A question for the SWAP internal auditor

At the last Audit and Governance meeting, the internal auditor – SWAP – said they wanted electors to ask questions about Knowle relocation (as if there haven’t been enough!

So here is one:

What is the difference between “cost neutral” and “no additional cost” when speaking of Knowle relocation?

We ask because one of the answers to a question asked about this on “What Do They Know” is as follows:

Question: Could you confirm that the council still wishes to render any final decision as cost neutral?
Answer: To be specific, the Council is committed to delivering new offices at no additional cost to council tax payers.

https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/relocation_manager#incoming-398480

Now, obviously there is something different about the two phrases or the answer would not have been so specific.

We are keeping our beady eyes on this one – the devil is in the detail and detail is hard to find at Knowle.

Posted by

East Devon Watch

Posted on

15 Jan 2015

Posted under

East Devon Alliance, EDDC, National Planning Policy Framework, Planning System, West End: WestClyst BroadClyst/ Pinhoe

Comments

2 Comments

Save Clyst St Mary campaign…NEW PROPOSALS AND IMPORTANT MEETING

This message has just been sent to supporters, including EDW:

‘Firstly, thank you to each and everyone of you for writing in letters objecting to the current planning proposals that we previously advertised. We are succeeding in making our voice known at Council level (and beyond!) and I have been told today that the number of objections is rapidly increasing. We managed to gain with the support of other like minded residents over the weekend another fifty five.

We have been approached by some residents concerned from the that one of the fields surrounding Walnut Cottages, off Oil Mill lane, Clyst St Mary is subject to a planning application for a solar farm. Objections close on Friday 16th January; however, we have been told that they will still count shortly after that date should you wish to object to this The Planning reference is 14/2952/MFUL. There are links from our website, together with a sample template letter that I have attached to this email. Should you wish to email your objection the correct email address is: planningwest@eastdevon.gov.uk

(Template letter shown here: Save Clst St Mary Campaign ObjectSolar )

Another important point to note is that we have been advised that there has now been a formal application submitted for forty houses directly behind the Clyst Valley Football Club, land which is presently owned by the Plymouth Brethren. This follows on from the consultation at Westpoint in December 2014 . Please be aware, on the plans available at the consultation, access to this development was to be gained from the demolition of a house in Clyst Valley Road, in order to create an access route through the estate. Unfortunately there is currently no reference to any point of access, nor the precise location of the proposed houses; should further details be obtained, obviously we will keep you informed. The reference for this proposed development is: 15/0072/MOUT. Again, there are currently no documents available on line to view, but.we will endeavour to keep you up to date as we find out more information.

As you are already aware, the outcome from The Parish Extraordinary last Wednesday resulted in Charlie Hopkins (expert planning consultant) being appointed to work for us. He is coming to talk with the Parish Council and the residents to agree representation for all of the major applications that are directly affecting us. The Parish Council has arranged a larger venue at the Village Hall, so hopefully no one will be left out in the cold this time! Please let’s try and once again fill the new venue – your support is all that’s required Tuesday 20th January at 7.30pm

Remember: Together, we can do this!’

Gaeron Kayley
http://saveclyststmary.org.uk/

Posted by

East Devon Watch

Posted on

15 Jan 2015

Posted under

Development Management Committee, EDDC, Environment (local)

Contaminated land: guidance for lawyers

There are a number of development sites in East Devon that are, or may be, on contaminated land.

For anyone considering buying a home on land that may be contaminated, this is the new guidance for lawyers and conveyancers about what they must endeavour to find out and what perhaps the Development Management Committee should be aware of when dealing with such land.

“Suggest that your client considers obtaining an independent valuation of the property. A reduction in the market value of the property as a result of contamination may lead to the buyer requiring a price reduction. It may also lead to a lender withdrawing from, or imposing additional conditions in, their offer.”

“Consider and advise your client of the use and effect of appropriate contractual protections. For example, by including exclusion and indemnity clauses and apportionments, warranties, or by making the contract conditional upon the seller complying with any remediation notices, to the buyer’s reasonable satisfaction, prior to completion.

Consider and advise your client of the appropriateness of obtaining an environmental insurance policy. Such policies are widely available to cover the costs of remediation of both undetected and disclosed contamination and related liabilities. However, such policies may contain limitations on what and who they cover. The amount of any premium, the level of excesses and the imposition of certain conditions are important factors to be considered in selecting a policy.”

http://www.lawsociety.org.uk/support-services/advice/practice-notes/contaminated-land/