A vigorous evening at East Devon District Council’s Full Monthly Meeting, but I left with real sadness at a tragic lost opportunity.
Oddly, that opportunity had actually come a few weeks earlier – on the 2nd July – when the Cabinet was meant to “consider” Ray Bloxham’s proposed changes to the running of the Development Management Committee (Planning).
But sadly, three weeks ago the Cabinet members had simply nodded them through – without refinement or question or any discussion – in under ten seconds.
Things could be very different now if any one of Paul Diviani, Andrew Moulding, Ray Bloxham, Iain Chubb, David Cox, Ian Thomas, Phil Twiss, Stephanie Jones or Tom Wright had piped up and started a discussion.
As it was, they did not, and so things were ready for the rubber stamp tonight, until Independent councillors managed to force a debate. Then, it slowly dawned on the room that while a number of Conservatives were in favour of some of Ray Bloxham’s ideas, they were wholly against the element which restricted public speaking.
Ironically, one of the best speakers on this was Cabinet member, Ian Thomas – Mike Allen, too – but their problem was that it was now too late. If they’d thought on their feet and proposed an amendment to Cllr Claire Wright’s motion to delay implementation, it is likely that we could have had the best of both worlds. Some changes to Planning meetings to help hard-pressed councillors could have been made, but with the continuing protection of council tax payers’ opportunity to speak if they wish. But there was no obvious way to make such an amendment. Despite a long debate, it turned out all along that the die was cast. Undue Haste 1, Democracy 0.
Yet there had been some splendid ideas. Go back to an East and West division of planning discussions on separate committees to cut the load, for example. Or maybe some councillors could limit their own contributions to the tight three minutes under which the public have to speak at the DMC. There was a lot that could have been discussed, and seemingly a cross-party will to do so.
All it needed was the Leadership to show a lead. Alas, there was nobody up to the task.
So where does that leave us? If you are going to have up to 9 houses put up in your road, only 2 council tax payers will be allowed to speak to object. To be one of those two you will have had to write in first, then pre-register your wish to speak. For 10 to Infinity houses, or a supermarket, or even a nuclear power plant, just 5 people have the right to speak, again self-selected. And much else besides. Not good enough, and also wide open to abuse of process. Who chooses the 2, or the 5? And how?
But this report is very much my personal take on the evening and not an agreed view from the East Devon Alliance (which I currently chair). So, speaking personally, I am very unclear how the Leader of the Council judges that repeatedly insulting someone as obviously thoughtful as Cllr Claire Wright from his little podium lends dignity to his office. Cllr Douglas Hull had some wise comments to make about these insults, and on the boisterous barracking from some of the ampler councillors who did not enjoy her contribution. Tonight’s debate was essential – and without Claire Wright it would not have happened.
And speaking personally again, it is hard to fathom why the permanent officers we pay for – Messrs Williams and Cohen, and Ms Lyon – feel it is appropriate for them to chuckle, chatter and smirk when councillors are speaking. I feel some sympathy for the chairman, Graham Godbeer, a well-mannered man who is worth more than sharing a platform with such unattractive and arrogant conduct.
What can finally be said? Some hard-bitten people say you get the council you deserve. I feel it’s more nuanced than that. What is clear is that between now and May 2015 there is an opportunity to see if a fresh batch of councillors may come forward.
East Devon Watch 