The Maidstone Borough Council, Cabinet Member for Regeneration has publicly admitted that the planning policy document, known as the “Planning Policy - Maidstone Borough-Wide Local Plan Adopted, Dec 2000” as put in place by the previous LibDem administration had not been robust enough. The Cabinet Member sort to blame, what he called a ‘rouge inspector’ but admitted that they [the previous LibDem administration] should have pushed harder. In other words they had been weak when standing up for the borough.
A salient feature here is not having put in place Supplementary Planning Guidance which specifically looked at defining and understanding the context and character of areas. Supplementary Planning Guidance provides planning guidance which amplifies the policies and proposals of the Local Plan. These are essential documents that enable a local interpretation of nationally imposed Planning Guidance, the term guidance is some what a misnomer here as they are a legal framework and hence not so much guidance as centrally imposed government control.
The Local Plan states in Policy ENV2;
Planning permission will not be granted for development in the defined urban area and village settlements unless: 1) proposals relate sympathetically to the context provided by their setting.
However if the local context is not defined in a systematic and consistent way, decisions are open to legal challenge.
How would Maidstone have looked today if such documents had been in place?
Has irreparable damage been done already?
How much back garden development would have been refused?
The good news is that Character Assessments are now underway as put in place last year by the previous administration (Con). We are assured that these documents will be developed for the whole of the borough, to be included in the future planning policy for the borough.
Friday 27 July 2007
Park ‘N’ Ride site set to become housing
At the Town Hall council meeting on Wednesday 25th July there was no attempt to deny that “the current administrations’ plan, is now to sell the site for re-development”
So what will the proceeds be spent on?
When pushed to agree that “any resultant capital receipt from such a sale is invested in sustainable transport for the SOUTH of Maidstone, where the facilities have been lost and the funds generated”, the Cabinet Member for the Environment declined to agree to push for this, saying that funds could not be ring fenced for the south and would have to go in to funds for the borough as a whole.
Interestingly passing reference was made to his interest in [improvements to] the northern approach (A229). Cllr Harwood just happens to represent North Ward which is bisected by the A229.
The Cabinet member did however promise that pavement alterations in the area of the Armstrong Road, to allow access to non-low floor buses would be in place before the closure of the service on the 3rd Sept. He had no answer as to exactly where they would be, so it remains to be seen just how accessible the chosen site will be for those who had relied on the Park ‘N’ Ride buses.
So what will the proceeds be spent on?
When pushed to agree that “any resultant capital receipt from such a sale is invested in sustainable transport for the SOUTH of Maidstone, where the facilities have been lost and the funds generated”, the Cabinet Member for the Environment declined to agree to push for this, saying that funds could not be ring fenced for the south and would have to go in to funds for the borough as a whole.
Interestingly passing reference was made to his interest in [improvements to] the northern approach (A229). Cllr Harwood just happens to represent North Ward which is bisected by the A229.
The Cabinet member did however promise that pavement alterations in the area of the Armstrong Road, to allow access to non-low floor buses would be in place before the closure of the service on the 3rd Sept. He had no answer as to exactly where they would be, so it remains to be seen just how accessible the chosen site will be for those who had relied on the Park ‘N’ Ride buses.
Tuesday 24 July 2007
Immigration Figures Released
The Department of Work and Pensions has revealed that it issued 713,000 new National Insurance numbers in the last year to foreign workers, with over 2.5m since 2002.
These figures obviously only include those who are here legally, with the government being quick to point out that some will have returned home.
Shamelessly Immigration Minister Liam Byrne is quotes as saying “from next year we will start counintg people in and out of Britain”, at the opening of The Migration Impacts Forum 21 June 2007. Oh well there's an idea, how on earth did he come up with that?
Source Home Office website
http://press.homeoffice.gov.uk/press-releases/forum-migration-impacts
Such rapid increases in the population clearly puts strain on all sections of our public services and not least on our housing stock, increasing yet further the demand for new builds.
These figures obviously only include those who are here legally, with the government being quick to point out that some will have returned home.
Shamelessly Immigration Minister Liam Byrne is quotes as saying “from next year we will start counintg people in and out of Britain”, at the opening of The Migration Impacts Forum 21 June 2007. Oh well there's an idea, how on earth did he come up with that?
Source Home Office website
http://press.homeoffice.gov.uk/press-releases/forum-migration-impacts
Such rapid increases in the population clearly puts strain on all sections of our public services and not least on our housing stock, increasing yet further the demand for new builds.
Friday 20 July 2007
Park 'N' Ride Axed by Environmentalist
The Regeneration and Sustainable Community OSC on the 10th July saw an unprecedented attendance by the public who turned out to urge the Cabinet Member for the Environment to reconsider his decision to cut the Coombe Quarry Park ‘N’ Ride.
Despite public condemnation of the decision, Cllr Harwood has decided to go ahead with his decision to close the only traffic relieving service that serves the south of Maidstone.
Let it not be forgotten that the publicly funded subsidy covers all the Park ‘N’ Rid sites across the borough, not just the south of Maidstone, however it is the Coombe Quarry site that is predominantly used by the residents of the borough. The council tax payers are therefore now subsidising the Park ‘N’ Ride sites that see significant numbers coming in from out side of the borough. The question therefore surely has to be are the council tax payers getting value for money as a result of this decision. Of course all sites help relieve the traffic pressure on our town, but if you live and travel from the south of the town, one option has now been removed. An option that saw 71,888 cars taken out of the centre of our town during the last year.
Let it not be forgotten that the service was essential to many users who needed the low bus entry facility afforded by the Park ‘N’ Ride buses.
We are told “options will be pursued including alterations to the pavement to enable people to gain access to non floor buses” we are not told when and essentially we are not told where such pavement alterations will be made.
Despite public condemnation of the decision, Cllr Harwood has decided to go ahead with his decision to close the only traffic relieving service that serves the south of Maidstone.
Let it not be forgotten that the publicly funded subsidy covers all the Park ‘N’ Rid sites across the borough, not just the south of Maidstone, however it is the Coombe Quarry site that is predominantly used by the residents of the borough. The council tax payers are therefore now subsidising the Park ‘N’ Ride sites that see significant numbers coming in from out side of the borough. The question therefore surely has to be are the council tax payers getting value for money as a result of this decision. Of course all sites help relieve the traffic pressure on our town, but if you live and travel from the south of the town, one option has now been removed. An option that saw 71,888 cars taken out of the centre of our town during the last year.
Let it not be forgotten that the service was essential to many users who needed the low bus entry facility afforded by the Park ‘N’ Ride buses.
We are told “options will be pursued including alterations to the pavement to enable people to gain access to non floor buses” we are not told when and essentially we are not told where such pavement alterations will be made.
Wednesday 18 July 2007
To Organ Donate or Not to Organ Donate
http://gallery.hd.org/index.jsp
Whose choice should it be?
The data suggests that one person a day dies after failing to find a suitable donor.
Sir Liam Donaldson (The Chief Medical Officer) thinks consent to organ donation should change so that you have to opt out of being an organ donor, rather than opt in.
Is this wrong?
Should opting in to the current organ donation system get better publicity first?
If you want to find out more about organ donation click on the link to the Uk Transplant site in the 'Link to other sites' on the right hand column
The data suggests that one person a day dies after failing to find a suitable donor.
Sir Liam Donaldson (The Chief Medical Officer) thinks consent to organ donation should change so that you have to opt out of being an organ donor, rather than opt in.
Is this wrong?
Should opting in to the current organ donation system get better publicity first?
If you want to find out more about organ donation click on the link to the Uk Transplant site in the 'Link to other sites' on the right hand column
Tuesday 17 July 2007
SEERA to give way to SEEDA, but may signal less not more local autonomy
South East England Regional Assembly (SEERA)
South East Engalnd (Regional) Development Agency (SEEDA).
Today (July 17) John Healey MP Minister of State for Communities and Local Government signalled the end by 2010 for the un-democratically accountable Regional Assemblies to favour Regional Development Agencies (RDA's).... with local authority leaders holding the RDA's to account in the region and approving the regional strategy. Apparently ....to give local authorities greater powers
Sounds like good news for democracy then, well
The plans also include the appointment of a Minister for each of the regions, 'to provide a sense of strategic direction for their region and to give citizens a voice in central government' .. this sounds like more, not less central control to me!
South East Engalnd (Regional) Development Agency (SEEDA).
Today (July 17) John Healey MP Minister of State for Communities and Local Government signalled the end by 2010 for the un-democratically accountable Regional Assemblies to favour Regional Development Agencies (RDA's).... with local authority leaders holding the RDA's to account in the region and approving the regional strategy. Apparently ....to give local authorities greater powers
Sounds like good news for democracy then, well
The plans also include the appointment of a Minister for each of the regions, 'to provide a sense of strategic direction for their region and to give citizens a voice in central government' .. this sounds like more, not less central control to me!
Political Corner, How independent are your Independents?
The theme of the following post has been suggested by Jamie Devlin
Does it matter to the average man or woman on the street actually how independent their Independent councillor representatives are?
If their voting record matches that of one political party are those who vote for representatives who proport to being Independent, therefore being short changed?
Is it appropriate for Independents to take seats in a Cabinet which is led by a political party?
Please note all comments on this subject will be published, unless they contain personally inappropriate remarks.
Does it matter to the average man or woman on the street actually how independent their Independent councillor representatives are?
If their voting record matches that of one political party are those who vote for representatives who proport to being Independent, therefore being short changed?
Is it appropriate for Independents to take seats in a Cabinet which is led by a political party?
Please note all comments on this subject will be published, unless they contain personally inappropriate remarks.
Food for thought or Food for throwing away
http://gallery.hd.org
A second installment from the Communities and Local Government Committee, Refuse Collection, Fifth Report of Session 2006–07.
'Up to one third of food purchased is disposed of without being eaten, perhaps the most shocking example of utter waste revealed during our inquiry. Householders are throwing away £400 a year. Councils are forced to waste their time and our money clearing up our leftovers, which are often the most problematic part of domestic waste. We recommend that Government set specific targets for food waste reduction and follow through on the Waste and Resources Action Programme’s autumn food waste information campaign by promoting some simple measures households can take such as menu planning and improved storage, and by encouraging supermarkets and other retailers to help customers avoid waste by, for example, packaging perishable goods in sizes suitable for both single and family households.'
'Up to one third of food purchased is disposed of without being eaten, perhaps the most shocking example of utter waste revealed during our inquiry. Householders are throwing away £400 a year. Councils are forced to waste their time and our money clearing up our leftovers, which are often the most problematic part of domestic waste. We recommend that Government set specific targets for food waste reduction and follow through on the Waste and Resources Action Programme’s autumn food waste information campaign by promoting some simple measures households can take such as menu planning and improved storage, and by encouraging supermarkets and other retailers to help customers avoid waste by, for example, packaging perishable goods in sizes suitable for both single and family households.'
Refuse Collection
Sorry for this rather long post, however this is a summary of a report on the possible future of refuse collection by the House of Commons, Communities and Local Government Committee,
Refuse Collection, Fifth Report of Session 2006–07.
Refuse collection is one of the most routine activities of government and one that generates most public interest. For many, having their bins collected is the most important thing local government does, and a major reason why they pay council tax. Responsibility for collection and disposal belongs to around 400 local authorities in England and the historical development of such a disparate system means practice varies widely on timing and frequency and the types of materials collected and recycled. European Union landfill restrictions, designed to combat climate change, have driven a shift towards greater recycling as councils seek to avoid paying substantial fines.
Recently, alternate weekly collection (AWC) systems have proved controversial, often wrongly characterised as fortnightly collection. In fact, the schemes, adopted by about 40 per cent of English authorities, are meant to force or encourage householders to recycle by providing collection of waste one week and recyclables the next. Our strongest conclusion is that local councils are better placed than anyone, central Government included, to know what will work best for their local areas. AWC plainly works in some places—recycling rates have risen, and there is little public opposition. In other places, it has worked less well, notably where councils have “blundered into” introducing it without adequately informing local householders and council tax payers.
AWC equally clearly is not suitable everywhere: in cities and urban areas, congestion and limited storage space rules against it. Most controversy has arisen over food waste, with householders concerned that storing leftover food for a fortnight means more rat, fly and animal activity, with consequences for public health. Research has found no public health risk from AWC, but wider research is required to convince the public.
Changing systems allied with the enormous variety of collection and recycling schemes in existence have left the public confused, and we recommend moving towards a clear,
understandable definition of what the public may expect.
The Government proposes to let councils operate financial incentive schemes aimed at rewarding positive recycling behaviour. The proposals fall short of recommendations made
by Sir Michael Lyons and appear complex and timid. Rewards of as little as £20 a year are
unlikely to prompt mass recycling, and as every winner will require a loser, those who end
up paying even £20 more for a service most believe they pay for through taxation are likely to be significantly more aggrieved than the gainers are pleased. The schemes may have perverse effects, too, potentially increasing fly-tipping.
Finally, for all the political heat it generates, municipal refuse represents only 9 per cent of the total national waste stream. While its high profile guarantees media attention and policy focus, it is easy to forget far more can ultimately be achieved by reducing, recycling and reusing commercial, industrial and construction waste products and we recommend government gives increasing emphasis to the commercial waste sector.
For anyone wishing to read more a link can currently be found at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/bsp/hi/pdfs/16_7_07_bincollections.pdf
Refuse Collection, Fifth Report of Session 2006–07.
Refuse collection is one of the most routine activities of government and one that generates most public interest. For many, having their bins collected is the most important thing local government does, and a major reason why they pay council tax. Responsibility for collection and disposal belongs to around 400 local authorities in England and the historical development of such a disparate system means practice varies widely on timing and frequency and the types of materials collected and recycled. European Union landfill restrictions, designed to combat climate change, have driven a shift towards greater recycling as councils seek to avoid paying substantial fines.
Recently, alternate weekly collection (AWC) systems have proved controversial, often wrongly characterised as fortnightly collection. In fact, the schemes, adopted by about 40 per cent of English authorities, are meant to force or encourage householders to recycle by providing collection of waste one week and recyclables the next. Our strongest conclusion is that local councils are better placed than anyone, central Government included, to know what will work best for their local areas. AWC plainly works in some places—recycling rates have risen, and there is little public opposition. In other places, it has worked less well, notably where councils have “blundered into” introducing it without adequately informing local householders and council tax payers.
AWC equally clearly is not suitable everywhere: in cities and urban areas, congestion and limited storage space rules against it. Most controversy has arisen over food waste, with householders concerned that storing leftover food for a fortnight means more rat, fly and animal activity, with consequences for public health. Research has found no public health risk from AWC, but wider research is required to convince the public.
Changing systems allied with the enormous variety of collection and recycling schemes in existence have left the public confused, and we recommend moving towards a clear,
understandable definition of what the public may expect.
The Government proposes to let councils operate financial incentive schemes aimed at rewarding positive recycling behaviour. The proposals fall short of recommendations made
by Sir Michael Lyons and appear complex and timid. Rewards of as little as £20 a year are
unlikely to prompt mass recycling, and as every winner will require a loser, those who end
up paying even £20 more for a service most believe they pay for through taxation are likely to be significantly more aggrieved than the gainers are pleased. The schemes may have perverse effects, too, potentially increasing fly-tipping.
Finally, for all the political heat it generates, municipal refuse represents only 9 per cent of the total national waste stream. While its high profile guarantees media attention and policy focus, it is easy to forget far more can ultimately be achieved by reducing, recycling and reusing commercial, industrial and construction waste products and we recommend government gives increasing emphasis to the commercial waste sector.
For anyone wishing to read more a link can currently be found at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/bsp/hi/pdfs/16_7_07_bincollections.pdf
Wealth Gap at 40 year high
Research published today (17 July) by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation suggests that the gap between the riches and the poorest in our society has reached a level not seen for over forty year. At the same time, more households have become poor over the last 15 years
The lead researcher Danny Dorling, is quoted as saying “Most interesting and certainly unexpected when this work began is the geography of those households who are neither rich nor poor. Over time it has become clear that there is less and less room in the south for them; they have either moved elsewhere, or become poor.”
This is clearly very worrying and suggests the need for an urgent and radical rethink on central government policy.
The lead researcher Danny Dorling, is quoted as saying “Most interesting and certainly unexpected when this work began is the geography of those households who are neither rich nor poor. Over time it has become clear that there is less and less room in the south for them; they have either moved elsewhere, or become poor.”
This is clearly very worrying and suggests the need for an urgent and radical rethink on central government policy.
Friday 13 July 2007
Making the Most of the River Medway in Maidstone
The River Medway has to be one greatest assets of Maidstone town centre.
The simple question is this, is the most being made of this assest?
If not, what would you like to see happen, in terms of future development or otherwise, along the river banks of the Medway in Maistone town centre?
The simple question is this, is the most being made of this assest?
If not, what would you like to see happen, in terms of future development or otherwise, along the river banks of the Medway in Maistone town centre?
A and E downgrade petition
Come on Maidstone
Say NO to A&E cutbacks
As of 13th July 9 pm 1041 have signed the PM's petition against Maidstone Hospital downgrade.
I urge everyone who visits this site to sign the petition.
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/MaidstoneAandE/
Maidstone Borough Council's External scrutiny committee produced a highly recommended report on this subject. (I must confess that I was part of the committee that produced this report.)
to obtain a copy on-line please contact
mailto:angelataylor@maidstone.gov.uk
Say NO to A&E cutbacks
As of 13th July 9 pm 1041 have signed the PM's petition against Maidstone Hospital downgrade.
I urge everyone who visits this site to sign the petition.
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/MaidstoneAandE/
Maidstone Borough Council's External scrutiny committee produced a highly recommended report on this subject. (I must confess that I was part of the committee that produced this report.)
to obtain a copy on-line please contact
mailto:angelataylor@maidstone.gov.uk
Wednesday 11 July 2007
Park 'N' Ride the call in
There was a large public attendance at Tuesday nights Regeneration and Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee, with many dismayed at the decision to close the site by Sept 3rd.
After a 2 1/2 hour debate the committee finally voted to refer the decision back to the Cabinet member for the Environment to consider the issued debated. The cabinet member now has five days to respond.
While the Cabinent Member made much over tight budgets, there was little new evidence presented to support the misguided decision for the September closure, other than of course budgetary pressures in other areas. This can only suggest that the Park 'N' Ride serving the whole of the South side of Maidstone was not hitting the Cabinent Members priorty button.
So much for the environment then.
And so much for public services!
After a 2 1/2 hour debate the committee finally voted to refer the decision back to the Cabinet member for the Environment to consider the issued debated. The cabinet member now has five days to respond.
While the Cabinent Member made much over tight budgets, there was little new evidence presented to support the misguided decision for the September closure, other than of course budgetary pressures in other areas. This can only suggest that the Park 'N' Ride serving the whole of the South side of Maidstone was not hitting the Cabinent Members priorty button.
So much for the environment then.
And so much for public services!
Sunday 8 July 2007
Park N Ride Call In
The Overview and Scrutiny Team at MBC have produced with out any apparent difficulty a variety of alternative options, other than closure of the Coombe Quarry service, for the committee to debate on Tuesday 10th July.
It is not to late to register your opinion.
Email louisesmith@maidstone.gov.uk
The committee meeting is a public meeting so do come along.
I should point out that at the discretion of the committee chairman you can be given an opportunity to speak should you so wish.
It is not to late to register your opinion.
Email louisesmith@maidstone.gov.uk
The committee meeting is a public meeting so do come along.
I should point out that at the discretion of the committee chairman you can be given an opportunity to speak should you so wish.
Live Earth
Earth inspired, music inspired.
Good TV but will it make much difference?
Will Live Earth be remembered next week?
Was it better than doing nothing?
Good TV but will it make much difference?
Will Live Earth be remembered next week?
Was it better than doing nothing?
Wednesday 4 July 2007
Reduce Reuse Recycle,
It seems somehow that we as ‘a collective’ have lost our way on this. The issue has become recycling while we seem to have stopped considering how to do the most effect parts first, ie reduce.
Rather than writing to our local supermarket to tell them we will no longer buy 4 mushrooms packaged on a tray wrapped in cellophane, can we all not just stop buying them like this.
Consumer power can get you an 18 gear, dual suspension mountain bike manufactured and transported for the other side of the world for £80, surely it can get the unnecessary wrapping of our fruit and veg!
Rather than writing to our local supermarket to tell them we will no longer buy 4 mushrooms packaged on a tray wrapped in cellophane, can we all not just stop buying them like this.
Consumer power can get you an 18 gear, dual suspension mountain bike manufactured and transported for the other side of the world for £80, surely it can get the unnecessary wrapping of our fruit and veg!
Tuesday 3 July 2007
Post Suggestions
Thank you to all of you that have already suggested issues for 'Posts'.
These are being collated and the issues and coments made will be posted for comment very shortly.
These are being collated and the issues and coments made will be posted for comment very shortly.
Park N Ride Call In
The decision to close the Coombe Quary Park N Ride has been 'called in' to the Regeneration and Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Commmitte by Cllrs Bruce Pollington and Chris Garland.
This will now go to the committee on Tues 10th July.
If you wish to have your view brought to the committee please email louisesmith@maidstone.gov.uk
The public can also attend this meeting. Please contact Louise Smith the Scrutiny officer of your intention to attend this meeting asap so appropriate consideration of numbers can be made.
Since very little public consultation has taken place for this decision if you feel strongly this is your chance to make your view known to the committee.
As time is short if you don't fight for it you may end up losing it.
This will now go to the committee on Tues 10th July.
If you wish to have your view brought to the committee please email louisesmith@maidstone.gov.uk
The public can also attend this meeting. Please contact Louise Smith the Scrutiny officer of your intention to attend this meeting asap so appropriate consideration of numbers can be made.
Since very little public consultation has taken place for this decision if you feel strongly this is your chance to make your view known to the committee.
As time is short if you don't fight for it you may end up losing it.
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