|
3 Counties Group Meeting with WSCCs Pemberton — No Surprises On Thursday 10 July, 3CGs Michael Vickers met with WSCC’s Cabinet Member with overall responsibility for the Structure Plan, Cllr. Tex Pemberton. The Meeting was informal and was held at Gravetye Manor, East Grinstead (EG) over tea and biscuits. Cllr Phillip Coote (WSCC Member for Imberdown, which includes a number of “Houses/Road-sensitive” localities, including Imberhorne, Furnace Wood and Crawley Down) attended Cllr Pemberton, poured a very nice cuppa, and contributed comments. The object of Dr. Vickers’ presentation was to provide Cllr Pemberton with added, perhaps new information and perspectives not provided through his Officials; and hence enable him to secure for himself a refreshed perspective on EG and other large-scale housing developments in the area as proposed in the Draft Structure Plan. Deploying the “informed good officer” approach, Dr. Vickers took Cllr Pemberton through each of the principal Mid-Sussex locations — Burgess Hill, EG and “East of M23”. Positive and negative attributes of each site were set forward. He then provided a “scenario explanation,” complete with site photos linked to a numbered Map of the "East of M23" location. Cllr Pemberton followed closely. Dr. Vickers then indicated why the “East of M23” location (which it turns out is NOT in Nicholas Soames’, but Francis Maude’s constituency) was best, and EG the worst, in terms of meeting the prime County requirement, which is the delivery of the House numbers required by Government within the 2001-2016 Plan period. Cllr Pemberton made no comment. Cllr Pemberton then made his presentation. This followed the line that the EG location was already settled on; that while other locations had been considered, the EG location was preferred; that this was endorsed by the EIP Panel Report; that in any event it was in his view too late to change course; that (barring last-minute changes) decisions in the lead-up to the 25 July Full Council Meeting had already been made. Civil words were followed by a few hot words. Dr. Vickers indicated that EG people were very angry with the way this had been done. There had NOT been proper Consultations. The 19 June Referendum had shown, if showing was needed, that EG people did not accept the Houses; that they never had. 96.3% of voters had said NO! There had been mis-representation, and indeed suppression of legitimate local views. This, he stressed, would be one of the principal planks advanced by Objecting elements at any Public Enquiry. Cllr Pemberton fired back: ‘It's not my fault!’ Government had lumbered the County with all these surplus housing numbers; and the County was required to find room for them. Sorry, said he, but that's the way it is. As for the "East of M23" location; that, he said, already is labelled for future post-2016 development — an important and most revealing statement as it contradicted the various hasty rebuttals fired off in previous weeks by MSDCs Ms Hewitt, County officers, and others. Cllr Coote followed up with several comments mostly relating to the proposed EG relief road. He stressed the grave problems this would mean for an already over-loaded Junct 10. He then alluded to an elaborate route he has worked out running in from the Maidenbower (Junct 10a) exit. And how would this route link up with and relieve the development traffic from the 2500+ houses? Cllr Coote said he had a Map of the Route which he would send to Cllr. Pemberton. As for the Houses, though reluctant to talk about them, Cllr. Coote did finally state that he felt they should come to EG; though he preferred a "wrap-around" concept. Dr. Vickers pointed out that there had been a local price to pay for backing these devastating, and unacceptable plans. The local Champion of the County's ambitions, Andrew Brock, had not only been unseated at the local elections, but had his County seat been up, that too would have gone. Cllr Coote nodded and said this was true. Dr. Vickers pointed out that the only Tory to get elected at EG was Edward Belsey; a candidate new to the political scene who said “No the Houses”, and “No to the proposed Road”. Cllr Pemberton took note. Fellow Tory Coote who of course had said “Yes to the Houses”, said nothing. Before departing Cllr Pemberton referred to the forthcoming Consultation Period when concerned residents and groups may enter their comments and observations on the proposed modifications to the Draft Structure Plan. Details were provided in a 4 July communication from WSCC Official, Neil Border. “The intention is, following the 25th July Full County Council Meeting, to make public for comment the Proposed Modifications to the Plan. We hope to publish the Proposed Modifications in August but delay the formal 6 week Deposit period until after the summer holidays. The Deposit period will commence on 5th September and end on 17th October, 2003. Comments can be made only on the Proposed Modifications to the Deposit Draft Plan or the lack of a Modification recommended by the [EIP] Panel.” It is important for all 3CG supporters and other concerned parties to note the contents of this communication, and to be sure to lodge a WRITTEN Objection/Comment. For only those who do so will be permitted to lodge an Objection/Comment at any future Public Inquiry. Press Liaison: Peter Haskell 01342 322622 | Close | |
||
 |
|
|