Anyone interested in knowing what restrictive covenants, etc are contained in Knowle Title Deeds can find the title document here
Daily Archives: 16 Dec 2014
Actual amounts of redundancy payments to senior staff must be published
Do we recall that EDDC recently refused to do this?
What ‘s in Santa’s Knowle sack?
East Devon District Councillors may be in for some surprises about the shaky foundations of the multi-million-pound office relocation project,at the Full Council Meeting this week, 6.30PM Wednesday 17th December, at Knowle Council Chamber,Sidmouth.
Just how many have asked penetrating questions about the figures presented for the costs? Have the questions been fully addressed? And how well-attended were the six opportunities we hear have just been offered for a last minute briefing?
The answers will no doubt become clear on Wednesday evening, to those in the public gallery, which is expected to be full.
Pity such an important agenda item comes in the extra busy-for-most week before Christmas….
Claire Wright on BBC Radio Today programme causes “EDDC Tory” Twit-terer to “choke on cornflakes” – and where should Knowle For Sale sign go?
East Devon Tory Party (?) -see below) Twitter comment following Claire Wright’s appearance on the BBC Today programme this morning (link to follow on at approx 8.10 am available via iPlayer Radio):
“Listening just now to @BBCr4 today caused us to choke on out tea and cornflakes as @ClaireWrightInd was interviewed as PPC. Whats going on?”
Does the Twitterer think only Tories should get air time? Does he or she not know what is going on? Is he or she REALLY a Tory?
Oh, and it’s just above a Tweet that says:
“Public Consultation: Where is best at Knowle EX10 8HL For Sale signs be located to maximum effect? Views welcome.”
At last public consultation!!!! But only on a For Sale sign!!!!!
But surely this cannot be a REAL East Devon Tory Twitter site? It’s just too hard to tell – especially as Councillor Twiss has proved they don’t understand irony!
I am confused, off for a lie down in a darkened room!
Government admits National Planning Policy Framework not working
The government has produced its long-awaited report on the National Planning Policy Framework. It reveals that even they now belive it is dysfunctional.
Summary:
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) has now been in operation for two and a half years. The simplification it has brought to the planning system is welcome and was acknowledged by many witnesses, but it needs more time to bed in, and the Government needs to collect more data, before a full assessment can be made of its strengths and weaknesses.
Nevertheless, the evidence to this inquiry has highlighted a number of emerging concerns: that the NPPF is not preventing unsustainable development in some places; that inappropriate housing is being imposed upon some communities as a result of speculative planning applications; and that town centres are being given insufficient protection against the threat of out of town development.
These concerns point to the need to strengthen, rather than withdraw, the NPPF. We have suggested a number of changes that should be made both to the NPPF itself and to the way it is applied.
First, we must take steps to ensure that the planning system delivers the sustainable development promised in the NPPF. We should ensure that the same weight is given to the environmental and social as to the economic dimension; that permission is only given to development if accompanied by the infrastructure necessary to support it; and that the planning system places due emphasis on the natural environment.
Second, all councils must move much more quickly to get an adopted plan in place: this will give communities increased protection against the threat of undesirable development. We call for a statutory requirement for councils to get local plans adopted within three years of legislation being enacted.
Third, we must address the complex issue of land supply. Provisions in the NPPF relating to the viability of housing land are leading to inappropriate development: these loopholes must be closed. There also needs to be clearer guidance about how housing need should be assessed. In addition, local authorities should be encouraged to review their green belts as part of the local planning process.
Finally, changes should be made to ensure the NPPF gives greater protection to town centres. The internet has changed the way we shop; town centre planning policy must therefore evolve too. We call for an end to permitted development that allows shops and buildings used for financial and professional services to become homes without planning permission, a policy which is undermining the local planning process.
The NPPF makes clear that importance of a plan-led system that delivers sustainable development. We trust that the Government will make the changes we propose to ensure that this principle is met and the NPPF becomes a document in which everyone can have greater confidence.
New council HQ to be surplus to requirements by 2020?
” … So what might English government look like by 2020?
… Free-standing smaller cities and counties (probably combined with their districts and smaller unitary councils) may still be waiting their devolutionary package.”
East Devon Watch 