Just before Christmas (17 December) a House of Commons debate took place on the controversial Growth and Infrastructure Bill, which aims to ‘remove red tape’ (read yet more de-regulation for developers and more misery for the people). Amendments by Conservative MP Nick Herbert, relating to only allowing development if there was sufficient infrastructure was outvoted, as were a series [...]
George Osborne’s hope for a shale gas revolution in the UK has been dealt a serious blow after a leading authority on the energy industry predicted that it would not be commercially viable to extract the gas. The consultancy, Wood Mackenzie, also cast doubt on suggestions that the UK contained vast reservoirs of shale gas, with the analyst Niall Rowantree arguing that “it is not [...]
- Presents bought (I *think* I have remembered everyone) - Mega Christmas food shop done and space eventually made in a too small fridge and freezer - Christmas cards sent (a very haphazard affair - my apologies if you should have received one and didn’t - I need to organise a proper Christmas card list!) - Sausage rolls made - Mince pies made (and mostly consumed) - Good Christmas films [...]
According to the January cabinet agenda papers that were published yesterday, hidden away in the revenue and budgets report, is a section on how much EDDC would claw back from second home owners by charging the full 100 per cent council tax charge, as opposed to the current 90 per cent. Cabinet members are being asked to back the revised position, which apparently is based on new government [...]
Council tax breaks for second home owners have been abolished in a part of Devon, in a bid to save money. From April, South Hams District Council will charge 100% council tax on second homes, rather than the current 90%. Properties that have stood empty for more than two years will be subject to 150% tax. The council said it hoped the changes would “protect the most vulnerable people in the [...]
Following a telephone conference with Silver Command I’m writing to inform you all of the likelihood of severe flooding over the next few days. · Met Office predicts rain commencing at midnight tonight through until 6pm on Mon 24th. Particular intensity is expected between 0300 and 0600 tomorrow morning. · Environment Agency expect to be [...]
The Ottery food bank currently receives around one request for help a week, but the need is expected to rise significantly next year, when the cold weather really bites and many state benefits are cut. Food is distributed through front-line agencies in social, health and education services. Most of the requests received thus far come through Social Services based in Ottery but the church also [...]
The Environment Agency has registered amber flood alerts for the rivers Otter, Clyst, Sid and the Exmouth part of the Exe. As a result, possible flooding could happen at the communities of Lympstone, Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton, Honiton, Ottery St Mary and Sidmouth. The flood forecasting centre states: “In Devon and Cornwall, heavy rain now brings a medium likelihood of significant [...]
Feelings were running high in Feniton on Monday night as around 160 residents turned out on a wet night close to Christmas, to voice their concerns on three planning applications, proposing over 150 new houses for the village. The applications come hot on the heels of a planning inspector’s decision to allow Wainhomes to build 50 houses on high quality agricultural land in the village. Feniton [...]
It is now on the agenda for the 3 January meeting, starting at 6.30pm. The recommendation is that audio recordings of key meetings is put in place ..... BUT, it is proposed that officers and members of the public can ask not to be recorded. See this link for the summary of the proposals - http://www.claire-wright.org/index.php/post/eddc_recommends_key_meetings_to_be_recorded/ Also, in the [...]
The piece was broadcast prior to a public meeting (more on this later) to debate the latest planning applications submitted for the village, totalling over 150 new houses. This is in addition to an appeal decision for 50 new houses, which was allowed in September. The piece can be viewed for the next few hours only, via the link below. If you drag the time indicator to 06.56, you should be [...]
This has effectively already happened in East Devon thanks to the Redrow Homes appeal decision, announced on Friday, which allowed the appeal, based on the pro-growth national planning policy framework (NPPF). Most residents across the country won’t be aware of what is coming in March 2013, but when they realise that their councils are finding it very difficult to reject planning unsuitable [...]
Dear Chancellor On the decision to embark on a disastrous “dash for shale gas” We, the people of Devon, who love this beautiful county, advise you that we will do everything in our power to protect Devon from the devastation caused by fracking for shale gas. Will not allow this technology be implemented in Devon, or indeed anywhere in the UK. We believe that this government’s decision made [...]
EAST DEVON residents are being urged to have their say on the district’s draft Local Plan as its final consultation reaches the halfway point. And those who question the council’s propriety are being challenged to make it formal rather than resort to the rumour mill. The Local Plan sets out how much-needed homes and jobs will be delivered around the district over the next 15 years, whilst [...]