RADIUS Briefing Note 5

Contains the latest info about the Public Enquiry, Fund Raising, Pool Lane extension, South East Plan and Proposed Tory Legislation

Public Inquiry (Enforcement Appeal)

• Whilst no date has yet been set, representations must be made by 16^th March 2010.
• It should be noted that the letters you sent to RBWM regarding the planning application for Shurlock Road will NOT be forwarded to the Planning Inspectorate in Bristol regarding the public inquiry as the current ‘appeal’ is an appeal against the Enforcement Notice and not the planning application which is yet to be determined. 
•  It is crucial therefore that we once again make our representations. This must be done in triplicate, quoting the Planning Inspectorate reference number (APP/T0355/C/10/2121576) to the following address

Planning Inspectorate
3/26B
Temple House Quay
2 The Square
Temple Quay
Bristol BS1 6PN

Fund Raising for the Public Inquiry

• Funds will need to be raised to help the village fight the enforcement appeal alongside RBWM.  These are to be raised via the Preservation Society, with tax advantages through Gift Aid, and if you feel you would be able to pledge funds for this important cause, please email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Pool Lane

• RBWM has purchased the 13 acre field adjacent to the existing authorised gypsy site on Pool Lane. Whilst this has secured the land from potential purchase by gypsies/travellers there are concerns that it could lead to an extension of the Pool Lane site as part of RBWM’s need to provide further sites across the Borough as part of the South East plan.
• Whilst a recent statement from Ian Trenholm (CEO) and David Burbage (Leader of the Council) of RBWM provides some assurances with regard to the land, it is quite possible that we will have another fight on our hands in the future to halt expansion of the Pool Lane site. See the attached copy of his letter - click here.

The South East Plan

• The number of gypsy/traveller sites needed to be provided by the Borough is stated in the South East Plan. This is currently under review and whilst submissions have recently been made by RBWM and other Councils, the Secretary of State’s decision on the outcome is not expected until autumn 2010.

Next WSL Parish Council Meeting (9^th March Neville Hall at 7pm)

• Tim Slaney (RBWM Head of Planning) and Ian Trenholm (RBWM CEO) will attend the next Parish Council meeting to answer residents’ questions.  Please note this will start at 7pm NOT the usual 7.45pm.

Proposed Conservative Legislation

• If elected the Conservatives have outlined their plans to reform planning law in a recent green paper.  This aims to take action against the “small minority” of travellers abusing the system. Included in the green paper is a pledge to close a loophole which allows planning permission to be applied for retrospectively. The party will also promise to scrap what shadow ministers describe as “unfair Whitehall planning rules” introduced by John Prescott, the former deputy prime minister, which they say are forcing councils to build legal traveller camps on the Green Belt and compulsory purchase land to find sites.