Letter to the Editor - Kentish Express
24 January 2012
Dear Sir
In your article on page 24 of last week’s paper, (“Meeting of council ‘that can’t agree’ is cancelled”), you quote Cllr McClintock as saying, “This is a further demonstration that through the actions and behaviour of the new ’majority’ on the parish council, we find ourselves in this situation”.
As a member of the public, I have been a regular attendee at PC meetings over past months. It is abundantly clear that, if there is a problem, it is not due to the six councillors who were elected by a landslide last October on a platform of opposition to the proposed Chilmington Green development – the problem is Cllr McClintock himself.
He has made it very clear that he is not prepared to work with the new councillors. Attempts at mediation and diplomacy have been firmly rebuffed. Instead he has issued a stream of allegations against his new colleagues, including lying and harassment.
He took the decision that none of his fellow councillors could be trusted to take the minutes unilaterally and without consultation. He seems to think that anyone who disagrees with him is a liar and is guilty of criminal harassment; and yet he has warned his fellow councillors that if they come to meetings in agreement on key issues, their “discretion is said to be fettered” and they are in breach of the Code of Conduct. He can’t have it both ways!
He really shouldn’t be in politics, or perhaps he should go somewhere where everyone agrees with the leadership – North Korea for example.
Yours sincerely
Ralph Carpenter
Chilmington Green
Greta Chart
Thursday, 26 January 2012
Sunday, 22 January 2012
Letter to the Editor
Dear Sir,
As a resident of Great Chart I have witnessed first hand the cruel campaign of intimidation waged by Ian McClintock and his supporters against the 6 councillors elected in October. It is absolutely disgusting to see Ian McClintock and the pro-development lobby harass, libel and intimidate those with a democratic mandate to oppose the unnecessary and unwanted construction of a South Ashford New Town in the Parish. I suspect that this campaign of intimidation is being orchestrated by the pro-development lobby who are desperate to prevent any objection to their development plans.
Cllr McClintock frequently references meetings he has held with John Bunnett – the Chief Executive of ABC – without the prior knowledge or approval of the PC. The scandalous involvement of John Bunnett when the original 6 councillors elected in May were frightened off has not been forgotten. When the 6 anti-development councillors realised they had been deceived, they asked to take up their seats and join the PC. The Chief Legal Officer even stated that the 6 councillors should be offered newly issued declaration forms for signature. But Ian McClintock refused their request and ignored the advice of the Chief Legal Officer. Instead, Ian McClintock decided to bank the seats won by his supporters and re-run the election only for the seats won by objectors to the development (at a significant cost to residents). ABC refused to intervene to prevent Ian McClintock from proceeding with the election. Voters were so appalled by the actions of John Bunnett, Ian McClintock and the horrific plans being forced upon the area, that objectors to the development achieved a landslide victory and won back all 6 seats, restoring their majority. Following the election result, Ian McClintock has been trying to frighten off the 6 new councillors and build a case against them.
Having lost the election and, consequently, control of the PC, Ian McClintock appears to be trying to sabotage the PC with the support of the pro-development lobby. This is profoundly undemocratic. Cllr McClintock would rather destroy the PC than allow the new majority to take charge. It appears that the people who favour the development have little regard for democracy and are unwilling to accept the election result. Ian McClintock and his backers are seeking to highjack the PC. The events we have witnessed since May show there is almost nothing they won’t do to stop objection to the development. However, the 6 are quorate and capable councillors ready to run the PC and restore it to full working order. To achieve this, Cllr Ian McClintock having lost a vote of no confidence should be removed from the Chair so that the bullying and obstruction of the democratically elected majority of councillors ceases. The truth is that Cllr Ian McClintock’s undemocratic campaign of obstruction and harassment is the only problem with the PC.
Yours sincerely,
Charlotte Fraser
Great Chart
As a resident of Great Chart I have witnessed first hand the cruel campaign of intimidation waged by Ian McClintock and his supporters against the 6 councillors elected in October. It is absolutely disgusting to see Ian McClintock and the pro-development lobby harass, libel and intimidate those with a democratic mandate to oppose the unnecessary and unwanted construction of a South Ashford New Town in the Parish. I suspect that this campaign of intimidation is being orchestrated by the pro-development lobby who are desperate to prevent any objection to their development plans.
Cllr McClintock frequently references meetings he has held with John Bunnett – the Chief Executive of ABC – without the prior knowledge or approval of the PC. The scandalous involvement of John Bunnett when the original 6 councillors elected in May were frightened off has not been forgotten. When the 6 anti-development councillors realised they had been deceived, they asked to take up their seats and join the PC. The Chief Legal Officer even stated that the 6 councillors should be offered newly issued declaration forms for signature. But Ian McClintock refused their request and ignored the advice of the Chief Legal Officer. Instead, Ian McClintock decided to bank the seats won by his supporters and re-run the election only for the seats won by objectors to the development (at a significant cost to residents). ABC refused to intervene to prevent Ian McClintock from proceeding with the election. Voters were so appalled by the actions of John Bunnett, Ian McClintock and the horrific plans being forced upon the area, that objectors to the development achieved a landslide victory and won back all 6 seats, restoring their majority. Following the election result, Ian McClintock has been trying to frighten off the 6 new councillors and build a case against them.
Having lost the election and, consequently, control of the PC, Ian McClintock appears to be trying to sabotage the PC with the support of the pro-development lobby. This is profoundly undemocratic. Cllr McClintock would rather destroy the PC than allow the new majority to take charge. It appears that the people who favour the development have little regard for democracy and are unwilling to accept the election result. Ian McClintock and his backers are seeking to highjack the PC. The events we have witnessed since May show there is almost nothing they won’t do to stop objection to the development. However, the 6 are quorate and capable councillors ready to run the PC and restore it to full working order. To achieve this, Cllr Ian McClintock having lost a vote of no confidence should be removed from the Chair so that the bullying and obstruction of the democratically elected majority of councillors ceases. The truth is that Cllr Ian McClintock’s undemocratic campaign of obstruction and harassment is the only problem with the PC.
Yours sincerely,
Charlotte Fraser
Great Chart
Thursday, 17 November 2011
New Candidate for Beaver Ward
The Ashford Independents are pleased to be fielding a local resident Laura Lawrence as their candidate for the By-Election in Beaver Ward on 24 November.
Vote for Change
Our mission is to offer Ashford Borough residents independent representation on the Borough Council. Our first responsibility is to the residents in our Ward, not to a distant Party in Westminster.
Dear Resident,
What has happened to our once happy Town Centre after 12 years of Conservative Council rule? Now sad and depressed with empty shops and only more promises for a better future. What is happening at our Borough Council, now having to plan reductions in public services after central Government funding cuts following years of Labour overspending? If you care for your community, come out and
Vote for Change on 24 November.
Vote Laura Lawrence, Ashford Independent.
The Ashford Independents have 5 very active Borough Councillors. We need more, so please vote for me. Beaver Ward is at the heart of Ashford and has always been an important residential area and needs strong representation at the Council.
I am Kent born and bred and from school age Ashford has always been a favourite place for me. That is why I came back here with my husband Adam, son Daniel and daughter Hetty. We live in Beaver Road and I am a Year 6 Teaching Assistant at Ashford Oaks Primary School. I have also run a Toddler Group, served on Christchurch Parochial Council and been a Sure Start volunteer, so know how local residents think and what people of all ages need and want.
- A Safe Community in which to live.
- Better Public Services and Leisure opportunities.
- More things for young people to do.
- A cleaner environment.
- More garden allotments.
- A Council that will ensure Welfare provision, create Jobs, and Education opportunities for our children
- An end to parking and other difficulties with some multiple occupation homes
- A town centre to enjoy and be proud of, and improved Bus Services.
If elected I will work for this.
Yours sincerely,
Laura
Vote LAURA LAWRENCE
Thursday, 10 November 2011
Letter to Council Leader Cllr Peter Wood still awaiting a response.
Dear Cllr Wood,
Ashford Independent Association members are very concerned at the stated intention of Ashford Borough Council to proceed with this development against Government guidelines, ahead of brownfield and other sites that have planning permission, in the face of huge public objection, while the Core Strategy has not been reviewed or the Area Action Plan, and economic planning been completed. Ashford has large numbers of empty houses and shops. You were reported in the Kentish Express of 13 October as saying that if there is good cause, this project can be taken out of the Core Strategy. This is what we ask you to do, as in the circumstances the development makes no sense.
When the Prescott Plan (Sustainable Communities Act) came in, Government made clear that the development concerned Ashford Town and not large areas of rural farmland. The development was listed to be Central and Concentric, jobs and infrastructure led, with brownfield sites first. The Gas Works, Railways Works brownfield sites have planning permission. The Waterbrook site development was agreed years ago as was Cheeseman's Green. The brownfield sites of the Commercial Quarter and Elwick Road are in the planning process. These sites, subject to minor change up or down, represent some 9000 housing units or the equal to 15 years of development at current building rates. Together with the 6000 odd houses built since the year 2000, it is an increase in the size of Ashford Town of about 75%, so where is the need for the addition of the Chilmington development and why are we going greenfield first?
The Borough Council is here to administer the area and serve its residents. So why is the Council ignoring a petition against the development, now rising to 4000 signatures? Residents are not objecting just because of the huge impact on the area and Ashford as a whole, but because there is no need and in the circumstances the development doesn't make sense.
In any business it is foolhardy to proceed until the business plan has been completed and tested. In this case the Council is proposing to approve the development before the economic/business case has been finalised, or the Area Action Plan agreed, or the Core Strategy completed. Cllr Michael has illustrated his and our concern over this in his email awaiting your response.
Ashford Town has large numbers of empty houses with a run-down Town Centre with empty shops everywhere. Does this suggest a need for a huge additional housebuilding programme? The Council seems to be acting positively to bring the development forward early.
One of the main concerns is the lack of experience of Ashford Officers in building towns. Look at the £6 million plus cost overrun and commissioning problems at the Stour Centre. We make no criticism of our Officers, but building a Town of this size is not the normal work of these Officers.
The other reasons for taking the development out of the Core Strategy are:
a) Other Towns around Ashford such as Dover, Folkestone, Maidstone and Canterbury are all expanding in addition to the huge Thames Gateway development.
b) The new jobs target has not been met, thus making new residents commuters.
c) The high-speed trains are already at full capacity.
d) It is not clear where all the infrastructure funding is to come from.
e) The development will need some 1000 acres of productive farmland at a time of world food shortage.
f) The impact of the development on the environment and ecology of the area will be devastating.
g) KCC have said that potable water will start to become short after 2016 if building continues.
h) The A28, the only main road that serves this huge site, is not dualled and is already at peak capacity at rush hours.; The remaining road infrastructure is completely inadequate for a development of this size. Tenterden, half this size, has 5 main roads entering/leaving it.
i) The Smartlink bus service is postponed due to shortage of funds.
All this makes a compelling case to take the development out of the Core Strategy. I have about 1000 residents in my Ward who express concern and request me as their elected Councillor to do something about it, hence my contributions at meetings and this letter. Please may I have a response so that we can understand the Council's position.
Regards,
Cllr Peter Davison
Ashford Independent Association members are very concerned at the stated intention of Ashford Borough Council to proceed with this development against Government guidelines, ahead of brownfield and other sites that have planning permission, in the face of huge public objection, while the Core Strategy has not been reviewed or the Area Action Plan, and economic planning been completed. Ashford has large numbers of empty houses and shops. You were reported in the Kentish Express of 13 October as saying that if there is good cause, this project can be taken out of the Core Strategy. This is what we ask you to do, as in the circumstances the development makes no sense.
When the Prescott Plan (Sustainable Communities Act) came in, Government made clear that the development concerned Ashford Town and not large areas of rural farmland. The development was listed to be Central and Concentric, jobs and infrastructure led, with brownfield sites first. The Gas Works, Railways Works brownfield sites have planning permission. The Waterbrook site development was agreed years ago as was Cheeseman's Green. The brownfield sites of the Commercial Quarter and Elwick Road are in the planning process. These sites, subject to minor change up or down, represent some 9000 housing units or the equal to 15 years of development at current building rates. Together with the 6000 odd houses built since the year 2000, it is an increase in the size of Ashford Town of about 75%, so where is the need for the addition of the Chilmington development and why are we going greenfield first?
The Borough Council is here to administer the area and serve its residents. So why is the Council ignoring a petition against the development, now rising to 4000 signatures? Residents are not objecting just because of the huge impact on the area and Ashford as a whole, but because there is no need and in the circumstances the development doesn't make sense.
In any business it is foolhardy to proceed until the business plan has been completed and tested. In this case the Council is proposing to approve the development before the economic/business case has been finalised, or the Area Action Plan agreed, or the Core Strategy completed. Cllr Michael has illustrated his and our concern over this in his email awaiting your response.
Ashford Town has large numbers of empty houses with a run-down Town Centre with empty shops everywhere. Does this suggest a need for a huge additional housebuilding programme? The Council seems to be acting positively to bring the development forward early.
One of the main concerns is the lack of experience of Ashford Officers in building towns. Look at the £6 million plus cost overrun and commissioning problems at the Stour Centre. We make no criticism of our Officers, but building a Town of this size is not the normal work of these Officers.
The other reasons for taking the development out of the Core Strategy are:
a) Other Towns around Ashford such as Dover, Folkestone, Maidstone and Canterbury are all expanding in addition to the huge Thames Gateway development.
b) The new jobs target has not been met, thus making new residents commuters.
c) The high-speed trains are already at full capacity.
d) It is not clear where all the infrastructure funding is to come from.
e) The development will need some 1000 acres of productive farmland at a time of world food shortage.
f) The impact of the development on the environment and ecology of the area will be devastating.
g) KCC have said that potable water will start to become short after 2016 if building continues.
h) The A28, the only main road that serves this huge site, is not dualled and is already at peak capacity at rush hours.; The remaining road infrastructure is completely inadequate for a development of this size. Tenterden, half this size, has 5 main roads entering/leaving it.
i) The Smartlink bus service is postponed due to shortage of funds.
All this makes a compelling case to take the development out of the Core Strategy. I have about 1000 residents in my Ward who express concern and request me as their elected Councillor to do something about it, hence my contributions at meetings and this letter. Please may I have a response so that we can understand the Council's position.
Regards,
Cllr Peter Davison
Friday, 28 October 2011
New Parish Councillors for Great Chart with Singleton PC
Following the obstruction of 6 councillors democratically elected on 5 May from taking up their seats, a new election has taken place. The 6 had stood on a platform of opposition to the huge building development that the Council planned for some 1000 acres of productive farmland in Chilmington.
6 new candidates stood on the same platform in competition with 9 candidates of opposing or different views. It was most unlikely that all 6 would win, and even if one lost that would have given the majority vote to the 5 PC councillors who appear to be pro-development.
In the event the election on 6 October saw all 6 win by a landslide, reflecting the majority views of residents in the area who are concerned at the impact such a huge development will have on their lives.
However it seems on this issue the Chairman of the 5 does not command the support of the majority of the new PC. As he has not offered to stand down, a vote of No Confidence in him is scheduled at an Extraordinary General Parish Meeting on 31 October at 8.00 pm at the Singleton Environment Centre.
Cllr Peter Davison
Weald South Ward
Tuesday, 17 May 2011
Open letter to local press
To the Editor, Ashford and Tenterden Editions
Dear Sir,
Many people will find it offensive that Cllr Clokie has referred in your paper to the popular objection to the massive Chilmington development as 'nonsense'. The petition of some 3500 signatures against the development not only reflects the thousands of lives that would be blighted by it but the sound reasons why it should not happen.
The new Government has thrown out the Growth Agenda, and the new Localism Bill under preparation insists that local people whose lives are affected by decisions should have a say in making them. Legal opinion and Council advice suggest that there is no legal compulsion, only difficulties, unexplained should the Council not proceed. Ashford sits in the middle of four towns all expanding - Maidstone, Dover, Canterbury and Folkestone, and should be seen in this context. To the North West of the County there is the Thames Gateway development, possibly the largest single increase in housing in an area in the country. So where is the need?
The proposed Chilmington development will impact on Singleton, Washford and Shadoxhurst and beyond. 7000 houses is equivalent to two Tenterdens. A town centre is planned that would compete with Ashford. Thousands of residents will have their lives blighted by losing the coutnryside environment they bought into by urban sprawl, increased traffic and parking problems, apart from suffering 10 to 15 years of contruction chaos. Some 1000 acres of productive farmland will be lost at a time when there is a world food shortage.
So why is Cllr Clokie so eager to press ahead? Since the year 2000, when the Town had some 20,000 houses, over 15,000 new houses/flats have been built or are currently in the planning process excluding the planned Chilmington, Tenterden, Kennington and Willesborough developments. This 15,000 represents a 75% increase in Ashford's housing, more than necessary for local need and is a large contribution to the housing stock in the South East. If you then add the lack of infrastructure funding (for schools, hospitals etc), the lack of jobs, inadequate roads, the shortage of drinking water that KCC predicts will start in 2016, the lack of need for such commuter developments, and the massive public opposition, you can easily come to the conclusion that it is nonsense to proceed, not nonsense to object.
Yours sincerely,
Cllr Peter Davison
Leader, Ashford Independents
Birchett, Birchett Lane, Orlestone, Ashford, Kent TN26 2ED
01233 732280
Monday, 9 May 2011
A big thank you
I would like to thank the 10,540 voters who supported the Ashford Independent Candidates in the Borough Council Election last week. This was slightly more than half the number who voted Conservative and more than the number of those who voted for the other Parties combined. Our broad Manifesto had an obvious appeal for residents, as did the special case we made against unwanted and un-needed mass building developments on greenfield sites. Despite the level of popular support, we did not achieve the overall number of seats we wanted, but a powerful statement has been made. Now that the rough and tumble of the election is over, it is our hope that the Council will settle down to the serious business of providing good open and democratic government using all the talents that are available.
Yours sincerely,
Cllr Peter Davison
Leader, Ashford Independents
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