HAVING chaired a very emotional Planning meeting on November 23, may I through the letters page thank the public who attended for their perseverance.
They sat through a lengthy, comprehensive officer’s report and a large number of public speakers.
Even though feelings were high and emotions could have run wild, they conducted themselves with decorum and did not interrupt the proceedings.
I can understand the feeling of being let down with the result, but as was said on the night, much of planning is dictated by the Local Plan Number 4 and the government’s National Planning Policy Framework that gives the laws by which decisions must be made.
Once more thank you for making my job that little bit easier.
Coun Mike Chalk
Chair of Planning
WHEN will the residents of Redditch realise the abject destruction of their environment by the money grabbing council, particularly when basing decisions on out of date so called ‘local plans’ to satisfy a need which doesn’t exist.
In the committee meeting, Redditch planning case officer gave a very poor presentation in support of the plans by Morris Homes and Homes England to destroy a strip of green belt separating Redditch from Stratford district.
The area is valued as leisure space for both districts’ housing a miscellany of flora and fauna, including deer, badgers, rare bats etc.
Up until five months ago there were 25 recommendations from statutory consultees to refuse permission, but these have been addressed in meetings behind closed doors between Redditch officials and the developers.
This is a case where it is very obvious the money proposals by Morris Homes to support everything from bus stops to pumped sewerage sway the eagerness of Redditch to capitalise on the 205 extra homes which will contribute to its coffers.
But these will not benefit from improvements to healthcare, education, transportation, retail infrastructure (only two outlets nearby, one a garage, the other a garden centre, both in Warwickshire).
All homes will be built to accommodate at least two vehicles – yet another environmental nail in the coffin.
One argument raised is it satisfies a need of Birmingham housing expansion. Let Birmingham find its own development sites – there are certainly enough brownfield areas there since heavy industry has been fleeing for years.
Five years of building will mean five years of carbon increase through loss of greenery and soil absorbtion.
The cross-border plan for the 26 additional homes is being considered by Stratford District Planning Committee on December 14.
It is hoped this council will see common sense to reject the proposals and take into consideration the 906 objections local residents have posted on the respect planning portals.
Protests must continue.
Norman McLeod
Mappleborough Green
WITH CHRISTMAS fast approaching, I am writing to advise all parents and potential users of the legal requirements for e-scooters.
I have read various articles and it appears to ride one your must have either a full or provisional driving licence.
Yet you see many children clearly many years under 17 riding them.
The scooter should be covered by an appropriate insurance policy.
And for the riders benefit, I think wear a safety helmet should also be compulsory.
John Smith
Redditch
TODAY, after calling 111 at 5pm, I was advised an ambulance would be sent.
At 7.30pm I was told there were no ambulances but I should be seen and travel to the hospital myself.
This I duly did and was seen by a nurse at around 8.30pm.
At the entrance a wait time of four hours was announced, the nurse conducted a range of observations and blood tests and advised me to wait to see a doctor.
The situation in A&E can only be described as desperate.
A number of patients were in such pain and discomfort, lying across chairs to get sleep.
Many babies and children waited a very long time, including one family who waited 10 hours.
The information sharing was minimal and there was no leadership.
A large number of people waited eight hours plus to be seen.
Around 3.15am a member of staff came out into the waiting room and announced there was now an eight-hour wait to see a doctor.
This person did not introduce himself or apologise.
I asked him who he was and why we had not been advised earlier. He said three emergencies had come in.
I think the person was extremely overworked and at his wits’ end.
On further clarification another calmer member of staff confirmed those already waiting a long time would be seen sooner – I was eventually seen around 3.45am.
The environment for staff is abysmal, as is the service to patients. There was no sign of a manager or leader at any stage.
The situation is dire, and all this after 12 years of a government which claims the NHS is safe in its hands.
In the most recent polls our local MP, Rachael McLean’s huge majority has shrunk to a very marginal lead.
Here’s hoping it reduces much further in the next election.
Anonymous
Astwood bank
