Response from Mr Alan Davies (Individual)
1. Mr Alan Davies (Individual) : 9 Apr 2013 16:38:00
Please add your response below, quoting the main modification reference number: (limit 3000 words)
Response to revised DPD Main Modification ref MM 050
In general the Land Allocation DPD has excluded development in small rural communities, but has made an exception in the case of Brigsteer (see paras 2.13, 3.150 and 3.151 of the marked-up DPD) despite the many indicators against this site in the Fact Sheet (eg lack of infrastructure, transport links, employment opportunities, etc).
The revised DPD correctly shows that Helsington Parish Council has withdrawn its previous support for this development, but continues to give “degree of community involvement and support” as the reason for making an exception in the case of Brigsteer. This is based on a misconception.
The proposal to develop site RN 213 (land opposite the Wheatsheaf) was made by Helsington Community Land Trust. Prior to May 2012, five of the seven members of Helsington Parish Council were also directors of the Community Land Trust, which is why the Parish Council originally supported the proposal. However, at a well-attended public meeting on 10th April 2012 it was clear that the majority opinion expressed was opposed to the development. The minutes of the Parish Council meeting immediately following the public meeting can be seen at http://www.helsingtonpc.org.uk/Minutes_10_4_2012.pdf which records the votes taken.
31 members of the public voted to oppose the development and 17 or 20 voted in favour, depending on the development timescale. The 17 and 20 votes were largely by the same people, but the Community Land Trust added them together to make it appear that 37 people were in favour and 31 against.
This misrepresentation caused such bad feeling that, at the Parish Council election on 3rd May 2012 three of the Community Land Trust directors on the old Parish Council were voted off, which is why Helsington Parish Council no longer supports the proposal.
I hope the above shows that, far from there being “community involvement and support” for the proposed development, there is in fact considerable local opposition. The revised DPD, as far as Brigsteer site RN 213 is concerned, is therefore still “unsound”.
