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main content Defining the Petts Wood area - FAQs

Why is the area of Petts Wood going to be defined?

Approximately 5 years ago the Royal Mail took a decision to remove reference to Petts Wood from their database/records. The Royal Mail use their address database to help ensure speedy and accurate delivery of post and for no other reason. Therefore, Petts Wood as a locality was considered not essential and consequently removed.

However, it is common practice for companies to purchase the Royal Mail’s address database, which has resulted in residents and local businesses having various difficulties including deliveries, etc. Even when dealing with the DVLC, Passport Office and many insurance companies Petts Wood is not currently accepted as part of the address.

The Petts Wood and District Residents Association are planning to make an application to the Royal Mail to have Petts Wood reinstated, however, for the application to be successful a clearly defined set of geographical boundary data must be agreed.

The residents have also been campaigning to relevant companies and organisations to ensure Petts Wood does not become merely a “myth or legend”.

What is the process to get Petts Wood back on the Royal Mail Database?

There are obviously certain procedures that need to be followed. These include the Post Office consulting with the following customer representatives who must all support the application:

• Postwatch regional committees;
• the principal local authority;
• the Chamber of Commerce;
• Postwatch; and
• the Member of Parliament concerned.

They also require a clearly defined set of geographical boundary data. Once the above have given their support, the Post Office will then write to properties that are affected and require a 50% response and a simple majority in favour.

Why is the Council involved?

The Council has always supported the Residents Association’s application, however, as mentioned above, a requirement of the application process is for a clearly defined geographical boundary to be set. As the Street Naming and Numbering Authority for the borough, the Council was able to provide historic maps and records along with other research material in order for the Residents Association and Ward Councillors to define the extent of Petts Wood.

The Residents Association and the Petts Wood and Knoll Councillors made a request to the Council to get the now proposed area defined in order for their application to proceed.

This report to the General Purposes Committee on the 28th July 2004 asks the Committee to agree in principle to the defined area and to allow for a period of consultation to take place. A similar report will be written in the autumn asking Councillors to take into consideration all the comments raised and agree a defined area. Once agreed the Residents Association can continue with their application to the Royal Mail.

How was the boundary for Petts Wood as drawn on the map arrived at?

In defining the boundary extent the Ward Councillors for Petts Wood and Knoll and the Chairman of the Residents’ Association used various sources, including historic and current maps and databases including the National Streets’ Gazetteer, plus other evidence supplied by the Residents’ Association and interested parties and the Council.

It is from this evidence that the proposed ‘extent’ of Petts Wood was agreed upon by the Ward Councillors and the Residents’ Association.

Why has my house/property been excluded from Petts Wood?

Much of the proposed boundary is the same as long established Ward Boundaries. In other cases main roads or railway lines were used. On more individual cases, historic documentation and original site plans were used to determine the boundary.

Will I have to inform the utilities, banks etc? Will I have to change the address on my headed stationery?

Many residents have continued to use Petts Wood as part of their address, on headed stationery and with official bodies. There is no need to change this practice.

Who wanted the changes?

The Petts Wood and District Residents' Association have been most active in trying to get Petts Wood as a locality put back onto the Royal Mail's address database. Individual residents have also written to various bodies endeavouring to get Petts Wood recognised. Shop owners and businesses are also keen to get Petts Wood reinstated.

How much will it cost?

This process has no direct cost implication to the residents of the borough. There has been and will be some Council officer time required, however, this will be from within existing resources.

How can I find out more?

A copy of the report and plan can be viewed at Petts Wood Library and at the Planning and Engineering Reception at the Civic Centre.

A copy of the report without the plan can be viewed at any of the borough’s libraries or at the Civic Centre at Main Reception, or on the Council’s web page www.bromley.gov.uk. A schedule of properties within the proposed area forms part of the report.

Do I have a say?

Yes. A general assumption has been made that those residents who live within the defined area will be supportive of this process; therefore, letters of support are not required. If you have objections or specific views in respect of the proposed area you may write to; Address Management Section Local Land Charges Environment and Leisure Services Civic Centre Stockwell Close Bromley BR1 3UH Alternatively you may contact one of your local Councillors or the Petts Wood and District Residents' Association who may also be able to help. Petts Wood & District Residents Association; 172 Crofton Lane, Petts Wood, Kent, BR6 0BW. The closing date for objections and comments to be taken into consideration is the 30 September 2004.