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David Neighbour - LDC Councillor I have held a similar post in the last administration, (prior to the Cabinet or as with someother Councils an Executive being introduced) as Chair of Planning Policy Committee. As we are in the final year of this administration I shall be concentrating on ensuring that existing policy initiatives are completed. I hope to see the proposed Falmer Stadium situation resolved likewise widely consult the public on the proposed Phoenix Quarter plans. Other major planning applications in process are proposed Water Treatment Works at Peacehaven and the proposed Incinerator at Newhaven. Both these applications are County Council applications for which Lewes District Council have to be consulted, on both applications the District Council’s Planning Application Committee recommended the County Council refuse the application. There are new planning initiatives coming down from central Government which need careful consideration which even at this late stage may have be incorporated into Local Development Framework consultation documents which have now been out out for public consultation. I will publish the draft outcomes from the consultation as and when thay are available. I am very keen to incorporate the highest level of sustainability in new build housing. This could be enhanced insulation, energy recovery systems etc. I will have to work with neighbouring Lead Members and Senior Planning officers to both promote such policies and ensure local developers have consistent policies across the area. Please feel to feed in any ideas or comments you have on planning policy within Lewes District Council area. Falmer up-date 20th November 2006 The High Court has now formally squashed the Planning permission for Falmer stadium. It is important to note this decision not only revokes the planning permission given by John Prescott; also in conceding our 12 outstanding points of planning policy law, the Secretary of State will have to meet the costs of both Lewes District Council and Falmer Parish council incurred up to the 20th November. The Secretary of State will now have the option to ask for written evidence or indeed announce a full further public enquiry. I am sure that LDC will not be pressing for a P E as it has never been our intention to resort to delaying tactics but to ensure that our and national policy for the protection of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are maintained. To this end, a decision in the near future is in everybody’s interest. Lewes District Council will be in a position to submit written evidence to the appointed planning inspector early in 2007. My personal opinion is that a Brownfield Site within the Brighton conurbation is preferable to a Studio (sic) on the Downs. Brighton & Hove City Council has been able to give planning permission for high numbers of residential units in East Brighton which will need improved transport links (especially when the additional residential units at Saltdean and Peacehaven are built). It may be prudent to plan sufficient capacity to enable a community stadium to be built Sheepcote Valley. Falmer Press Release Government in Falmer Rethink The Government has confirmed it will look again at alternative sites for the Albion stadium. The High Court quashed John Prescott’s discredited decision a month ago prompting a new approach by his successor Ruth Kelly. In a letter to all parties this week Ruth Kelly singles out Sheepcote Valley for special consideration. She has dismissed objections by the Albion’s solicitors and has set a deadline of 15 February 2007 for further representations. David Neighbour, Planning Lead Councillor for Lewes District said: “John Prescott made a political decision which ignored established national policies. He disregarded advice from two senior independent inspectors when he granted planning permission for the Falmer site. Now the Government needs to show it will respect its own national planning policies and not bend to local political pressure.” David Neighbour said: The people who do the business planning for the club took a big gamble when they pitched for the Falmer site. They knew that they were taking a big risk with the Club’s money going for a site in the proposed National Park. We are not surprised that the government now realises it should look again at the alternatives. The Club and Brighton and Hove City Council should have given more serious consideration to alternatives from the start. Perhaps the truth is they saw the Falmer site as the cheap option. David Neighbour added: The recent revelations about the Albion’s proposal to locate a hotel with the stadium must be a factor in the decision. The Club kept their consultant’s report a secret in the resumed inquiry and never mentioned where they would locate the hotel if they got the Falmer site. It’s no surprise to us that their own consultants said that Sheepcote was the best location for a combined Stadium and hotel development. Note to editors: All parties must now make their submissions by 15 February. Ruth Kelly’s decision will probably follow in about two months |
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