Page 6 - Phonebox Magazine February 2008

DAVID SHEPHERD CARPENTER & JOINER
OFFERING A LOCAL & RELIABLE SERVICE FOR ALL YOUR CARPENTRY NEEDS INCLUDING:
• Kitchens & Worktops • Windows • Interior & Exterior Doors • • Supply & Fit of Bespoke Freestanding & Built in Furniture • • Stairs • Property Improvements •
TELEPHONE: 01908 617356 / 07986 463572
BAYLISS est. 1971 Decorating & Refurbishment
All requirements for Home and Business Premises Painting
Decorating and all Finishing Trades Woodwork
First Fix to Kitchens
~ all General Maintenance Work ~
Phone 01234 712402 : Mobile: 07710 276109
MATE MAINTENANCE Need work doing around the house?
Call your friendly local MATE
Dripping tap to full bathroom installations
Allrepairandmaintenanceworksundertaken Fully insured and all work guaranteed
No job too small so give us a call
For free advice and estimates
Call our office on 01234 712854 Or Peter on his mobile 07886 802993 131 High Street, Olney
6 Phonebox Magazine
Dear Editor
Petsoe Manor Planning Meeting 17 December 2007
I am writing about my disgust at the way the above planning committee meeting was conducted on the 17 December. If this is how local politics works then I have to come to the conclusion that many of our councillors are simply not in touch with their constituents, are serving their own agendas, and are sacrificing Olney and surrounding villages to give the impression to the wider country that Milton Keynes is a progressive city. Hmmm.
Firstly, I should point out that from my recollection, the main supporters of the development were all from the proposed developer. I was sitting just behind at least 20 or so of the company representatives and associates, it was clear that none of them were residents of the MK area. What was clear was that those residents who did attend the meeting were largely, if not wholly, against the completely unacceptable development being proposed.
Most councillors in support of the development were clearly voting along party lines rather than representing (and supporting) the residents who will be hugely adversely affected by the development if it ever goes ahead. From my recollection at no time did a single councillor give a reasoned argument as to why we should have the development, that is unless you would consider some glib statements such as 'we all have to make sacrifices' and 'we do not want MK to look like Portugal' that some councillors had the audacity to make. It was truly incredible that these councillors could support the development without any of them giving a reasoned argument in support of their views. Several challenges were made to the accuracy of the application, including the fact that many of the photographs used in the submission were misleading and 'doctored' to underplay the true visual impact of the proposed turbines. None of these challenges were defended by either the developer or those supporting the development. As a member of public at the very least I would have expected some deferment of the meeting in order to investigate further these challenges made. To add insult to injury one particular councillor made a long speech outlining his opposition to the development as proposed (due to the height of the turbines proposed), only to then seemingly become confused by the whole
Dear Sir
I hope that your readers have enjoyed the free Christmas pantomime this year. I am, of course, referring to the supposed planning decision on the Emberton wind farm (I refuse to use Milton Keynes). As I write this I believe that a judicial review is rightly being requested.
I was at the planning meeting on December 17 and it was a farce. Even the council’s legal representative was concerned that any decision could be open to a judicial review and at one point took the committee out of the room while they discussed whether to continue. The full council had the opportunity to rescue the situation but, unfortunately, the council tax payers and the potential victims of this ill-conceived wind farm will have to pay the cost of going to the high court where the council should be forced to admit its folly.
Any misguided hope that Milton Keynes would acquire credibility by demonstrating its green credentials are likely to be swallowed in the embarrassment caused by being found to be unable to follow proper procedures.
Brian Skittrall, Bozeat
Annual Lavendon Auction
It is over 25 years since the auction first started and funds have been raised in that time for local charities. The 80/20 auction of furniture and effects will take place at the Lavendon Village Hall on Sunday 24 February 2008 at 12.30pm with viewing from 10am.
Anybody wishing to place items in the auction should contact Pam or Ron on 01234 240772 for details.