone requesting a meeting to discuss their commitment to this development and how they can assist the community to get this project on the road. We would like to get some real progress before the summer months and start to have some form of amenities in the centre of the village.
The JCA & the JAP have arranged also to meet up with the Leader fund to discuss what grants etc are possible for this development. It will also be necessary to look at some form of financial contribution from the community and we will communicate with all residents in the near future on how we can all contribute to make this happen for the community.
Johnstown Village 