Robust scrutiny of relocation figures..some pointers from SOS for today’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee (6.30pm, Knowle).
Serious misrepresentation in Overview and Scrutiny Committee draft minutes. EDA requests amendment at today’s meeting (22/01/2015)
Observers may have noticed that East Devon District Council predominantly answers Freedom of Information (FOI) requests with references to minutes of meetings.
But minutes may not always be reliable, as illustrated by the following e-mail just sent to EDDC by EDA Chair, Paul Arnott. The benefits of video and audio recording of council meetings are clearly demonstrated in this case.
Referring to the audio recording of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 13th November 2014 (link given below), Paul Arnott stated,
‘Many people wrote to me yesterday as they were preparing for this Thursday’s meeting to point out that the minute of what I said from the public seats that night is misrepresented in the draft minutes.
Given the potential implications of this particular misrepresentation I have now quickly transcribed what I actually said here:
Transcription of OSC131114Item8
Chairman welcomes Tony Hogg and invites Paul Arnott to speak from the floor
In at 0 m 36 sec
PA: Thank you, Chairman. Good evening ladies and gentlemen, and indeed can I perhaps on behalf of the public sitting behind me welcome Tony Hogg here tonight? The timing is interesting.
I think many people here tonight will share my sense of depression at the grim inevitability of a finding by the authorities announced yesterday. A half-hearted report, not allegation, was made by a compromised authority to another body with whom it shares many formal and informal connections. A robust and extensive investigation is then claimed to have been followed, although to most reasonable minded observers it looks in fact weak and perplexingly delayed.
We will, of course, never really be allowed to know who was spoken to in this enquiry, or what investigative lines were followed. Yet an announcement was made yesterday by the putative investigators and the compromised authority that it was all over, nothing to see here.
And almost immediately, the chief executive of the compromised authority did what he could to meddle with the internal investigations which in a normal, healthy establishment must now follow, and instead turned his fire back against his very best members, who have done nothing but fight in the open to protect the public interest.
Yes, chairman, I think we all know what I’m referring to here. Yesterday’s boast by FIFA’s Sepp Blatter that Qatar’s astonishingly successful bid for the World Cup in 2018 was in fact the model of probity (Laughter) And moreover that after an extensive and robust investigation the unpleasant English Football Association is itself at fault for complaining in the first place. Thank heavens, Chairman, under your watchful gaze there is no danger of anything like that happening around here.
However, in the form of a question for Tony. I wonder if you find it coincidental, Tony, that something like six hundred days after a report was made from this authority to the police about the conduct of a former councillor, five hundred and ninety-nine days later, and one day before you appear before us, the police finally announce that there will be no further action?
Mr Hogg did not answer the question
***
However, this is how the above is represented in the minutes:
“Paul Arnott spoke about the conclusion of the police investigation into former councillor,
Graham Brown, of the district council and questioned if the investigation had indeed been
robust and extensive as stated; he accused the Chief Executive of “meddling” with the
investigation and targeting the council’s best councillors. Following a reference to the
current president of FIFA, he commented on whether the announcement of the police
investigation one day prior to the Police and Crime Commissioner attending the committee
that evening was co-incidental.”
As you can see above, Mr Brown’s name was not mentioned by me, and the Chief Executive was not “accused” of “meddling” with the investigation.
Therefore it is essential that the minutes record was actually said. I would suggest they be amended as follows:
Mr Paul Arnott spoke from the floor, asking Mr Hogg if he found it coincidental that something like six hundred days after a report was made from this authority to the police about the conduct of a former councillor, five hundred and ninety-nine days later, and one day before he appeared before the committee, the police finally announce that there will be no further action. Mr Hogg did not address the question.
It would be much happier for the conduct of tomorrow’s meeting if this amendment could be made in consultation with the Chairman.
With many thanks,
Paul Arnott.’
To listen to the audio recording follow the link to the section of the minutes relating to the Police and Crime Commissioner (click on a link under the words Minute 47)
http://new.eastdevon.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/committees-and-meetings/overview-and-scrutiny-committee/minutes/13-november-2014/police-and-crime-commissioner/
‘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.’
EDDC’s “new” website seems to have lost a lot of information
Anyone else finding that EDDC’s “new” website is very thin on content and almost impossible to navigate and search, particularly in the Planning section?
For example, can anyone tell us where the Local Plan Programme Officer’s web page (with all the Documents scrutinised by the Planning Inspector and all the correspondence before and after the examination) has gone to, its former link no longer seeming to work?
More trouble for health care services in East Devon
Draft Local Plan – update (and not good news)
Recall the Inspector suggested October 2014 as a suitable date for EDDC to deliver an amended Draft Local Plan to him for re-examination. Now even October 2015 is looking unlikely.
And contrast the figure of £172,000 spent so far on this project with the £700,000 spent on HQ relocation plans – much of it on the abortive attempt to relocate to Skypark.
Just half of the money spent on Skypark, if redirected to resources to finalise the Local Plan, could almost certainly have had us protected from rapacious developers. A hidden cost of relocation.
Conservative majority EDDC chose to prioritise relocation of its offices over the Local Plan. Remember this at the May 2015 district elections.
Development and food security
“The UK is currently 68% self-sufficient in foods which can be produced here. There has been a steady decline in this level over the last 20 years. While there is no optimal level of self-sufficiency, and a diversity of supply is important for spreading risks, the Government should monitor this level. Levels of self-sufficiency in fruit and vegetables have fallen the most, and farmers should seek to extend the seasonal production of fresh fruit and vegetables in coordination with the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board.”
If you look at the summary and conclusions, There is NO mention of the loss of high grade agricultural land to development of such land and solar farms.
Perhaps our Government thinks that the NPPF protects such land (snort!).
Flood free homes
Association of British Insurers has launched this campaign.
A summary:
INVEST. By 2025 £1 billion per year to be spent managing flood risk in order to keep pace with climate change.
ADAPT. A zero tolerance of inappropriate new developments in areas at risk of flooding.
PLAN. Cross party consensus on ambitious long term solutions that manage all types of flood risk.
Did you see that there under “ADAPT” EDDC – anyone listening?
Feniton? Sidford? Anywhere near a river or the sea? Hello? Hello?
https://www.abi.org.uk/News/News-releases/2015/01/Launch-of-the-campaign-for-Flood-Free-Homes
‘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.
Two councils challenge changes to Section 106 provisions
West Hill wants its own parish council
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.
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.
Sidmouth beach enhancement, EDDC-style
Sunday strollers along the esplanade this weekend were no doubt impressed by the shingle-shifting project currently in progress.
The work does not extend to the eastern end of the beach, as disgruntled residents of Cliff Road well know.
Our earlier post describes the situation https://eastdevonwatch.org/2015/01/19/may-election-leaves-pennington-point-sidmouth-hanging-in-the-air-literally/
May election leaves Pennington Point, Sidmouth, hanging in the air – literally
http://www.devon24.co.uk/news/delays_cost_beach_its_political_punch_1_3919489
Beach Management Plan, Local Plan: both sacrificed to relocation plans. Priorities, priorities ….
Devolved powers to “counties and districts”
Article in today’s Times (firewall does not allow link) intriguingly says Greg Clark, Cities Minister, is holding talks about combining “counties with districts” for greater devolved powers.
How this differs from unitary councils will be interesting to see and calls into question whether joint arrangements between EDDC, Exeter and Teignbridge were premature.
The Society of Local Council website adds:
“The aim is to boost growth in both the cities and counties outside London, by building up rival power bases led by a series of new town hall heroes. “In time there will be big possibilities for counties and places outside the big cities,” Mr Clark told the Times. “If some of our counties and districts come together they have the potential to have greater powers, which can be exercised locally,” he said. “There are some very well run counties with good cordial relations with their unitaries authorities and districts. There is an opportunity for them to negotiate powers to be devolved from the centre.”
http://www.slcc.co.uk/news-item/rural-areas-able-to-bid-for-new-powers/942/
Knowle relocation scrutiny: some maps
As decided by the Full Council (17 Dec 2014), EDDC’s office relocation project is to have much more thorough scrutiny than it has had to date. Both the internal and external auditors are already in the process of producing new reports (by late February 2015) with as much content as possible to be in the public domain, as agreed at January’s Audit & Governance Committee.
This week’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee, charged with the close scrutiny of other aspects of the relocation project, may find helpful the maps and comment at this link: http://futuresforumvgs.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/knowle-relocation-project-and-politics.html
