Daily Archives: 29 Mar 2023

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29 Mar 2023

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Planning applications validated by EDDC for week beginning 13 March

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29 Mar 2023

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Chainsaw massacre of trees at Winslade Park – Every picture tells a story

From A Correspondent:-

As a sequel to yesterday’s blog regarding tree loss in Armada Way, Plymouth entitled “Infighting, incompetence and lack of experience of local Tories – Plymouth” and the accompanying, supplementary comments on the significant tree loss/hedgerow at Winslade Park, Clyst St Mary – herewith are the actual ‘ugly images’ that evidence and corroborate the destruction of significant, mature trees by the developers of Winslade Park (abetted and supported by East Devon District Council planners) in their quest for economic benefits!

The first two images were taken in April 2022 and show tree/hedgerow loss (during the bird nesting season), in a long-established car park, to clear the way for the construction of 40 four storey flats, adjoining a TPO protected woodland- but crucially the chainsaws annihilated these mature car park trees/hedgerows even before any reserved matters, detailed planning permission had been granted!

The next two images were taken in January 2023, when contractors felled both mature and younger trees, cleared undergrowth and hedgerow for the on-going refurbishment of Clyst House, adjoining Church Lane.

The final March 2023 drone image link below incorporates a construction company advertising their workmanship on a newly completed 1600m2 car park, to accommodate the significant cars and traffic at present required for the multiple users of Winslade Park.

Sadly, a very significant quantity of native mature tree species and some historic trees imported from overseas by the Veitch family in previous centuries have now disappeared, being felled on the south side of Winslade Manor to accommodate this car park!

https://www.facebook.com/CSquaredConstruct/

However, local people were unaware of any plans submitted for this newly-created car park that now boasts panoramic, open views across the Grindle Brook, over green fields towards the A376 (although there were 395 new car parking spaces approved adjoining Clyst House on green fields, in the hybrid application, in a different location – but these parking spaces have yet to materialise) – no doubt, when completed these will also incorporate even more tree and hedgerow loss for this once predominantly rural community!

Regrettably such large tree specimens would have been capable of sequestering the carbon emissions from the significant Winslade Park vehicle uses – but now that ‘ship has sailed’ because the felled trees have probably been sold for lumber, furniture, firewood, mulch and chippings – although perhaps some may argue that as they have been recycled, then that fulfils ‘the green environmentally-friendly tick-box’- but that argument holds no compensation for the innumerable, diverse wildlife species that have made this area their home for centuries.

Even though David Attenborough and other conservationists strive to persuade us that climate change is approaching too fast and we must protect our environment – there are those in East Devon decision-making roles who keep telling us that ‘the economic benefits outweigh the environmental factors’ – so, consequently, it seems we must all get used to the chainsaws and invest in protective ear-defenders and anti-pollution face masks to reduce the risk of exposure to harmful vehicle airborne particulates!

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29 Mar 2023

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Grave concerns expressed over cuts to homelessness support

Paul Arnott writes to John Hart: 

He said referrals to Alexandra House and other temporary housing providers are ‘an integral part’ of the service East Devon District Council offers people at risk of homelessness, and asks: “What solutions we will actually be able to provide for people who present to us if we are not able to refer into these projects that provide the specialist support these vulnerable people need?”

Philippa Davies www.exmouthjournal.co.uk 

Exmouth’s Open Door centre says its services for homeless people ‘could be pushed to breaking point’ if Devon County Council cuts its funding to hostels including Alexandra House.

The county council is currently consulting on plans to remove around £1.5million in funding to various hostels and other services in Devon for vulnerable adults. Alexandra House in Exmouth currently receives nearly £108,000 a year.

Tim Chappell, head of operations at Open Door Exmouth, said: “Open Door Exmouth is very concerned about the impact these cuts will have on our homeless community and those in danger of homelessness. Their welfare is our highest priority.”

He said the last 12 months have seen a spike in the number of people seeking the help Open Door provides, which includes free meals and food, one-to-one support sessions, showers and sleeping bags.

He warned: “The additional pressure these cuts would put on our services, on top of the increase in need we are already experiencing, is very worrying. Our own funding is tight, and we rely on generous-hearted volunteers to run our services with a very small staff team.

“An increase in demand for our services that would inevitably come our way could push us to breaking point. This is not the time to be reducing funding for those most impacted and at risk of homelessness by the cost-of-living crisis.”

Meanwhile, ‘grave concerns’ are being raised by the leader of East Devon District Council about the proposed cuts.

In a letter to John Hart, leader of Devon County Council, Paul Arnott said referrals to Alexandra House and other temporary housing providers are ‘an integral part’ of the service East Devon District Council offers people at risk of homelessness, and asks: “What solutions we will actually be able to provide for people who present to us if we are not able to refer into these projects that provide the specialist support these vulnerable people need?”

He said the consultation on the cuts had been announced ‘with almost no notice, and we were shocked by its sudden appearance’. He warns that cuts to front-line homelessness support will lead to higher costs for the county council’s Adult Health and Social Care services.

Devon County Council said it is ‘committed to supporting vulnerable adults across the county and focusing on its statutory responsibilities to ensure that individual eligible social care needs are met’.

The consultation on ending its funding to the support services runs until April 19.

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29 Mar 2023

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The final episode: Matt Hancock for hire at £10K/day

Following the publication of many of his WhatsApp messages and fresh faced from his bushtucker trial, Matt shows a keen appetite for new experiences, especially involving cash.

[There are a couple more interviews but Owl thinks you can have too much of a good thing.]