Response from Mr Peter Tanfield (Individual)
1. Mr Peter Tanfield (Individual) : 5 May 2013 20:25:00
Please add your response below, quoting the main modification reference number: (limit 3000 words)
In response to the revised DPD Main Modification ref MM 050.
The electoral parish of Helsington contains about 270 electors of whom 60% live in the settlement of Brigsteer. The would-be developer of site RN 213, the Helsington Community Land Trust, draws its membership from the whole of the electoral parish and also from people working in the parish and relatives of those living in the parish. Most of the HCLT’s support appears to come from outside of Brigsteer.
Before the Helsington parish election in May 2012, it became apparent that five of the sitting seven councillors were directors of the HCLT. This meant that the parish council policy towards the development of site RN 213 was determined by the HCLT board. This became an issue at the 2012 election with the result that only two HCLT directors were elected. Four HCLT directors fought the election, publishing a joint party manifesto which was distributed to electors outside of Brigsteer only. I assume it was not distributed in Brigsteer in an attempt to avoid drawing attention in Brigsteer to their involvement with site RN 213.
Following the HCLT’s loss of control of the Helsington Parish Council, the council has voted against the development of site RN 213.
The DPD does not generally support development in small rural areas, but has made an exception for Brigsteer because of the degree of community involvement and support. The majority of the people of Brigsteer do not support site RN 213 development and neither does the parish council. I have previously submitted on the unsuitability of Brigsteer as a location for affordable housing due to its lack of services and isolation for families deserving of affordable housing that cannot afford to run two cars.
For the above reasons, I consider the SLDC DPD is unsound in relation to site RN213.
