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Green Wedges, Hugo Swire

Another green wedge under threat

Topsham is not in the East Devon District but IS in the East Devon parliamentary constituency of Hugo Swire. Let’s see if he speaks up for Topsham as Honiton and Tiverton MP Neil Parish did for Feniton. But don’t hold your breath – he’s travelling the world and probably won’t even know what’s happening here. And if he does, he will almost certainly not help, citing “being a minister” as his usual excuse.

Sorry, but if you voted for him, this is what you get – an absentee MP who doesn’t even have a second home in the constituency, preferring to have it in Mid-Devon.

“Hundreds of people have attended a public inquiry to object to plans to build on an area of green space known as the “Topsham Gap”.

The land separates the town of Topsham from the city of Exeter.

The public inquiry follows Exeter City Council’s rejection of Waddeton Park’s plans to build a 60-bed care home plus more than 100 homes for over 55s.

The developer says it would provide “much-needed” housing for the area’s ageing population.

A campaign group, Save the Topsham Gap, objects to the development, claiming Topsham has its own identity and the “gap” is the last bit of land physically separating the two areas.

‘Antagonise the inspector’

An earlier inquiry in November was adjourned because the venue at Newcourt Community Centre was deemed too small for the numbers wanting to attend.
A number of local people who wanted to attend the start of the four-day inquiry at the Westpoint Centre, were angry at being “locked out” after arriving late, but an official said she was not willing to “antagonise the inspector” by allowing latecomers into the proceedings.

“This is like a court of law and the inspector is the judge – and the inspector decides how it will be run,” she told BBC News.

She said the people would be able to attend the afternoon session of the inquiry, but one objector said he was “appalled” at being locked out.
“It’s a public inquiry and we should be allowed in,” he said.

The inspector’s decision will be announced at a later date.”

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-35639773

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EU Referendum, Hugo Swire, Neil Parish

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“Devon Tory MP ‘undecided’ on EU vote – because he is overseas”

“A Devon MP is yet to make up his mind on whether Britain should leave the European Union – because he is overseas.

Conservative MP Hugo Swire, who represents East Devon, is yet to indicate where he stands on the vote – due to him being away from the UK.

A spokesman for Mr Swire, who is Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, said: “Mr Swire is in support of the idea of a referendum. He has been in New Zealand and is now in Canada on ministerial business. So I can’t give a yes or no. Hopefully we will be able to say by the end of this week or early next week. … ”

http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co.uk/Devon-Tory-MP-8216-undecided-8217-EU-vote-8211/story-28784122-detail/story.html

So they don’t have email or phones in New Zealand and Canada then?

Or is he waiting to see which side of the fence others take before choosing whether to sit on it, do as Dave says, or do as his constituency party wishes?

Big dilemma for such a busy, busy traveller.

Neil Parish (Con Tiverton and Honiton) and Ben Bradshaw (Lab Exeter) have both declared themselves for IN.

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Coastal erosion, DCC, EDDC, Hugo Swire, Sidmouth/ Sidford/ Sidbury, Stuart Hughes

Sidmouth beach erosion: support – but no money

Everyone SEES the problem
Everyone KNOWS the solution
NOBODY has the money

And all Swire can say: nice to see a bit of progress since 2001 but don’t look at me – pay for it by flogging off Port Royal!

“After the recent wild weather, Councillor Stuart Hughes fears that the Ham’s sewage pumping station could be ‘overwhelmed’ and said it needs protecting – and now, writes Stephen Sumner.

East Devon’s MP Hugo Swire also says any necessary work will have his ‘full support’.

However, East Devon District Council (EDDC), which is leading a long-term plan to protect the beach, told the Herald that there is no government funding available for immediate intervention.

“If the sewage pumping station was affected, Sidmouth would close down,” said Cllr Hughes. “Where would all the sewage go? How can you have a holiday resort without a sewage system? We need to do something before it’s too late.”

South West Water (SWW) has played down any concerns.

EDDC is drawing up a beach management plan (BMP) for the town and a draft of it is expected in the autumn. However, the implementation of any protection scheme could take years.

Mr Swire said: “This is a prime example of why it is absolutely vital that we deal with the problem of cliff erosion at Pennington Point and improve Sidmouth’s flood defences. This has been an ongoing issue since I was first elected as MP in 2001, and I am pleased that progress is finally being made with the publication of the BMP. However, it is likely that the BMP will not be implemented for another five years, so interim measures might be needed. Any necessary measure will, of course, have my full support. Generally speaking, I believe that any solution which addresses the problem of cliff erosion and the Alma Bridge needs to be part of a wider redevelopment that includes Port Royal and the Ham.”

Sewage is pumped from The Ham up to the treatment works at Sidford and final effluent is discharged out to sea.

A spokeswoman for SWW said the ‘substantial reinforced concrete’ pumping station is not considered to be at ‘significant or immediate risk’ of structural damage by the sea. It has an overflow it can operate in the event of it becoming overwhelmed by surface water.

An EDDC spokeswoman said there is currently no government funding available for interim measures to protect the seafront while the BMP is being drafted and funding would need to be found elsewhere. She added that a repair project to stabilise the training wall and retaining wall at Port Royal is under way.

“The timeframe for work to start on the main scheme depends on the preferred option coming out of the BMP, but we are looking to complete the funding application to the Government as soon as practicable,” said the spokeswoman.

Among potential protection works being considered in the BMP are options to remove rock groynes from the main beach and raise the height of the sea wall. Other possibilities are the construction of new groynes off the east beach, a replacement promenade at Jacob’s Ladder and a continuation of shingle recycling.”

http://www.sidmouthherald.co.uk/news/fears_for_sidmouth_seafront_do_something_before_it_s_too_late_1_4415417

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Hugo Swire, NHS (local)

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Thanks, Mr Swire – not! Devon 143rd out of 152 authorities for funding spend per person on health

Hugo Swire has told us on countless occasions that he can’t speak for us in Parliament because he is a Minister. But he reassures us that he can and does talk about us in private to other Ministers (which Owl finds worse than talking about us in public when at least we could know what he is saying about us.

However, it seems that whatever he says (if he says anything at all as he is usually jetting around the world as bagman for the Foreign Minister) it has fallen on deaf ears:

“A massive blow has been dealt to Devon’s health care after being told it will receive less funding.

For the next financial year in 2016/17, Devon County Council will receive almost £28m – £800,000 lower than anticipated, increasing fears over the a service that has already been recognised as being under significant financial pressures and demands.

It amounts to an allocation of £38 per person in Devon, compared to a national average of £69. In comparison, the city of London receives £200, and Middlesborough gets £126. …

…In the league table of public health grants per region, Devon is now ranked 143 out of 152 local authorities.

If Devon did receive the national average its public health funding would increase to over £51 – an extra £13 per person.

The public heath grant news arrived yesterday lunch time – the day before Devon County Council’s cabinet committee discussed the budget for the next financial year.

Speaking at today’s cabinet meeting, Andrea Davis, Devon County Council cabinet member for improving health and wellbeing, said: “That’s what I call shoving us right at the bottom. We are now fifth from the bottom in the league table. To say I’m unhappy is an understatement and we don’t have any reserves.”

http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co.uk/Funding-blow-Devon-s-health-sees-ranked-near/story-28722938-detail/story.html

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Claire Wright, Hugo Swire, Tax avoidance

Sidmouth (non?) Conservative Club, a tax protest and Swire’s take on it all

The photograph below is taken at Independent Councillor Claire Wright’s demonstration on fat cat tax avoidance outside (on the public pavement) the Sidmouth Conservative Club, which until recently had a rather scruffy and spider-infested pic of Hugo Swire on its notice board.

Apparently, a person from the club insisted that it is “non political” though it appears in a list of Conservative member clubs

http://www.toryclubs.co.uk/page/website-linkup

and was keen to persuade the protesters to move away from the vicinity of the club when they protested last week.

For Mr Swire’s views on tax evasion and avoidance (which he appears to confuse) see here:

http://www.hugoswire.org.uk/news/blog-tax-evasion-and-avoidance

where he states:

“” … Even though companies may avoid paying tax on their profits, they do contribute to the public purse in other ways. Their employees will pay Income Tax and National Insurance, as well as any additional taxes they may occur. In the UK – when you add up VAT, business rates, national insurance contributions, and so on – about 30% of tax revenues come from businesses, of which only eight per cent comes from corporation tax. …”

So, that’s ok then. As long as WE pay our 20-40 % taxes and pay 20% VAT when we spend what’s left, the mega-companies that employ us (which should pay 20% corporation tax) can happily 3-4% max! If we tried that we would be given hefty fines or prison sentences!

Reminds Owl of tales of the old British Empire where, in Africa, people got paid by mine companies – and could only spend the money in mine company owned shops!

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Austerity cuts, Claire Wright, DCC, Economy, Hugo Swire, Tax avoidance

Claire Wright’s speech on tax avoidance yesterday

“Before I begin I have a small announcement to make.

If you have got trouble paying your tax bill, don’t worry … I’ve had a word with George and said to just give him a call and he will do a deal with you. You might even get three per cent!

So, despite the public outrage, Cameron and Osborne STILL think that a three per cent tax deal from Google after a six year investigation is a “major success!”

What do we think about that?!

And despite our government lobbying the EU to PROTECT tax havens, ministers still insist that this country is leading the way in clamping down on corporation tax avoidance!!

What do we think about that?!

And despite HMRC getting a pasting last November by the public accounts committee for its record on tax avoidance, the Conservative government STILL insists that it’s doing a great job on getting companies to pay up!

Over the weekend news broke that six large companies, including AstraZeneca and Shell, have COMPLETELY avoided paying tax in the UK!

Using tax expert, Richard Murphy’s figures we have estimated that Devon could lose around £380m every year to corporation tax avoidance.

£380m is twice the adult social care budget and 22 times the children’s care budget. Effectively, it is equivalent to around an extra £500 for every person living in the Devon County Council area.

That’s money that could be spent on our schools, our hospitals, children’s services and the elderly. All these services are horribly underfunded and horribly under pressure.

Over the past five years £174m has been shaved off Devon County Council’s budgets. We have seen the closure of care homes, youth centres, children’s homes, bus cuts, highways related cuts.

But things are about to get worse. On 10 February (we think) MPs will vote on yet more massive council funding cuts. Devon County Council is set to lose around £28m. This will mean the axing of school crossing patrols, the arts and a raft of other cuts. The social care budget is so under pressure that its scrutiny chairman said last week that the risks of the budget cuts are “massive.”

So this demonstration is aimed at both drawing Mr Swire’s attention to the modern day scourge that is tax avoidance AND also to the forthcoming vote in the House of Commons and how important it is for him speak and vote against it.

And Devon County Council has already urged Devon MPs to vote against the funding cuts.

Mr Swire is a Foreign Office minister for the Commonwealth and responsible for economic and commercial diplomacy, and so in a sound position to press for action on this issue.

I wrote to him about this a few weeks ago but the only reply I received stated that the email was being forwarded to the treasury minister, David Gauke.

This is all very well, but I think we want to know what MR SWIRE himself is doing about corporate tax avoidance – and where he stands on next week’s council funding cuts vote!

Otherwise some of us might start to wonder whether a more appropriate title for him should be Minister for Tax Havens!!

I organised this demonstration BEFORE the Google scandal kicked off, but I am absolutely delighted that it has prompted this issue to dominate the news agenda. The white light of public scrutiny is the ONLY way that we will ever see the rules change on this.

One last thing this is a protest demonstration and we need to demand action verbally as well as visually.

How about:

Hugo Swire: No ifs, no buts, vote AGAINST the council cuts!”

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Austerity cuts, Hugo Swire

Swire does not support equalising pensions for women

“Sidmouth residents Jenny Velterop and Julie Davies spoke out last week about the bid to bring women’s pensionable age into line with men’s – which has seen many people born in the 1950s face a six-year delay.

MP Hugo Swire says that while he understands concerns about the pace of change, the Government has taken measures to mitigate the impact on the worst affected – and alternative arrangements would bring ‘inordinate’ costs to the taxpayer. …”

http://www.sidmouthherald.co.uk/news/east_devon_mp_defends_government_s_stance_on_women_s_state_pension_1_4396714

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Hugo Swire, Neil Parish

Do you want your MP to be better behaved?

Review of the Code of Conduct 2016

The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards is asked to review the Code of Conduct and the Guide to the Rules relating to the Conduct of Members once in each Parliament.

On 21 January 2016 the Commissioner launched a public consultation exercise to help her with a review of the current Code of Conduct adopted by the House on 17 March 2015, following a review by her predecessor, John Lyon CB on 12 October 2011.

The consultation document is available here:

Click to access Code-of-Conduct-Consultation-Paper-2016.pdf

Responses to the consultation may be posted to:
The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards
House of Commons
London, SW1A 0AA

Or emailed to standardscommissioner@parliament.uk

Responses should be submitted by 14 March 2016

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Claire Wright, Economy, Hugo Swire

Tax avoidance demo: Sidmouth, 1 February 11 am

From the Facebook account of Councillor Claire Wright (Independent, DCC)

PROTEST DEMO! BIG BUSINESS TAX AVOIDANCE RIFE WHILE MPs SET TO VOTE THROUGH HUGE FUNDING CUTS TO COUNCILS

MONDAY 1 FEBRUARY AT 11AM, ON PAVEMENT OUTSIDE SIDMOUTH’S CONSERVATIVE CLUB.
Please bring your own placards!

There will be a high profile PROTEST against the forthcoming vote in the House of Commons, which will see Devon County Council lose £28m, while big business tax receipts could fund Devon’s public services to around £380m.
The Conservative government’s austerity measures mean that our precious public services are being eroded each year, which is hitting the poorest and most vulnerable the hardest.

I wrote to Hugo Swire asking him to take action on t his subject last week—including speaking against, and voting against the budget cuts.

But this subject is too important to leave it there…..

Here’s a map – http://sidmouthconservativeclub.co.uk/map.htm

It is REALLY important that there is a big turnout to give a clear message that we think it is unacceptable that our council services are being cut so severely, while the government does little or nothing to address the persistent loopholes in the tax system.

The House of Commons vote will probably take place on Wednesday 3 February.
Here’s more information – http://www.claire-wright.org/…/devon_portion_of_avoided_cor…

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Swire – Gagged Minister: Reality or Myth?

From a correspondent”

“I have been keeping a watch on what my own MP, Hugo Swire, says in
parliament for the last 2 years using the “They Work for You” web site.
In that time, I have not seen Hugo say even one word about East Devon,
not a single, solitary word. He has frequently said things about Burma
and other far-flung parts of the world in his role as one of the Foreign
Office Ministers, but nothing at all in support the needs of his
constituency of East Devon.

I have heard it said fairly frequently that ministers cannot say
anything in parliament about their constituencies, and I thought I would
take a look and see what I could find to see whether this as true or
simply used by such MPs as a justification for them not saying anything.

It is the Ministerial Code:
that
governs the behaviour of ministers like Hugo Swire. This code says
things like:

“Ministers in the House of Commons must keep separate their roles as
Minister and constituency Member”, and “Ministers are provided with
facilities at Government expense to enable them to carry out their
official duties. These facilities should not generally be used for Party
or constituency activities.”

But nowhere does it say that ministers should abstain from speaking in
parliament about their constituency. This is (as far as I can tell) just
Urban Myth, apparently used by MPs who are also government ministers as
an excuse to spend all their time on ministerial duties and not have to
spend any time doing their day-job as a constituency MP.

Unless, of course, you can point to evidence to the contrary. ….

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Hugo Swire, Neil Parish

Both our MPs vote against a bill to ensure rented properties are fit for human habitation

“Conservative MPs have voted against proposed new rules requiring private sector landlords to ensure their properties are fit for human habitation.

A Labour amendment to the government’s housing and planning bill, designed to ensure that all rented accommodation was safe for people to live in, was defeated by 312 votes to 219 on Tuesday, a majority of 93.”

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/jan/12/tories-reject-move-to-ensure-rented-homes-fit-for-human-habitation

At least 73 of the MPs who rejected proposals to ensure rented homes are “fit for human habitation” are themselves residential landlords, Political Scrapbook can reveal. …

… The full list of MPs who voted against the measure and had recorded their income as a residential landlord under Section 6(ii) of the current register of members’ interests, “Income derived from property: over £10,000 in a calendar year …”

72 landlord MPs voted down law to ensure housing is ‘fit for humans’

One of those 73 named in the article is Tiverton and Honiton MP Neil Parish.
East Devon MP Hugo Swire also voted against it.

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Flooding, Hugo Swire

Environment Agency head resigns because he didn’t expect to be called on in an emergency if he was on holiday in Barbados

“Sir Philip Dilley has resigned as chairman of the Environment Agency following criticism of his decision to go on holiday to Barbados as parts of Britain battled severe flooding.

In his resignation letter, Sir Philip claimed he was stepping down because “expectations” of his role have changed to mean he has to be “available at short notice throughout the year”. …”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/12093502/Sir-Philip-Dilley-quits-as-Environment-Agency-chairman.html

Wonder what globe-trotting Minister Hugo Swire thinks of this? Anyone seen him in the constituency recently?

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Hugo Swire, Lobbying, Neil Parish

South-West MEPs urge transparency on lobbying

South-West Conservative, Labour and Green MEPs have all agreed to publish details of all meetings they have in the course of their work so that any lobbying events are clearly identified and transparent:

http://www.westernmorningnews.co.uk/South-West-MEPs-push-greater-transparency/story-28486427-detail/story.html

Now, all we need is all the south-west’s MPs to do the same, starting with our own MPs, Swire and Parish. Oh, and of course, councillors, particularly their meetings with developers.

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So now we know how Mr Swire spends his time …

… not only does he not have a home in his constituency, he seems much too busy jet-setting to even mention it. He can’t speak about East Devon in Parliament because he is a Minister but he doesn’t seem to have much time to even think about it either. As he ends a LONG column about his ministerial duties, he adds at the very end:

” … He states that his time in the role has been a “privilege” but admits it is “not forever”, with the demands of being a minister and a constituency MP continually pulling him in different directions. “The challenge is to keep all the balls in the air. Everyone wants a bit of you, so it’s busy, but it’s not impossible,” he says.

But he argues it is possible to be a good MP and a good minister – “we just have to do it in a different way”.

http://www.westernmorningnews.co.uk/Prime-Ministers-Nobel-prize-winners-s-day-s-work/story-28442350-detail/story.html

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Devolution, EDDC, Hugo Swire, Knowle/Honiton/Exmouth relocation, Transparency

One post office box, two mobiles, an 0300 number and a “promise” ….

This page of last week’s Sidmouth Herald is SO entertaining!

Swire says we shouldn’t be worried that devolution deals are being done behind closed doors and that power is being devolved from politicians in Whitehall.

But he neglects to say that it is being devolved to … er … a bunch of anonymous, unelected businessmen in … er … well, they have a post office box number in Exeter, two mobile phone numbers and an 0300 numbers on their contact us webpage:

http://www.heartofswlep.co.uk/contact-us

so they could be anywhere! Running their businesses, perhaps …..

and as a bonus we get a” Buy one, get one free” offer from Diviani promising us those missing relocation documents (the ones he was ordered to produce last May) ” soon”. Was the “Sale, amazing offers” advert a coincidence or a subliminal message to us all?

BOGOF indeed.

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Claire Wright, DCC, Devolution, EDDC, Hugo Swire

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Claire Wright asks: ” Why is Mr Swire angry over devolution criticisms?”

I see that Mr Swire has been publicly critical of those of us who have expressed concerns about devolution.

Devolution is essentially the transfer of some government responsibilities to local councils.

I am not opposed to the principle of devolution, however, Chancellor, George Osborne has strong-armed councils into taking on these extra responsibilities, which gives me a cause for considerable scepticism.

A group of councils in Devon and Somerset, as well as the NHS and businesses are currently negotiating a deal to be put to ministers for devolved powers.

As Devon County Council prepares to shave off nearly £40m again, from its budgets in a few weeks, thanks to austerity measures, it will be even less well equipped than before to provide vital services.

But now Local Enterprise Partnerships (run by largely by business people) must take a leading role in preparing a bid to government for devolved powers. Ministers have insisted that bids must be business focused.

At the Devon County Council meeting in December, councillors voted in favour of my motion to allow public consultation on the bid. Although, from Mr Swire’s recent opinion, one might be forgiven for thinking that this was a Conservative proposal!

East Devon District Council Independents (especially the East Devon Alliance councillors) have been very proactive in raising concerns about plans, which up until now have been extraordinarily vague and tricky to get to grips with.

From what I have seen however, the bids will be very big business focused. And politically conservative, with a huge emphasis on the importance of Hinkley Point for example … while renewable energy, which has been a thriving industry in the south west – or at least it will be until the 64 per cent subsidy cut hits in a few weeks, doesn’t appear to get a look in.

Mr Swire might not like Independents expressing opposing views to government policy (has he ever voted against the party line?) but I tend to take the view that councillors (and MPs) are here to represent constituents, not to protect corporate interests or nod in sage agreement with every ministerial announcement.

I have raised many important issues in many of my columns in this newspaper and invited Mr Swire’s to respond.

He appears to favour silence, however.

Here’s the article – http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co.uk/Comment-renewable-energy-sidelined-devolution/story-28436976-detail/story.html

http://www.claire-wright.org/index.php/post/why_is_mr_swire_angry_over_devolution_criticisms

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Exmouth, Hugo Swire, Moirai Exmouth project

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Swire’s views on Exmouth seafront development … …

“Following a meeting on Friday 19 December on the proposed re-development of Exmouth Seafront with Cllr Andrew Moulding, local MP Hugo Swire said:

‘I am grateful to Cllr Moulding for giving me an up-to-date briefing on the proposed Queen’s Drive development.

As I have said before, change and development is always contentious but often necessary. Any redevelopment of the seafront must provide Exmouth with the modern facilities that it requires whilst also preserving the character and beauty of the town.

I think that this is an exciting moment for Exmouth as the town has long been in need of investment and regeneration. It is to be welcomed that these proposals aim to extend the holiday season in Exmouth, boost the number of small businesses in the town and generate more jobs for local people.

However, I stressed to Cllr Moulding the importance of any development being affordable for local people as well as visitors. Cllr Moulding assured me that, under the plans, there will be a number of free facilities for the people of Exmouth and new attractions for younger people.

I also highlighted the importance of a genuine consultation with the people of Exmouth, their elected councillors and local businesses. I am particularly keen on the idea of a 3D model of the plans so that my constituents can get a better idea of what this proposed development will look like’.

http://www.hugoswire.org.uk/news/exmouth-seafront-statement

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Hugo Swire, Mark Williams CEO EDDC, Misc, Paul Diviani

All I want for Christmas ….

Will Diviani and Williams go head-to-head on this one, or does Swire have it in the Santa sack already (presuming it isn’t too far beneath him)?

http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co.uk/Lordship-East-Devon-village-grabs/story-28312790-detail/story.html

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Hugo Swire, Transparency

The perils of employing your mates

Lord Feldman is the latest person implicated in the bullying scandal and, after the resignation of Grant Shapps (aka Michael Green) there are calls for his resignation.

Another of Dav’s good friends is our MP Hugo Swire, who was at school with him at Eton.

It is probably not a good idea to put friends in positions of power and influence.

… “Feldman rarely gives interviews, has never stood for elected office and is virtually unknown outside Westminster. There is no biographical information about him on the parliament website. …

…2008 Feldman and George Osborne were guests for drinks on a yacht owned by the Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska, moored off Corfu. Both Feldman and Osborne insisted they had not discussed donations with the Russian, which would have been illegal. Feldman later said he had gone aboard merely because he was “fascinated” to see a boat of that size so close up.

When Feldman indicated before this year’s general election that he wanted to return to the family business, Cameron made him sole chairman of the party, with a seat in cabinet. He is the first Tory chairman to have his own office in 10 Downing Street. So close are the two, the barrister reportedly helped prepare Cameron for his appearance at the Leveson inquiry into press standards, firing likely questions at him.

Described as direct and easygoing, with a “sharp business brain”, Feldman is credited with helping to widen the party’s financial base. However, some believe he is not independently political enough. A party chairman should be able to deliver uncomfortable truths to a prime minister, which critics say he cannot do because he is completely David Cameron’s creation.”

http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/nov/30/andrew-feldman-david-cameron-mate-indispensable-ally-tory

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Axminster, Cranbrook, Gypsy and Travellers, Hugo Swire, Neil Parish, Seaton/ Colyford / Colyton

Gypsies- not in my back yard says Swire – stick ’em in Neil Parish’s bit of East Devon!

“East Devon MP Hugo Swire has urged a rethink on council plans to locate a large gypsy and traveller site in Cranbrook.

East Devon District Council, which is obliged to provide 37 new gypsy and traveller pitches in East Devon between now and 2034, is proposing in the latest draft of the local plan to create 30 new pitches in Cranbrook – 81per cent of the council’s overall allocation.

Cranbrook Town Council have opposed the plans.

Mr Swire said: “Obviously the easy thing to do is to put the majority of pitches in the same place but that does not mean it is the right thing to do.

There is more to East Devon than Cranbrook and I believe that other areas such as Axminster and Seaton should all take their fair share.

‘This looks to me like a rushed solution as the lack of identified sites is holding up the Local Plan. The majority of my constituents in Cranbrook have no objection in principle to taking on their share of pitches but it is clearly unfair for the town to have to accommodate over 80% of EDDC’s entire allocation.”

http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co.uk/East-Devon-MP-urges-rethink-Cranbrook-gypsy/story-28231277-detail/story.html

No matter that EDDC itself has said that gypsy and traveller sites should be on arterial road routes.

One can only imagine what our two MPs have to say to each other – if, indeed, they speak at all.

Wonder what EDDC councillors in Axminster and Seaton think?