Karime Hassan:
” … “2017 will see us continuing to try to achieve a growth deal for Exeter. In collaboration with partners we are also going to be consulting on a Greater Exeter Strategic Plan. For the first time this will see four local authorities coming together to help shape things for the benefit of all for the next 20 years. … “
Oh dear.
Use it or lose it.
… Money will be provided to 148 councils after the Department for Communities and Local Government announced regional allocations under the Community Housing Fund. The money is intended to provide backing for local housing groups to deliver homes aimed at first-time buyers.
One third of the funding – almost £20m – will be allocated directly to local authorities in the south west of England as this is the most popular region for second homes in the country. It accounts for 21% of all second homeownership, according to the government. …
… The first year of funding will be used to build capacity within local groups, for example improving technical skills, setting up support hubs to offer advice, business planning or providing staff to review local housing needs. Funding the following year must then be used to deliver housing on the ground for local people.
Councils will work closely with community-led housing groups to distribute the funding and ensure the right tools are in place to efficiently deliver new houses in subsequent years.”
http://www.publicfinance.co.uk/news/2016/12/barwell-boost-housebuilding-areas-dominated-second-homes
Response to the resubmission of planning application 0412/15/F Brimhay by SDRHA.
Community, Consultation and Land
We strongly object to this application on the following grounds:
” … 2/ This application cannot be considered in an unbiased way for the following reasons.
This application was developed under the authority of Tim Jones, in his position as director in charge of property at Dartington Hall Trust. Tim Jones, or the Heart of the South West L.E.P., has not publicly disclosed any relationship or links to this Brimhay application.
Tim Jones was a founder, chairman and is a current a director or the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership. In this role he oversees creation of plans for “devolution” of powers to Devon County Council and South Hams District Council. In this position, Mr Jones has significant influence over both councils and their officers. In his other roles as major property developer, financer, founder and controller of Devon and Cornwall Business Council, vice chair of PACB, prominent with the chamber of commerce as well active in a number of non-transparent organisations, he exerts yet more influence. These influence are not disclosed, transparent, or accountable in this application.
The HOSW LEP documentation repeatedly states that they wish to “overcome barriers to planning”. However they do not give details on which barriers or how they intend to overcome them. Barriers to planning include local communities wishes, protected species laws, and environmental protection laws, and quotas for lower cost housing, to name but a few.
Therefore, due to the above mentioned, this application cannot be considered by officers in this council in an unbiased way. …”.
Awkward.
East Devon Watch 