Mike Causey – Wrecclesham and Rowledge
Waverley Borough CouncillorArchive for Town Matters
Public Opinion Counts!
What a fantastic meeting. The Joint Planning Committee may not sound an exciting event, but last night was a great example of strength of public opinion, informed local representation (both town and community and business groups), and councillor knowledge and leadership.
The application by Crest Nicholson to vary condition 37 of their East St planning permission, in the words of one my constituents, showed their “contempt for the people of Farnham”. Not only this, it also showed disrespect for the planning authority, Waverley Borough Council. (On this post I won’t get into the difficulties, challenges and nuances of Waverley being both business partner and planning authority). Waverley had given permission based on careful (and sometimes disagreeable) consideration of all the facts before them, not least the prior commitment by the developer to provide access from the A31 for construction traffic.
Crest were given short-thrift last night and a sharp reminder that the original reasons for requiring A31 access have not disappeared. And that the quality of life, traffic and air quality issues for the residents and visitors to Farnham, remain critical shibboleths.
My hope is that Crest completely revisit their attitude towards this development site. Firstly, from a relational perspective: their contract with Waverley (both pas planning authority and as community) has received a horrible dose of distrust through this exercise. They must now realise that having been given permission for a huge development, it is simply not in their remit to come back for more. The borough has through the application, shown the extent to which it is prepared to see restructuring of such a large part of its primary town, and the consequential impact on its residents and the way they live their lives.
Secondly, from the perspective of a considerate constructor. This borough will not put up with them if they do not consider first and foremost the needs of Farnham now, as well as what they believe they are bringing to the town through this development.
For now, there is a little peace. However, let’s reserve full judgment until we see the necessary application for the A31 access. Will Crest try to pull another fast one?
Thumbs Up
A brief time spent in Farnham Park this afternoon with my son, told me a lot about its popularity, but not nearly enough for any weight to be placed on the success (or not) of its status as a Suitable Accessible Natural Green Space.
There were tens of families about the park, many of them picnicing or playing games. The golf club and cafe seemed busy too. I was a little disappointed with the litter, but going by the kind of litter it was, and the fact that I was visiting immediately following a Saturday night, I wasn’t surprised and only (a) had my sad view of our society’s youth reinforced, and (b) wished that more people were popping bits of litter into the many bins nearby.
All in all though, a really lovely visit, and I look forward to some concrete information coming the way of councillors as to the park’s use and ongoing development.
FVF and S&C CM 2008
I’m back from a Farnham Visitors Forum meeting. It was the first one I’d attended, and it was very stimulating. Many businesses and local organisations working together to improve the opportunities for visitors to Farnham, and thus benefit the local economy, and ultimately local jobs and families.
I guess I was there more on behalf of Smith & Causey, rather than as a borough councillor, but it did fit both roles in many ways. I’m not that experienced as a councillor, but we do get opportunities to learn about many organisations, and therefore can often suggest business or other networking connections that can help those to whom we speak.
I’m now back at my Farnham Pottery desk – we have our Christmas Market here tomorrow and there’s lots to do – bit of a plug I know, but can’t help it 
Transition Town. Farnham Florins?
Had a good conversation with Finn Jackson this afternoon – over a nice cup of tea. We were discussing his endeavour to draw together those in Farnham who are interested in exploring the future after oil. And I only discovered about it this morning in the Farnham Herald, reading the article on page three, and visiting his website, Transition Farnham.
There’s a theory called Peak Oil, that describes how the world’s oil production will peak, after which it will diminish because of the exhaustion of existing known supplies, and an expected decrease in discoveries, ultimately leaving us with little or no oil. Transition Towns are communities beginning to address new ways of being and doing, that don’t rely on oil, and seek to use more sustainable methods. And some are even discussing using their own local ‘currency’ to encourage more spending locally.
I guess I should declare a conflict of interest – the fact that I currently contract for a major oil company might mean I may look too rosily on its own attempts to encourage alternative energy sources. But, even so, I do think that there’s both a role for big oil to use its unique and powerful position to ‘explore’ new energy, as well as individuals and small communities to do the small things, take the small steps. As Voltaire said, “No snowflake ever feels responsible for an avalanche”: it’s individuals who make up the world, and everything starts with just one person, one intent, one action.
If you can make it, do attend Finn’s meeting at the Farnham Maltings on Thursday 11th September, at 7 pm. £5 on the door.
I’m (ironically) away abroad (flight, car… oil dependent) on business for the oil company for which I contract, otherwise I would be there myself. Please support Finn.
Speechless? Not quite
This is how I felt when I read a lengthy email thread that I thought said that Surrey Local Committee would not be discussing the Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) at their next meeting on 12th September.
However, I misread the email thread contents, and, it turns out that the AQAP is indeed on the agenda, just probably not with a focus of Farnham, or with associated transport matters which bring the AQAP into specific relief.
Councillor Alan Lovell, who proposed an amendment at the last full council meeting, to ask for an urgent meeting between WBC and SCC on the AQAP and Farnham (yes, I’m trying to use as many TLAs and ETLAs as possible), alerted me to the presence of this issue on the agenda of the meeting on the 12th September, as well as then ringing me up to point out I’d arrived at the wrong end of the stick about it initially.
I’m extremely grateful to him for keeping me up-to-date, and accurate!
Talk the walk
I blogged about our MP’s new YouTube site when he launched it, and have this week noted a new video about the pedestrianising of Farnham.
It’s a very pertinent time for his comments, coming in the weeks leading up to the planning decision that’s due on the latest East Street application. He points out the aspiration for pedestrianisation, but countered by the reality of traffic management, (not least right now, even prior to any increase due to extra homes and shopping!)
I’m completely in support of both an analysis, and a trial of redirection and pedestrianisation. This idea was referred to by a question from a member of the public early into the council meeting on 22nd April, and whilst I would have written parts of the letter differently, it nonetheless clearly highlighted this as a concern.
Britain.. no, wait… Farnham in Bloom
Farnham Town Council have their eyes firmly set on achieving greatness in the 2008 Britain in Bloom competition!
The borough council have responsibilities for ensuring parks and other public grounds are maintained and cleaned, and our contractors Glendale are as enthusiastically committed to the competition as both councils.
The area of the competition is the town centre itself, and over the coming months the co-ordination between contractors and councils will continue apace. Here’s hoping that our flowers flourish.
Oh, and any offers of sponsorship would be very welcome.
