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EDDC: “OAP’s battle over safety alarm bill”

Seems EDDC only likes competitive pricing when it suits them!

“The 78-year-old, who does not want to be identified, is campaigning against district council sheltered accommodation tenants being forced to pay up to £30 a month for unwanted home alarm and safety systems, writes Becca Gliddon.

The pensioner’s daughter said OAPs were being ‘bullied’ into paying for an unwelcome medical and support system.

She said the family had been fighting the council for a year to abolish the charge and compulsory service; her mum says she had been originally told the service was free.

The family’s fight echoes a Budleigh Salterton pensioner’s plea, recently shot down by East Devon District Council (EDDC), when the 91-year-old asked to source a cheaper, private option.

The Budleigh woman said the £676 annual council charge would force her to choose the unwanted alarm over heating her home.

The Exmouth grandmother says other sheltered accommodation tenants want the Home Safeguard Services scheme scrapped, but are too afraid to speak out for fear of reprisals by the council.

So she is fighting to choose her own home safety and alarm service.

She claims cheaper options are available.

EDDC said the alarm service and support system was an ‘integral part’ of its sheltered housing offer. It said it was ‘determined’ to keep it running.

The council said it had a hardship fund for people unable to pay, warned it would ‘seek possession’ as a ‘last resort’ for non-payment and would discuss other options available with tenants who thought the service unnecessary – including ‘helping tenants find more suitable accommodation’, adding sheltered housing was for ‘residents who are in need of our support services’.

The Exmouth pensioner, who has a personal SOS phone system linked to her daughter in Exmouth, said: “It should be possible to for me to be given the opportunity to supply my own service and protection. I feel I could do it at a fraction of the cost.”

http://www.exmouthjournal.co.uk/news/oap_s_battle_over_safety_alarm_bill_1_4619222

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East Devon street trading consultation

http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co.uk/east-devon-street-trader-consultation-deadline-looming/story-29519491-detail/story.html

What you need to know:

The more street traders, the more income for East Devon.

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Democracy, EDDC, Ottery St Mary, West Hill

West Hill: new parish council boundary “compromise”

Independence day as West Hill splits

11:01 15 July 2016 Eleanor Pipe
Proposed new West Hill parish council boundary
Proposed new West Hill parish council boundary
Compromise reached over divisive boundary issue

“West Hill looks set to form its own parish council after a contentious bid to gain independence was given the green light.

A long and acrimonious battle came to an end on Wednesday (July 13) when members of East Devon District Council’s (EDDC) cabinet voted in favour of the village breaking away from the governance of Ottery.

The bid was launched by the West Hill Parish Campaign Group (WHPCG), which argued the community has its own identity.

During the consultation process, a bitter row broke out over the proposed boundary.

Speaking at Wednesday’s meeting, WHPCG chairman Margaret Hall said: “Our primary objective has always been to establish a parish council for West Hill. We know we have overwhelming support for this from residents of West Hill. We are disappointed by the boundary, however, we do recognise the need for compromise. We do look forward to working positively with all our neighbouring councils in the future.”

The compromised boundary option means the new parish will be far smaller than the current West Hill ward, but it does incorporate some households in Higher Metcombe, who strongly objected to being included in the Ottery ward.

Mayor Glyn Dobson – not speaking on behalf of the town council – said: “I will be sorry to see West Hill go, because the parish of Ottery will lose approximately 25 per cent of its precept. However, if it’s the will of the majority of West Hill residents, I respect that.”

District councillor Peter Faithfull said the issue should be postponed entirely – as the level of acrimony did not allow for constructive debate. However, Councillor Phil Twiss argued there is a clear case for West Hill forming its own parish council.

EDDC needs to issue a final go-ahead before the proposal will come into legal effect on April, 1, 2017. The first elections could be held in May 2017.”

http://www.sidmouthherald.co.uk/news/independence_day_as_west_hill_splits_1_4617573

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Developers/ Development, EDDC, Local Plan, Sidmouth/ Sidford/ Sidbury

Judge quashes out-of-town planning permission for discount store

Wonder how this applies to out-of-town industrial developments?

Mr Justice Ouseley has quashed planning permission for an Aldi store in Mansfield after finding a series of errors in the way in which the planning authority processed the application.

Mansfield District Council had given permission to developer Regal Sherwood Oaks for a food store of 1,925 square metres at Sherwood Oaks Business Park, for which the intended occupier was Aldi.

Developer Aldergate Properties challenged this citing an adverse impact on its development in the town centre contrary to the sequential test in planning policy designed to protect town centre retailing from out-of-town rivals.

Aldergate argued that the council erred in its approach to the sequential test, imposed a condition personal to Aldi without considering relevant planning policy objections to this and failed to consider whether the proposal accorded with the development plan.

In his judgment, Ouseley J said Mansfield had misinterpreted the National Planing Policy Framework as the necessary sequential test has not been carried out and a material factor has not been taken into account.

He also did not accept that the planning committee would have been aware of guidance on personal conditions “in the absence of specific evidence to that effect.

“This is not just because this is not a very common point, but also because the evidence produced by the district council did not show that their training had covered this particular aspect of conditions, and nothing more was forthcoming despite requests.”

He also found the council had misinterpreted its development plan.”

http://localgovernmentlawyer.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=27743%3Ajudge-quashes-planning-permission-over-interpretation-errors-&catid=63&Itemid=31

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Accountability, Economy, EDDC

“Councils’ commercial ambitions outstrip expertise”

“Four in 10 council bosses want to increase commercial revenue but just 4% say they have significant commercial expertise, a poll by CIPFA and Civica has found.

The survey of 45 local authority chief executives and chief finance officers found authorities were developing commercial plans to raise revenue by, for example, developing trading arms for shared services and through more effective use of property.

However, concerns were also highlighted about a lack of understanding of what the market needs (36% of respondents said this was a factor) and concerns about the risks involved (56%). “…

http://www.publicfinance.co.uk/news/2016/07/councils-commercial-ambitions-outstrip-expertise

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EDDC, Phil Twiss, Rural communications, Rural communities

Rural broadband guarantees: can EDDC deliver? If so, at what cost?

“Dozens of broadband network providers are expected to bid for six contracts to improve broadband connections in Somerset and Devon.

The second phase of a superfast broadband scheme for Somerset has been launched this week by Connecting Devon and Somerset (CDS).”

http://www.somersetlive.co.uk/more-than-40m-to-be-invested-in-superfast-rural-broadband/story-29502729-detail/story.html

This does not include East Devon, which decided to “go it alone”, applied for grants and was turned down because too much of the project was like the one they left!

Recently, the government has said EVERYONE must get a decent broadband service and is bringing in legislation to this effect:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/consumer-interests-at-heart-of-digital-economy-bill

and a Parliamentary Briefing paper just published states:

“Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) part of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is responsible for implementing the Government’s policy on superfast broadband roll-out which consists of three stages:
• provide superfast broadband coverage to 90% of UK premises by early 2016 and access to basic broadband (2Mbps) for all from December 2015 – “Phase 1”
• provide superfast broadband coverage to 95% of UK premises by the end of 2017 – “Phase 2”
• explore options to provide superfast coverage to the hardest to reach parts of the UK – “the final 5%”
The BDUK coverage targets include the commercial roll-out, however, the BDUK programme and funding is focussed on those areas that are not reached by the commercial roll-out.”

BRIEFING PAPER, Number CBP06643, 4 July 2016

So, where does this leave East Devon? Over to you, Councillor Twiss, Broadband Supremo ….

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EDDC, Public Open Space

“Help support Love Parks Week in East Devon” (except the ones they want to build on!)

Love which parks? The elephant in the park – Knowle, of course! And no events at all in Honiton, Seaton, Ottery St Mary or Axminster – only Sidmouth (Connaught Gardens) and Exmouth (Phear Park and Manor Park)!

“Enjoy lots of fun activities in parks across East Devon from 15 to 24 July
As part of the nationwide Love Parks Week 2016 initiative, which is taking place from 15 July to 24 July, East Devon District Council is running a number of fun and exciting events at its parks across the district.

Activities for children and families, such as circus skills, arts and crafts and giant garden games will be taking place at Phear Park and Manor Gardens in Exmouth and in Connaught Gardens in Sidmouth.

Love Parks week 2016 is a nationwide initiative that aims to get everybody outdoors, enjoying the beautiful parks and green spaces in communities up and down the country. All East Devon’s events can be found on http://www.facebook.com/eastdevon and on Twitter – just search for @streetsceneops

Anyone requiring further information can contact StreetScene on 01626 226960 or email: streetsceneops@eastdevon.gov.uk”

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EDDC accounts 2015-16 available for public inspection NOW

EAST DEVON DISTRICT COUNCIL
AUDIT OF ACCOUNTS –
PUBLIC INSPECTION ACCOUNTS AND AUDIT REGULATIONS 2015

“Notice is given that from 1 July 2016 to 11 August 2016 inclusive; between 8:30am and 5:00pm (Monday to Friday) any person interested may inspect and make copies of the accounts of East Devon District Council for the year ended 31 March 2016 and other documents referred to in Section 26(1) of the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014.

Please address any requests for access to the Council’s unaudited accounts to: Simon Davey (Strategic Lead for Finance) at the Council address shown below or email; sdavey@eastdevon.gov.uk or telephone 01395 517490. The unaudited accounts will be available on the council’s website http://www.eastdevon.gov.uk from the 30 June 2016.

Any objections to the accounts must relate to the matter in respect of which the auditor could take action (under section 27 of the Local Audit and Accountability Act) namely, an unlawful item of account, or failure to bring the amount into account) or make a report in the public interest (under Section 24 of, and Para 1 of Schedule to, the Audit and Accountability Act 2014).

No objection may be made by or on behalf of a local government elector unless the auditor has received written notice of the proposed objection and the grounds on which it is made. In addition an elector is required at the same time to send a copy of any notice of the objection to East Devon District Council.

The addresses of the auditor and the district council are:
D Gilbert Appointed Auditor KPMG LLB
100 Temple Street Bristol
BS1 6AG

Simon Davey
Strategic Lead for Finance East Devon District Council Council Offices
Knowle
Sidmouth
Devon
EX10 8HL”

http://eastdevon.gov.uk/media/1797813/notice-of-audit-1516.pdf

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Community Infrastructure Levy, Cranbrook, EDDC, Section 106, Transport (local)

Another railway station for Cranbrook?

Just how big is Cranbrook going to be?

Just how are other towns and villages going to benefit from development in the East Devon if Cranbrook gets all the funding?

http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co.uk/new-east-devon-railway-station-edges-closer/story-29491427-detail/story.html

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Accountability, Democracy, East Devon Alliance, East Devon Tories, EDDC, UKIP (local), Voting

Honiton hustings for district council includes East Devon Alliance candidate

“Honiton residents will have the chance to quiz candidates for a district council seat in Honiton’s St Michael’s ward.

The opportunity comes off the back of Cllr David Foster’s sudden resignation.

Three candidates – all currently serving on Honiton Town Council – are set to attend a hustings at Honiton Methodist Hall, on Friday, July 15, from 2pm.

They are

Ashley Alder (UKIP),
Henry Brown (Labour) and
John Taylor (Independent East Devon Alliance)

June Brown, chair of Honiton Senior Voice, said: “We have been approached to hold a hustings because we have a proven track record over many years and because people want more information about candidates who present themselves.

“The district council controls many services and it is only right electors get the chance to meet and question those who wish to serve them as councillors. We are very pleased that with one exception the candidates have agreed to come along.”

For more information about Senior Voice and what the organisation does, visit http://www.devonseniorvoice

http://www.midweekherald.co.uk/news/hustings_to_quiz_next_district_councillor_for_honiton_1_4607829

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Accountability, Asset sweating, Consultation, Democracy, EDDC, Sidmouth/ Sidford/ Sidbury

Sidmouth: EDDC reasserts its authority over Port Royal

Probably stung by the popularity (and speed) of local residents who were able to organise and display interesting designs for Port Royal, EDDC has now announced funding for a scoping study (i.e. a PRE-study study) for the area. Not everyone is happy about the prospect:

“EDDC deputy chief executive Richard Cohen added: “Good proposals, which are innovative as well as practically and financially possible, will be critical to the success of Port Royal’s development.

“Throughout the process, there will be a clear focus on consultation and collaboration with local people, businesses and organisations, to ensure that any future development is achieved with their understanding.

“The improvements that this scheme will bring about will help maintain Sidmouth as one of the UK’s premier seaside resorts.”

But concerns were voiced at Monday’s town council meeting.

Councillor Ian McKenzie-Edwards said: “A lot of funding in Seaton came from Tesco. OK, it funded Seaton Jurassic, but two of the businesses it replaced were in tourism. Seaton is at a pretty low ebb. Tesco is a hell of a way of getting funding.”

Cllr Louise Cole welcomed the opportunity to regenerate eastern town, but said: “There’s a massive issue of trust between EDDC and the community.

“People are very concerned their voices aren’t heard. The two latest developments [the Knowle redevelopment and plans for a business park in Sidford] have reaffirmed that. People are extremely angry.”

Cllr Turner countered that people had always been cynical and it was up to the councils to try to involve them in the process.”

Mr Cohen expects the £10,000 project to be completed by mid-November, with a decision on the next step before Christmas.

http://www.sidmouthherald.co.uk/news/councils_scoping_out_future_of_port_royal_1_4608377

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Accountability, Developers/ Development, EDDC, Local Plan, Rural communities

EDDC draft villages plan – broken link in Cabinet agenda

Note that in the agenda for the next cabinet the draft plan for villages, which must be added to the Local Plan cannot be accessed from the link provided.

Nor can the pdf link be accessed from the page which takes you straight back to the agenda in a circular link.

There are some details about the results of consultations here:

http://eastdevon.gov.uk/planning/planning-policy/villages-plan/villages-plan-2016-consultation/

but it is suggested that each village checks what is being put before the Cabinet as it is not clear if each document is a summary of consultations or a recommendation – it simply labels documents “analysis”.

The villages involved are:

Beer
Broadclyst
Clyst St Mary
Colyton
East Budleigh
Feniton
Kilmington
Musbury
Newton Poppleford
Sidbury
Uplyme
West Hill
Whimple
Woodbury

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Accountability, Asset sweating, EDDC, Exmouth, Moirai Exmouth project, Regeneration

Philip Skinner now Chairman of Exmouth Regeneration Board – we await his Christmas card …

See page 36:

RESOLVED; that Councillor Phillip Skinner be elected Chairman of the Board for the ensuing year.

Click to access cabinet130716combinedagenda.pdf

Councillor Skinner is probably best remembered for “Christmas card gate” when he was fired from his post as EDDC’s rural ” champion” during the reign of former EDDC Leader Chairman Sarah Randall-Johnson for sending her an inappropriate greeting:

CONSERVATIVE councillor has been stripped of his role as rural champion after off-the-cuff remarks in a Christmas card offended the leader of a Devon authority.

Philip Skinner, who represents Talaton, near Ottery St Mary, sent the card to Sara Randall Johnson, leader of East Devon District Council and headed it “My greatest adversary”. Mr Skinner heaped praise on her at the expense of other members, boasting: “The rest I can demolish in my sleep, but you are in a class of your own.”

Mr Skinner signed off with two footnotes, the last of which stated: “If only things had turned out different, we’d have made one hell of a team.”

http://www.westernmorningnews.co.uk/tory-councillor-loses-role-greetings-card/story-11721863-detail/story.html

Unfortunately, we are not told what the first footnote was.

In the words of Tim Wannacott of Bargain Hunt: “Are you in charge of the sale today Philip? If so, we are in safe hands”.

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Accountability, Consultation, Devolution, EDDC, Local Enterprise Partnership, Spin, Transparency

Cabinet to rubber-stamp devolution deal with no consultation with members or public

“Heart of the South West Formal Devolution Bid (pages 52-56)

‘This report seeks approval to sign up ‘in principle’ to the pursuit of a Devolution Deal and the creation of a Combined Authority for the Heart of the South West sub- region to administer the powers devolved through the Deal. An ‘in principle’ agreement from all of the authorities, partners and MPs involved in the Heart of the South West devolution process will open up negotiations with Treasury to work towards a deal.”

Click to access cabinet130716combinedagenda.pdf

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Accountability, Affordable and Social Housing, Bovis, Developers/ Development, EDDC, Regeneration

Bovis and Seaton affordable housing – a long and winding road

Below is a report of the original discussion EDDC had in July 2013 about affordable housing on the (then) Tesco site. It should be notec that, though “overage” was discussed and apparently agreed at this meeting, the requirement was subsequently dropped, though no explanation was given for this:

“… Tesco has petitioned for the removal of all the affordable housing on its site to make it more saleable, as it has many problems associated with the infilling of the site which mean that only certain types of houses can be built and fewer of them.

“What I say below is a personal opinion only and reflects my layperson understanding of the debate.

The DMC heard from myself [Sandra Semple] and Paul Arnott: there were no representatives of the town council in attendance. District Councillor Peter Burrows was in attendance earlier in the day as a member of the DMC but left before this item. District Councillor Steph Jones appeared in her capacity as Deputy Portfolio Holder for Housing.

Members of the committee appeared strongly of the view that Tesco was going a step too far. They particularly disliked the comment from the company’s agent that if EDDC did not agree to what they wanted, they would appeal. Some thought this was unacceptable pressure. One member of the committee noted that no affordable housing has been built in Seaton for many, many years and if this reduction was allowed other developers in the town would think they should have the same treatment.

Mr Freeman (I forget what title he has these days) pointed out that there was a mistake in calculations in the documentation (not sure whose fault) and that whereas it had been stated that the company might sustain a loss of over £2 million if affordable housing were included, the real amount on the figures provided was more like £750,000.

It was suggested that this application was a good candidate for EDDC’s new policy of “overage” and here I get a little fuzzy about what they mean – and to be fair so did some of the members of the committee. However, what it appears (to me) to be is that yes, Tesco will be allowed to take out the affordable housing BUT EDDC will put in place an overage clause which says that when the potential loss has been recovered (i.e. after the £750,000 loss has been taken into account – or whatever the correct figure is) then EDDC will take a percentage of the profit thereafter. This means, as I understand it, that, say, Tesco sells the site for £5 million, then they ignore the first £750,000 and the remaining profit is then split between EDDC and Tesco. The EDDC lawyer in attendance could not remember what the percentages agreed were but I have looked it up and the default allowed in the new policy is 50% each but EDDC has the option to increase this percentage if it sees paperwork which shows that the profit could be extremely high.

This only applies to the current planning application. If the site is still vacant when the current planning application runs out then everything has to be renegotiated including the S106 agreements and percentage of affordable housing.

Throughout the afternoon several members of the committee (perhaps with an eye to the next election) said that the economic climate was improving and that this meant that Tesco has less to worry about.

https://sidmouthindependentnews.wordpress.com/2013/08/21/seaton-eddc-votes-to-share-the-profits-with-tesco-but-no-affordable-housing-on-the-site/

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Accountability, Affordable and Social Housing, Bovis, Developers/ Development, Development Management Committee, EDDC

Development Management Committee defers Bovis Seaton affordables decision to study viability figures

East Devon’s Development Management Committee has refused to approve an application from Bovis to build extra houses on the Tesco regeneration site at Harbour Road. It decided instead to bring the matter back to its next meeting to look more closely at the viability assessment for Affordable Housing.

Members were surprised when officers said that they were free to look at the viability assessment, although it will not be made publicly available.

This setback for the developers came after the DMC’s chairman, David Keys, and the Council’s Development Officer, Ed Freeman, recommended approval of an extension of the ‘zero relaxation’ for affordable housing (which means NONE at all in the huge project) in March, without bringing the matter to the Committee or informing the town council of the application.

However, it transpires that Bovis had already applied for extra houses on the site, and said no affordable housing should be included because the scheme overall was still £6 million in the red.

But as Seaton ward member Jim Knight asked the DMC, why would they be building these additional houses if the site was not profitable?

The issue came to DMC only because of the persistence of Seaton Town Council, supported on the DMC by Councillor Peter Burrows who insisted that the matter be on the DMC agenda.

The Chair of Seaton’s planning committee, Martin Shaw, argued that the viability assessment for the new application, which linked it to the viability of the scheme as a whole, was flawed because it did not take account of the improved density of the development. He questioned whether the District Valuer had been fully informed when he signed off the viability assessment.

DMC members on all sides expressed concern. Independent leader, Ben Ingham, said that for a long time Seaton had not had enough new housing, but now that it was coming on stream, Seaton people could not afford to buy the houses being built.

Conservative councillor Simon Grundy said ‘We need to stop being treated like children over this matter. The Town council seem to have got a lot closer on this than we did.’

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Accountability, Developers/ Development, EDDC, Exmouth, Moirai Exmouth project

“exmouth shows opposition to big seafront development”

The strength of feeling among those against the large scale development of Exmouth seafront was apparent when more than 200 people packed All Saint’s Church Hall in the town for a public meeting.

Organised by Save Exmouth Seafront (SES) the aim was to update residents and seafront users on the group’s actions and enable questions to be asked.

People put forward many relevant and knowledgeable arguments to support their thoughts and feelings, and expressed particular frustration that EDDC have continued to fail to engage with residents.`

Laura Freeman, an Exmouth resident who attended the meeting said “The fact that so many people came to SES’s public meeting shows that people do want to do something to force East Devon District Council to reconsider their plans to develop on Queen’s Drive, they just aren’t really sure how they can achieve that, but meetings like this are great for people to feel connected and share ideas”.

SES spokesperson Louise MacAllister would like to thank all who gave up a sunny Saturday afternoon to attend and contribute to the meeting, especially those who had to stand throughout.

Members of the public who were unable to attend the meeting are welcome to contact SES by email: exmouthsplashdiscussion@gmail.com.”

http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co.uk/exmouth-shows-opposition-to-big-seafront-development/story-29476988-detail/story.html

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Accountability, AONB, EDDC, Environment (local), Rural communities, Sidmouth/ Sidford/ Sidbury, Transport (local)

Hold your breath in Sidford, the HGVs are coming

Imagine the increase in particulate discharge, particularly its effect on the health of the children of the village.and the integrity of the structure of those beautiful old houses on the route, most built with shallow foundations. And in a flood-prone area of an AONB. Wouldn’t happen in the Blackdown Hills!

“Campaigners have branded Sidford and Sidbury’s ‘bottleneck’ roads ‘too narrow’ to handle the increased transit of lorries.

Councillor Marianne Rixson said traffic is predicted to increase by a third along ‘pinch point’ roads if plans for a business park in Sidford go ahead.

She said the roads are already congested – particularly School Street, near Sidbury Mill and through Sidbury – and branded claims that the site ‘is well served by highway access’ as misleading.

Cllr Rixson, who represents the Sidmouth-Sidford ward on East Devon District Council, said: “The roads are too narrow yet they are predicting a 32 per cent increase in traffic through School Street if the development is approved – Sidbury, too, has various ‘pinch points’ where two vehicles cannot pass.” She added that there needed to be a ‘duty of care’ to pedestrians on roads where there are no pavements.

And with HGVs nearly three metres wide, Cllr Rixson fears two lorries could not pass each other in School Street – which is just 4.8 metres wide.

She said: “The A375 is an upgraded B road and is essentially still a B road. Already lorries drive on the pavement in School Street and, in Sidbury, there are stretches where there are no pavements at all.”

Devon County Council’s highways team is being consulted on the application and said it is considering its response.”

http://www.eastdevonalliance.org.uk/in-the-press/20160702/sidmouth-herald-hgv-increase-issue-on-narrow-roads/

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Coastal erosion, EDDC, Exmouth, Moirai Exmouth project

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Exmouth “Splash” could come sooner rather than later after sea wall investigations

“Officials are concerned that the sea wall in Exmouth could collapse in a heavy storm.

East Devon District Council has completed the excavation of eight deep pits in the town as part of its beach management plan.

…Councillor Iain Chubb, East Devon District Council’s Portfolio holder for the Environment, said: “The findings that we make as a result of the excavations will be critical in determining the steps that we must take to manage the risk of coastal flooding and erosion to property and other assets along the Exmouth frontage.”

“The trial pits that we have dug in Exmouth, which is the gateway to the UNESCO designated Devon heritage coast, are part of a five-year action plan, which is intended to guide the future management of this important Jurassic Coast town.

Exmouth’s 2015 Beach Management Plan (BMP), which was produced by coastal flood and erosion risk management consultants CH2M, established the need for the trial pits.

The seaside town was flooded during storms in 2014.”

http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/concern-that-sea-wall-in-exmouth-cannot-withstand-storms/story-29466095-detail/story.html

Still, Moirai Capital Investments will no doubt be able to insure potential investors and buyers against any risks.

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AONB, EDDC, Environment (local)

“There’s more to life than the economy”

Speaking of an ” explosion” in best-selling books about the natural world, judge of a nature prize Fiona Reynolds (ex-National Trust) says:

“Even in these three years there has been an absolute flood of books in which writers are talking about nature and its meaning, and not just in a superficial sense. These are profound books, about a deep relationship and about the deeply spiritual questions which confront us in society.” “[They show us that] there’s more to life than the economy, or foreign policy – these writers are articulating beautifully the ways in which the human spirit needs to connect with the world around us, and to respect the world around us.”

http://gu.com/p/4n4nb

Shame our district council hasn’t got the message.