“Lets have some candour, in a discussion I had with Councillor Proctor, I put the view of our Parish that the major Growth should be situated on the South side of Norwich (and market Towns and Villages throughout the North East Triangle should be allowed to expand proportionally maintaining natural growth and safeguarding facilities) because it makes economic sense and rail and road infrastructure could be upgraded at much more cost effective way along the A11 corridor. He agreed, but said South Norfolk would not have it. Councillors why should we?”
The above is copied from the minutes of Broadland District Council's meeting on the 22nd March where they voted to adopt the Joint Core Strategy and is part of the presentation from Councillor Townley during the 'Public Speaking' slot.
So, one of the main proponents of the Joint Core Strategy in Broadland agrees that the level of growth in the North East Triangle is wrong but still went on to ensure that it happens. Just what machinations went on at the meetings of the Greater Norwich Development Partnership that made Broadland accept growth that they know doesn't actually make sense - no wonder they held their meetings behind closed doors! If South Norfolk could stand firm and say they didn't want excessive development why did Broadland agree to take it?
I'll tell you why! If you look at Broadland's financial forecast you will see that they are raiding their reserves to maintain front line services so that there are no significant cuts this year and no council tax increase. Why are they doing this why of course this happens to be the same year that the council is our for re-election! So when the grateful public return the majority of Conservative Councillors they can then make savage cuts in 2012/13. They will then use the money from the additional Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and match funding from central government with the additional council tax from the new houses to replenish the reserves just in time for the next District Council elections in 4 years time. Cynical but simple and if I'm wrong then let someone prove me wrong!
ReplyDelete'Lets be candid' that is something that does not go naturally with Conservative Controlled Broadland District Council.
ReplyDeleteThey have been devious, underhand and even now as an election approaches are hiding the rape of the Norfolk Countryside which they about to perpetrate.
They know the price of everything but the value of nothing.
Oh dear oh dear. I thought we were trying to provide the "facts"! The "fact" here is a quote from Mr Townley (assuming we trust Broadland enoufg to get it right). It is not a quote from Mr Proctor so the 3rd para is very misleading. Lets not sink to the levels of the gutter press please. Oh and I have just checked the joint strategy and South Norfolk actualy have more growth than Broadland! So misleading on 2 counts.
ReplyDeleteSorry, but this post says quite clearly that the quote is from the presentation by Councillor Townley - what is it that Anonymous has trouble understanding there? Nothing misleading as far as I can see! I have no reason to doubt Councillor Townley - shame the same can't be said for a lot of other councillors at BDC!
ReplyDeleteIf Anonymous had bothered to listen when she was at the meeting she would know that this was exactly what Mr Townley said in his statement. It is also true that Mr Proctor is not the only Conservative councillor to have made such comments.
ReplyDeleteTo suggest that the minutes of the meeting were incorrectly reported by Officers opens another can of worms.
I attended the meeting when Mr Townley made his comments regarding Mr Proctor. Mr Proctor later had an opportunity to repudiate the statement, when making his proposal to the assembled meeting,but chose not to do so.
ReplyDeleteYou have been told Norfolk will get 224,000 more people. The 37,000 "homes" is the beginning. This started under a Labour Government, Conservative / Liberal Government does nothing to stop it
ReplyDeleteThe Green Party demand a cycle lane painted on the concrete that will soon cover Norfolk.
We have to accept the fact that Broadland is an OFFICER LED Authority and the Planners will do anything to help their Developer Friends. Why do you think they have ignored every protest made in the last three years. They will always do what the Developers tell them and MONEY talks.
ReplyDeleteAnyone heard from Keith Simpson lately. I thought he was supposed to be our MP. What did he do with OUR PETITION ?
ReplyDeleteThe words you quoted from Alf Townly weere 100% correct. I guess the "Anonymous" must be an employee of Broadland DC. They will try and twist everything the Residents say.
ReplyDeleteHas anybody seen or heard from any of the prospective candidates for the May elections.? They have been singularly invisible in Little Plumstead. I would quite welcome a visit in order to ask a few questions. Last time I and my wife voted for the conservatives,but NEVER again.!!
ReplyDeleteBut Wherryman why do you think that someone who is asking for the truth should work for Broadland? That is a bit paranoid isnt it? I think we should be open to different opinions. Isnt she just saying we shouldnt put words into someones mouth?
ReplyDeleteAnd is it true that there will be more houses in South Norfolk anyway?
Rackheath Resident is right to say that BDC is an officer-led authority, but wrong to say we should accept it. We elect councillors to represent us, and they should not allow the officers to lead them by the nose. Those that have been shown to have allowed this should be voted out. We need a set of councillors who will overhaul BDC and turn it into a decent, democratically run authority, not merely make a few adjustments to the status quo.
ReplyDeleteYou should work at BDC and see how it is led!
ReplyDeleteBy the nose and for the benefit of the staff apparently.
ReplyDeleteBest Council to work for ever!
Angie seems to have taken a particular view of Insiders comment. It is however very ambiguous.
ReplyDeleteIt could equally be a very pointed criticism. Perhaps we ought to know.