Category Archives: Environment (local)

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21 Jan 2015

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Clyst St Mary, Democracy, East Devon Alliance, EDDC, Environment (local), NPPF, Planning System, West End: WestClyst BroadClyst/ Pinhoe

‘Saving the identity’ of a unique East Devon village… Clyst St Mary residents out in force at last night’s meeting.

It appeared that the entire population of the village of Clyst St Mary had turned out to listen and voice their objections at another Extraordinary Meeting that had been called by the Bishops Clyst Parish Council on Tuesday night, 20th January 2015, to discuss the inappropriate number of planning applications that have recently been submitted to East Devon District Council for development in their village (including 304 residential units plus employment use at Winslade Park by Friends Provident, 93 dwellings on land near the Cat and Fiddle by Turnstone Group, a solar farm in Oil Mill Lane by Solstice Renewables and 40 houses on land off Clyst Valley Road (with the demolition of a residential estate house in Clyst Valley Road to gain access) by developers acting for Plymouth Brethren).

Clyst St Mary has also already agreed two planning applications totalling 93 dwellings for social, affordable and private needs, which is felt to be sustainable for a small village of this size and the current additional proposals would increase the size of the village by around 120%, which, the villagers felt, was certainly not sustainable.

The normal venue for Council meetings is the local School Hall but the previous Extraordinary Meeting had attracted such huge numbers of residents wishing to object, that it was assessed that a larger venue was necessary and the Village Hall was chosen, which was equally packed to capacity.

At the previous meeting the Parish Council had unanimously agreed to employ Charlie Hopkins, an experienced planning consultant, who had successfully assisted other local campaigns with their objections. With the support of the newly formed Save Clyst St Mary Campaign Group, financial pledges from the villagers were offered together with existing funds from the Parish Council to enable the employment of a consultant.

Charlie Hopkins was attending this latest meeting to explain to the villagers the very complex planning issues involved and he recommended to them their best course of action in objecting to such inappropriate proposals.

Many locals spoke with great passion about their views on saving the identity of their unique East Devon village by ensuring that only sustainable development is acceptable and the solidarity of the residents was expressed by them voting against every one of the ten current proposed planning applications.

To date The Save Clyst St Mary Group have received many financial pledges from the villagers and a Post Office account is now available for anyone to submit donations in support (Nat West Bank PLC 56-00-49 A/C 32633181 ). They would urge anyone who has not yet become involved in their campaign to contact Gaeron Kayley by e-mail at saveclyststmary@gmail.com or visit http://www.saveclyststmary.org.uk

Please support us in protecting our unique very special village because

‘Alone we can do so little but together we can do so much.’

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20 Jan 2015

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Democracy, Devolution, East Devon Alliance, EDDC, Environment (local), Freedom of Information and EIA, General Election, Independent Councillors, Local Plan, National Planning Policy Framework, Neighbourhood Plans, NPPF, Planning System, Voting

‘Democracy Day’ today, 20th Jan 2015.

‘Why Democracy?’ was discussed in a wide-ranging and perceptive debate led by Professor Michael Sandel, on Radio 4’s ‘Public Philosopher’ programme this morning.
The current changing mood of the electorate was one of the main topics that arose. Among possible reasons given for this change, were the failure of government to react to public views; a feeling of disempowerment; and the erosion of public spaces (in all senses). Here’s the link to what was said: http://www.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/series/r4sandel

The importance of proper scrutiny was implied. When EDDC’s Overview & Scrutiny Committee next meet this Thursday (6.30pm at Knowle) they will no doubt bear this in mind.

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19 Jan 2015

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Claire Wright, EDDC, Environment (local)

Cllr Claire Wright on ‘The battle to protect our trees’ (Tues 20 Jan, 2.30pm. Manor Pavilion)

In her capacity as Tree Champion, Cllr Claire Wright will be giving a Talk on ‘The battle to save our trees and biodiversity–a councillor’s perspective’, by invitation of the National Trust Sidmouth Centre. All welcome. Admission ( £3 NT members, £4 non-NT members) includes tea/coffee and biscuits afterwards.

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19 Jan 2015

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Clyst St Mary, Democracy, East Devon Alliance, EDDC, Environment (local), Latest news, West End: WestClyst BroadClyst/ Pinhoe

REMINDER: Meeting 20/01/2015 at Clyst St Mary

BISHOPS CLYST PARISH COUNCIL WOULD LIKE TO INVITE YOU TO:

AN EXTRAORDINARY MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL

Tuesday 20 January 2015
Clyst St Mary Village Hall starting at 7.30 pm

Items on the Agenda:-
To consider and agree representations in connection with the following planning applications submitted by Friends Provident at Winslade Park, Clyst St Mary:-
14/2637/OUT Demolition of Brook House and Clyst House and outline application (seeking to discharge means of access only) for up to 237 new dwellings, 1805 sq metres of B1(A) and D1 commercial floorspace, together with replacement sports facilities comprising two football pitches, a cricket pitch and sports pavilion, and associated development including parking and access
14/2638/LBC Renovation works to secure the continued use of the building for B1(a) purposes. Removal of the modern bridge link between the Manor House and Winslade House.
14/2640/MFUL Conversion of the building from current B1(a) office use to 61 (C3) residential units including the removal and making good of the bridge link between Winslade Manor and Winslade House and provision of basement car park.
14/2641/LBC Conversion of Winslade House from B1(a) office to 61 (C3) residential units including the removal and making good of the bridge link between Winslade Manor and Winslade House and provision of basement car park.
14/2642/FUL Demolition of modern extensions and conversion of the former Stable Block form D2 Leisure Use to 6 residential units
14/2643/LBC Demolition of modern extensions and conversion of the former Stable Block form D2 Leisure Use to 6 residential units
14/2644/MFUL Change of use from Agricultural Land to Community Park including the provision of footpaths, new landscaping and changes to levels

To consider and agree representations in connection with the following planning application submitted by The Turnstone Group at Land to North of A3052 between Cat & Fiddle and Devon County Showground, Sidmouth Road, Clyst St Mary:-
14/2237/MOUT
(amendment) Outline application with some matters reserved for the construction of up to 93 dwellings and new access and associated open space (access to be considered)

To consider and agree representations in connection with the following planning application submitted by Solstice Renewables Ltd at land surrounding Walnut Cottages, Oil Mill Lane, Clyst St Mary
14/2952/MFUL Installation of ground mounted photovoltaic solar arrays together with power inverter systems; transformer stations; internal access tracks; landscaping; CCTV; security fencing and associated access gate.

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17 Jan 2015

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Clinton Devon Estates, EDDC, Environment (local), Exmouth, National Planning Policy Framework, NPPF, West End: WestClyst BroadClyst/ Pinhoe

Solar farms.. viewed from the AONB.

The Clinton Devon Estates’ Liverton Solar Park, was mentioned in a comment (copied below)  recently left on the East Devon Watch blog. An observer has subsequently sent in these photos of the solar farm in question (which lies just outside the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) taken from the  AONB, south of the B3178. The pictures may shed more light on the issue.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

‘By coincidence, having driven past the solar farm at Liverton Farm and seen just what an impact on the ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ the solar park has, I have been looking again at the application (13/2202/MFUL) https://planning.eastdevon.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=externalDocuments&keyVal=MU6J9QGH3A000 made by the agents of Clinton Devon Estates.
It takes an enormous amount of plodding through, something still in progress, but it seems clear that , let’s say ‘ much of what was claimed is open to serious challenge’. Start with looking at what the CPRE had to say about some of Clinton Devon’s agent’s claims.
Not far away is Liverton Park 2, and industrial and business park complex adjacent to Liverton Park (1). It struck me that the massive sheds on Liverton Park 2 might well have had solar panels built into their roofs if CDE were really green for greens sake- but it seems not. But you do get a view of the solar panels from LP2!
The message seems clear, you cannot take a developer’s word. Check, check and check again. Oh, and see what subsidies the development attracts and wonder if that might be what makes solar panels the preferred choice when other more appropriate schemes may be better suited.’
Source: https://eastdevonwatch.org/2015/01/15/save-clyst-st-mary-campaign-new-proposals-and-important-meeting/comment-page-1/#comment-9681

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15 Jan 2015

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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/

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10 Jan 2015

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AONB, EDDC, Environment (local), Exmouth, Seaton/ Colyford / Colyton, Tourism

Devon and Cornwall set for bumper tourist seasons

Unfortunately, “economic growth” in East Devon means more industrial sheds and executive housing on our countryside, not investing in our tourism base. Tourism barely gets a mention our local plans.

EDDC will no doubt point to the “Exmouth Seafront” project as their contribution. But what has Exmouth and Seaton regeneration brought us so far: a massive Tesco in Seaton (maybe now under the Tesco CEO’s beady eye?) and executive and retirement housing and a very small visitor centre sandwiched between Tesco and the main road, pushing the tramway into the background; Exmouth: a Premier Inn that promised 50 jobs and delivered (maybe) max 25 (the top 2 of which were filled by Premier Inns in advance)and a seafront “attraction” that will be a highly-expensive to use clone of many other seaside areas, destroying the unique charm of the current seafront.

http://www.westernmorningnews.co.uk/Devon-Cornwall-set-bumper-tourist-season/story-25835250-detail/story.html

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5 Jan 2015

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East Devon Growth Point, EDDC, Environment (local)

Sainsbury’s landbank: including massive “intermodal transport” site in East Devon

Put that into available employment land and you wouldn’t need any more!

http://www.westernmorningnews.co.uk/Supermarkets-acres-unused-land-new-figures-reveal/story-25806299-detail/story.html

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3 Jan 2015

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East Devon Growth Point, Environment (local), General Election, Hugo Swire, Independent Councillors, Latest news, NPPF, Paul Diviani, Skypark, West End: WestClyst BroadClyst/ Pinhoe

Tory Party reveals its vision …the tarmac road ahead

EDA has been sent this spoof version of the new Conservative Party poster (rumoured to be a photo taken in Germany), with added accompanying features of the Government’s vision for growth. !cid_Image2638
Let your friends know the important choice facing Britain this year…More green fields cut through by tarmac and disappearing under sprawling cloned housing estates? Or new voices at Parliament and around the country, who will bring changes to the NPPF (National Planning Policy Framework…the so-called ‘developers’ charter’)? More info at Community Voice on Planning at http://covop.org/

Could there be another, very different, route to long-term prosperity more suited to Britain’s natural assets, particularly in East Devon…..?

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3 Jan 2015

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EDDC, Environment (local), Independent Councillors, Knowle/Honiton/Exmouth relocation, Latest news, Sidmouth/ Sidford/ Sidbury, Voting

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Another split amongst East Devon Tories?

All is not quite as it seems in the (02/01/2015) Sidmouth Herald photo of MP Hugo Swire with three of the Sidmouth District Councillors!
See http://www.sidmouthherald.co.uk/polopoly_fs/1.3902104!/image/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_490/image.jpg
Conservative Cllrs Drew, Newth and Sullivan voted AGAINST putting the Knowle relocation project on hold (proposed by Independent Cllr Claire Wright), just a few days before Mr Swire’s press release followed Cllr Wright’s lead. (Mrs Wright is of course standing against Hugo Swire in this year’s May election, as Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for East Devon).
The same three councillors were present at the public open meeting organised by the Sid Vale Association in advance of the Full Council vote on Knowle (Dec 17th 2014). But the straightjacket of party politics seemed to restrict their perspective on Knowle. Cllr Frances Newth (appears by Hugo’s right shoulder in the picture), former EDDC Environment champion, did not utter a word about the environmental impact of relocation; Cllr Christine Drew (pictured on Hugo’s left) appeared blissfully unaware of the knock-on effect of the loss of the major Sid Valley employment site, and the ‘need’ for a large business park planned alongside a minor country road between Sidford and her beloved Sidbury; and Cllr Peter Sullivan responsible for Health and Wellbeing, made no comparison of the benefits of a workplace set in parkland with that of an industrial estate (as now proposed at Honiton).

As 2015 unrolls, will they all just keep smiling for the camera …?
Will the Councillors stay loyal to Leader Paul Diviani, or to their local MP?
A tricky call!!

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22 Dec 2014

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EDDC, Environment (local), Local Plan, South Somerset

Well, fancy that: South Somerset District Council has similar problems to ours

We share a Chief Executive and now, of course, we share a Monitoring Officer:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/earth/greenpolitics/planning/11304901/This-housing-free-for-all-is-scarring-our-most-precious-countryside.html

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17 Dec 2014

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Affordable and Social Housing, EDDC, Environment (local), NPPF

So many words, so little action

“The Government’s flagship planning policy is leading to “inappropriate and unwanted housing development”, MPs have warned.
The cross-party Communities and Local Government Committee also raised concerns that town centres were not being given proper protection against the threat from large out-of-town retail developments.

They called for the Government to scrap rules allowing small shops and offices to be converted to housing without the need for planning permission, arguing that the changes could lead to town centres becoming “an unattractive place to visit or, indeed, live”. …

…The committee said: “Our report has identified a number of issues with the operation of the NPPF: that it is not preventing unsustainable development; that it is leading to communities being subject to inappropriate and unwanted housing development; and that it is giving insufficient protection to England’s town centres.”

But there was no need to “tear up or withdraw” the controversial document, but insisted ministers should ” reinforce its provisions and ensure it does the job it was intended to do”. …

…They said: “Councils that fail to produce a plan surrender their ability to influence the future development of their local areas.”
The committee’s Labour chairman Clive Betts said: “Councils must do more to protect their communities against the threat of undesirable development by by moving quickly to get an adopted local plan in place.”

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/pa/article-2875415/Warning-planning-policy.html

and reviewed in more detail here:

http://localgovernmentlawyer.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=21169%3Achanges-needed-to-nppf-to-stop-unsustainable-development-say-mps&catid=63&Itemid=31

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16 Dec 2014

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Affordable and Social Housing, AONB, EDDC, Environment (local), Local Plan, NPPF

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.

Click to access 190.pdf

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14 Dec 2014

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Environment (local), Local Plan, Tourism

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Celebration of East Devon’s Literature and Landscape, at launch of new book created for EDA

Launch poster Nov 2014 low
Many thanks to the large audience who supported the genial and entertaining preview of this unique publication at Friday’s book launch and performance evening (12th Dec 2014 in Sidmouth). EDA is especially grateful to the author,Peter Nasmyth, and to his co-researcher on East Devon Literature, Mike Temple, who also organised the performance. Peter’s landscape photographs were a stunning backdrop to renditions by such notables as John Betjeman,Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Jane Austen, Ron Delderfield, and Sir Walter Raleigh…all much admired!

If you missed the performance, here’s some more about the book:

A correspondent writes, “I think this book would make a good Christmas present, better still keep it as it has lots of literary walks and a map included.” . Copies (£15.99) available from bookshops in Ottery St Mary and in Sidmouth, or from the publisher (see below).

As a first, full literary companion to the East Devon area, A4 in size and full colour, this beautiful book combines large photographs with serious research, quotations, observations on literature and landscape. Included also is a map, information on the writers, an index and bibliography, plus directions as to where the authors walked in the area so readers can follow in their footsteps. The aim is both to celebrate and draw attention to this unique and threatened part of rural England. Birthplace of Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Sir Walter Raleigh, a setting for stories and poems by Jane Austen, H.G Wells, John Fowles, C. Day Lewis, John Betjeman, Beatrix Potter, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, and others, East Devon remains as attractive to writers today as ever. The publication of this book aims to help keep it this way.

For SEE INSIDE page (Green and pleasant land) go to http://www.mtapublications.co.uk

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14 Dec 2014

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EDDC, Environment (local), Local Plan

‘Tis the season to be …

… putting in those controversial planning applications. Unpopular ones traditionally go in next week so developers have two less weeks of consultation to be concerned about (not worried, they never worry in East Devon) as people are distracted.

Maybe a controversial one for Budleigh Salterton where rumours abound of a big 4 supermarket wanting a foothold …? Or perhaps one of our old friends wanting to increase their landbanked sites with planning?

EDDC kicks it off with the full council meeting where the shepherds tell their flock of sheep to vote through another fantastical idea for an HQ move.

No wise men there.

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12 Dec 2014

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Affordable and Social Housing, AONB, EDDC, Environment (local), Local Plan

“Tories tearing apart the future of rural villages”

Article by Martin Hesp:

“…This, surely, is stark proof that this Government is only interested in lining the pockets of the already wealthy folk who help line the Tory campaign coffers. By which I mean the “flog-off-anything-and-everything-as-long-as-I-get-rich” brigade who care nothing for this country, its people or its landscapes. …”

“… Creating South Sea Bubbles to proclaim quick-fix economic recoveries might suit politicians thinking about forthcoming elections, but it does nothing to safeguard the nation’s growth or sustainability.

Lining the pockets of the few at the cost of communities and landscapes can only do lasting harm.”

http://www.westerndailypress.co.uk/Affordable-homes-nice-idea-lasted/story-25690937-detail/story.html

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11 Dec 2014

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Environment (local), Latest news, Local Plan, Neighbourhood Plans

John Betjeman, Jane Austen, Coleridge and Walter Raleigh ‘appearing’ in Sidmouth tomorrow evening…

…And there’ll be live (!) performances by current East Devon writers, too, at tomorrow evening’s Book Launch (6-8pm, All Saints’ Hall, All Saints’ Rd, Sidmouth)
‘East Devon’s Literature and Landscape’ by Peter Nasmyth, has stunning original photographs and lots of new insights about East Devon’s links to writing by such diverse authors as H.G.Wells, Beatrix Potter, Jane Austen, and all-of-the-above, to name but a few! PLEASE NOTE: Performance starts at 6.30pm precisely.
Launch poster Nov 2014 low

More info here: https://eastdevonwatch.wordpress.com/2014/11/06/the-perfect-christmas-present-for-lovers-of-east-devons-literature-and-landscape/

For SEE INSIDE page, scroll down to Literature and Landscape in East Devon /strong> on HOME, at http://www.mtapublications.co.uk

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11 Dec 2014

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AONB, Environment (local), Local Plan, NPPF

Report: Not in my backyard: local people and the planning process

A useful and timely report from the Local Government Ombudsman:

Some interesting bits:

“… The government has recently introduced new legislation which requires council officers who grant permission under delegated powers to produce a written record of that decision. Councils must make the record available at their offices and on their websites. These written decision records must be kept for a period of six years and any background documents must be kept for four years. This only applies to decision made by officers with delegated powers however there is no reason why councils should not extend this to decisions made by committee. “

Ahmir’s Story:

“Ahmir complained the council had given a local councillor planning permission for a house in an area of outstanding national beauty. The councillor was close friends with the Chairman of the Planning Committee. We found that both councillors had a close relationship as they and their families regularly attended the same social functions. The Chairman of the Planning Committee failed to declare this.

The council’s constitution and Code of Conduct said councillors must not take part in a meeting if they had a ‘prejudicial interest’ in what was being discussed. We found the chairman was at fault for not declaring an interest and that he should not have taken part in the meeting.

The council’s officer report recommended the committee refuse planning permission for the house because it was contrary to national and local policies and could set a precedent for inappropriate development in an area of outstanding natural beauty. The vote in favour of granting planning permission was finely balanced. If the chairman had not taken part in the meeting planning permission would have been refused.

Following our investigations the Leader of the Council applied to court to have the committee’s decision overturned. The judge overturned the decision and said “any fair-minded and informed observer would conclude that there was indeed a real possibility of bias in the decision to grant planning permission”. The Council incurred significant costs in dealing with the complaint and subsequent court action. The applicant wasn’t able to recover the cost of building the house or any of their legal fees. …”

Click to access 2093-Planning-Focus-report-final.pdf