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| Lib Dem Whitewash Will Hedge End's new houses look like this? |
As you may know, I was there in the public gallery and I subsequently reported for Eastleigh News on what was an important and revealing debate. It was a long-overdue debate that HETC tried hard to avoid last year, clearly with one eye on the Borough elections (which are now done & dusted)
So given the importance of this issue, how can the Town Council possibly get away with summing-up the local plan debate with as bland a record as this...?
The following text is copied from the official minutes of that meeting.
In light of the Draft Local Plan summary consultation representations published by the Borough Council and the overwhelming public opposition expressed therein, Hedge End Town Council urges Eastleigh Borough Council Cabinet to reconsider the large scale development proposed for Hedge End and Botley in favour of a plan for smaller-scale, sustainable, organic growth evenly spread across all the Borough’s settlements. (Motion – Cllr. Keith Day)
Cllr. Keith Day introduced and Proposed his Motion to Council and provided background details speaking on the Motion, which was Seconded by Cllr. Helen Corben. Cllr. Keith Day requested a recorded vote for the Motion. The Chairman advised Members that she has asked Cllr. Cynthia Garton to debate the revised local plan once issued at the Highways and Planning Committee meeting in September. After considerable debate, the Motion was Put to Council.
In Favour: Cllrs. Day, Corben (2)
Against: Cllrs: Allingham, Caitlin Bloom, Louise Bloom, Carnell, Clarke, Effeny, Garton, House, Peter Hughes, Pretty, Sthankiya, Tennent, Welsh, Worley (14)
Abstentions: Baynes, Houghton, Kyrle, Watson (4) Motion Lost.
It is a whitewash. The recorded vote is accurately recorded, but the arguments that were put forward during the debate have been completely lost. Anybody referring to these minutes in future, to see what the Councillors think about the proposed development in Hedge End will be none the wiser.
Unless you were actually there at the meeting and heard for yourself what was said, there's no way of finding out what the Town Councillors think about the local plan..
Which will no doubt suit the Lib Dem Councillors, for political reasons, but its not right. Is it...?
Open & transparent would seem to be two words that are not in the Eastleigh Lib Dems vocubulary.
Why do Hedge Enders keep voting for them...?
Thank you for reading
Ray Turnerhttp://www.facebook.com/hedgeendindependents
