Comments on: Dan Starr: Residents views “count for nothing” as Tories close ranks to save face over failed Local Plan

By: Geoff Powers

Geoff Powers — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 17:20:45 +0000

I have just been reading the Inspector’s full letter posted on UDC’s website. He has certainly done a through job on the Helsenham proposal.

The council’s press release repeats the claim that much of the plan is sound. It adds that the council will move the Plan forward in the New Year through full and open dialogue with opposition councillors and residents’ groups in open session.

http://www.uttlesford.gov.uk/article/3299/Council-receives-Inspectors-final-report-into-Uttlesfords-Local-Plan

Whom are we to believe – the Cllr Rolfe of last week’s Full Council Meeting or the Cllr Rolfe of the press release?

By: Geoff Powers

Geoff Powers — Sun, 21 Dec 2014 12:07:09 +0000

The behaviour of certain Conservative members in the council chamber – Ketteridge, Ranger, Rose, Cheetham and others is a disgrace to local civic democracy and an indictment of the leadership of our current council, allowed by the weak chairmanship of Full Council by a series of Tory yes-men and ‘hob-nobbers’. No council chair should allow members of any political persuasion and representatives of the local community to be subjected to vindictive abuse of this kind. If an opposition member behaved in such a way (s)he would become the subject of an immediate complaint to the Standards Committee.

And what of the Planning Inspector’s Report? We were informed that this would become available before Christmas. What’s the betting that someone is sitting on it because the contents are so damning.

By: Jackie Damary-Homan

Jackie Damary-Homan — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 21:01:30 +0000

I too was shocked that only 3 cllrs admitted any fault at the meeting, I was impressed with Cllr Sadler, felt sorry for Doug Perry who tries to sway fellow cllrs and for once felt Cllr Howell spoke sense. Where was Cllr Watson and Knight? The shaking of heads and attempting to cover up their anger ;Cllr Cheetham, Barker and others just proves they still DO NOT BELIEVE the plan is wrong. Cllr Rolfe wants to maintain control when he could have agreed to an independent and respected chairman of the new group to help mend fences but he didn’t.
It makes total sense that all interested local groups ought to be allowed to participate in debates, working together IS THE ONLY SOLUTION to get a new workable plan. Obviously maintaining power and party politics remains more important than sorting out current problems and listening to the electorate. At least Mr Mitchell and Mr Rolfe hinted that a single settlement ought to be reconsidered, I’m hopeful. As for searching for locations and waiting for offers of land, they only ever listen to who they want to. Build a Cambourne type settlement with full amenities, schs, Dr’s etc. close to Stumps Cross, this side but close to the A14, heading towards North and South street towards Abington. Oh, I forgot, too many nimby cllrs live in Chesterford!
Maybe speak to South Cambs Council and restart talks on Hanley Grange. As for Elsenham, leave it alone.
Until transport links and infrastructure are taken into account no further planning should be granted.

It was so disappointing to find out last night that our council still want to continue in the same way and appear to bumble on making huge mistakes that will affect us all for years. A bit of humility is needed.
Dan did a great summary. At least we still rattle their cage.