Last week’s Development Committee wasn’t as dramatic as the meeting last month, where the “North of London Road” application was refused. In fact at one stage it was very dull. But there were a lot of twists and turns, and a bit of bad feeling. Cllr Toby Mountain writes a report on it here.
In brief:
Tesco Car Parking application – approved
Tiny cafe in Hockley Woods – refused (even though it was an application by the council!)
Conversion of an outbuilding in Rayleigh Town Centre into a house – approved
Retrospective application to remove mechanical wheel cleansing equipment from the big site in Hawkwell – refused.
Chris, can you tell us why you voted against the cafe in Hockley Woods ?
I’ve been quietly sitting in and listening to Council debates on a regular basis for about 18 months now – I did’nt attend this one but read the Blog account referred to above.
It reflects the view that I have formed over time , the incumbent Conservative majority has bred a ‘we know best ‘ state of mind , although the lack of understanding the issue tends to undermine that !!! , and quite clearly a certain Councillor , given that title , seems to think he is God’s gift to the Chamber.
Needs a big shake-up & different form of 21st century governance.
Oz, I didn’t have strong feelings on this one. The ‘cafe’ would just be a converted shipping container with timber cladding to make it look more appropriate. A nearby resident spoke, expressing his concerns about possible nuisance from the cafe and suggested green belt policy reasons for refusal.
After a reasonable discussion someone moved approval. At that moment I wasn’t convinced that a permanent cafe was necessary, and was a little concerned about the possible effect on the nearest homes. I was unsure so I abstained on that vote. The motion for refusal failed. After that John Hayter moved refusal and at that point I felt the council needed a definite decision so I supported refusal for reasons of possible impact on residential amenity.
Away from the arena of planning, I’m not convinced that a permanent shipping container cafe is what Hockley Woods needs.
Chris at least they would be converted whereas we have scattered all over the district rusting hulks in use on sports pitches .They are very unsightly in the Greenbelt.
Chris, thanks