Latest decision beggars belief
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
With over 50 objections, some very detailed citing a plethora of flaws with this application the council is refusing to let this go to planning committee.
It beggars belief why this council and its planning department have decided to plunge themselves into further controversy with this site while the construction of the infamous ‘bunker’ is still a major issue soon to be subject to a planning appeal .
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThis too was a delegated decision and for those who have visited the Country Park, it is hardly pleasing to the eye.
The problems with this site and the landslip blamed on Rocklands felling some 50 trees has already cost the local taxpayer thousands in reports, surveys and consultants without the planning appeal.
According to the incumbent new planning manager Ms Evans, the council’s constitution wording for planning applications regarding trees are not required to be put before the planning committee.
All very confusing here as Section 44 –Part 8 (a) states: ‘the application has attracted three or more letters of objection from different households or businesses or a petition’.
It should therefore go to committee and not be delegated.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdAs a point of interest I contacted three other local authorities around the country to see if such applications for tree work would be delegated if there were more than three, or in fact 50, objections.
Those councils in Surrey, Devon and North Yorkshire all said it would have to go to the planning committee.
Why then the preferential treatment with this application and Rocklands, something many people are asking.
As friends of mine have contacted various councillors none will utter a word about Rocklands.
Is there a gagging order on this subject?
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdTwo words spring into to my mind: transparency and democracy.
Richard Heritage
Old Bury Hill Gardens
Westcott
Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.
Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.
1) Make our website your homepage at www.hastingsobserver.co.uk/ 2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/hastingsobserver
3) Follow us on Twitter @HastingsObs
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.
And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!
The Hastings Observer - always the first with your local news.
Be part of it.