Chiltern building plan a "raging Tyrannosaurus Rex"
11:42am Wednesday 3rd February 2010 in News By Andy Carswell
CONTROVERSIAL plans to build nearly 3,000 new homes in the Chiltern district were described as a “raging Tyrannosaurus Rex of a situation” by a council leader yesterday.
John Warder, leader of Chiltern District Council, was speaking as the council agreed to consult residents on the scheme.
The council has been told by the Government they must create 2,900 new homes in the district by 2026.
And members of the council's cabinet yesterday said unless a consultation was carried out, they would have less of a say on planning policy in the district in the future.
The consultation, which forms the council's Core Strategy, is likely to begin in mid-March.
Cllr Nick Rose, cabinet member for planning, said at yesterday's meeting: “The council could be at considerable risk without the Core Strategy.
“If we can't demonstrate we can reach our targets, we will be in a very perilous position.
“It's imperative we have a formal public consultation and listen to what the public have to say.
“We are very aware it is unpopular in some circles.”
Cllr Rose added the council was keen not to build on Green Belt land – but this forms 88 per cent of the district, with two-thirds being a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The council has already indicated the majority of the new homes would be built in Chesham, Little Chalfont, Amersham and Chalfont St Peter.
The former Holy Cross convent site in Chalfont St Peter is one of the sites earmarked for development, which has caused anger among many residents.
But Cllr Warder said it was necessary to pick out areas for building work – otherwise the council could risk losing its power to make important planning decisions.
He said it would be “no longer the case” local authorities would have the final say on planning approval, with that task passing to Government planning inspectors.
Cllr Warder said: “The new situation is we must identify broad locations and specific sites. This Government has produced a one size fits all instruction for the new policy.
“It is possible to design an estate that would be acceptable to many people, but there's a fear it might well not be locally compatible.
“It's produced a raging Tyrannosaurus Rex of a situation.”
With a “sound” Core Strategy, the council would “be able to avoid things being done by appeal, without any local control whatsoever”, Cllr Warder added.
Cllr Linda Smith said: “We are having to make this decision with both hands tied behind our backs. Government are restricting our decisions every step of the way.
Cllr Mimi Harker said consultation documents should be easily understandable and not contain too much jargon.
Cllr Warder joked: “We have agreed to send the report to the Better English Society.”
Cabinet members unanimously agreed to holding the consultation.
Comments(3)
J B Blackett
says...
5:55pm Wed 3 Feb 10
.
I though we Were being governed nowadays by aliens of evil intent from another galaxy in the form of giant lizards. This could explain why things are going the way they are at the moment.
.
If I am wrong , let me take this opportunity to apologize to the lizards - I can't bring myself to apologize to any politician of whatever persuasion.
.
Regards to all non-lizards and non-politicians
Michael, HP7
says...
12:54am Mon 8 Feb 10
~
Not so Mr Cllr John Warder, conservative worthy leader of Chiltern District Council, based in Amersham, erstwhile executive in charge of District Garbage Recyling.
~
Note also that most lizards have dry, scaly skin. Their tongue is flicked out of the mouth regularly, to sample the chemical environment.
~
Lizards are cold-blooded reptiles that have long tails and four legs, a scaly elongated body, movable eyelids; when attacked, they shed said tail.
~
How, thus, could there conceivably be any confusion between such mute creatures and the exemplary leader of Chiltern District Council?
~
I also spare a thought, too, for the hurt feelings of lizards, possibly under-represented in this forum.
~
Lizards, furthermore, are not ex-officio 'slimy', although their droppings do present environmental and sustainable challenges, when kept as pets.
~
Householders should budget for a 2.5% increase in suitable bedding material for financial year, 2010/2011. for lizards.
~
.
.
Hope this helps.
MC=2 says...
2:06pm Wed 3 Feb 10