Friday 18 December 2009

Sorry for the silence - its been very busy

Hi

Just a note for not leaving any updates for a few weeks. At work we have just employed a few people and are really fighting our way through this recession. We have a fleet of embroidery machines now, as well as our cutters and printing machines. 2009 has been hard, but I think 2010 will not be much better, and in fact I expect many business failures to take place in the first quarter of 2010. Luckily we got our credit sorted out with the bank in the good times, although we did not have to use it. It is a life saver now!! My heart goes out to the businesses that are trying to sort it out now. Suffice to say, the last few weeks have been busy bedding in the new machines and training new staff.
University is great, I absolutely love it, and enjoy learning again. The course is teaching me so much about public services and how councils operate. I find it challenging but so fulfilling and enjoyable, my fellow students and tutors are great people and I expect to stay in touch with them for a long time. I am vertually half way through my course now with almost 90 points of my 180 needed for the masters degree.
Politics is as always interesting and amusing and never dull. My selection is underway and should be completed by January, when I will hear if I have been selected again to represent Empress Ward in Farnborough. I am so glad these selections are not something we take for granted, and I realise I am only as good as my last piece of case work!! I very much appreciate the fellow councillors I work with Brian Parker and Gareth Llyon, they are so good and I would not be half as good the councillor I am if it were not for all the support I get from them. I am surrounded by good people and never take myself too seriously (or others - which can sometimes cause me trouble in politics!!). It looks like the general election may take place the same time as the local elections - so campaigning will be a lot of fun.

Saturday 28 November 2009

New and free local business network

Aldershot & Farnborough Business Group
A new free local business group has been established in the local area.


Members can only be people involved with an Aldershot or Farnborough business or organisations that offer special services to business – not individuals.

The Group is internet based and personal information is controlled by members.

Benefits:

1. Completely free – no cost at all.
2. Preserves personal privacy, members (if they wish) can only communicate via the system.
3. Promotes only ‘local’ based businesses.
4. Businesses can offer exclusive deals to other members of the group.
5. Free contacts for local professional business training and qualifications.
6. No need for ‘meetings’.
7. Free discussion page that members can use to promote and share information about local issues, special offers etc.
8. Fast way of keeping informed about important local events that effect business.
9. Links with the Borough and County Council.
10. Links with Business support organisations.

What you need to do if you are a local business:

1. Sign up free of charge with LinkedIn :
linkedin.com
2. Search in the top tool bar for ‘groups’ and type in Aldershot & Farnborough Business Group. Or go to:
Aldershot & Farnborough Business Group
3. Apply to join.

Any questions please drop me an email. You can also find me on LinkedIn
Link to David

Wednesday 25 November 2009

My Mate Daniel Hannan MEP

The news in Brussels has been dominated by the appointment of Herman Van Rompuy as the EU’s president, and Baroness Ashton as his foreign minister. The whole thing was, of course, an affront to democracy: a lifelong quangocrat was appointed in secret to a post created by a treaty we were not allowed to vote on. I made this argument in the Telegraph (http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/danielhannan/100017384/how-is-baronness-ashtons-appointment-good-for-britain/) as well as taking it to a different audience - and in different language - in the Guardian (http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/nov/20/eu-stitch-up-demeans-democracy)

Meanwhile, the Left has continued its demented smear campaign against our allies in the European Conservatives and Reformists (http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/danielhannan/100016352/false-charges-of-anti-semitism-demean-the-accuser-not-the-accused/). We should remember that, at a time when many of these critics were members of CND, our allies were leading the democratic revolutions whose twentieth anniversaries we are now celebrating (http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/danielhannan/100016114/reflections-on-the-revolutions-in-europe/).

I was chuffed to pick up two prizes: one from the Spectator Parliamentarian of the Year Awards (http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/danielhannan/100016668/spectator-parliamentarian-of-the-year-the-real-winner/); and the other from the Bastiat Prize for Online Journalism (http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/danielhannan/100017327/the-best-blog-in-the-world-official/).

Greece may become the first country to crash out of the euro: http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/danielhannan/100016951/timeo-danaos-et-dona-rogantes/

Finally, if you haven’t seen it, you’ll enjoy this destructive take on Labour’s appalling party political broadcast: http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/danielhannan/100017426/probably-the-worst-party-political-broadcast-ever/


Olympics and Aldershot - the facts

A copy of a brief sent to councillors from the Chief Executive of Rushmoor Borough Council:


Dear Councillors

There has been some speculation in the national press and a number of specialist magazines this week regarding the BOA's plans for their 2012 Training & Preparation Camp. This has now been picked up by the Aldershot News and is likely to appear in this week's edition.

The first important point to make is that the press speculation is incorrect. For example, in an article in the Daily Telegraph it was suggested that the BOA have "dumped" their plans for a training camp in Aldershot. This is simply not the case currently.

It is true that the BOA are facing some enormous challenges caused in part by the fact that funding is now allocated direct by UK Sports to the individual elite sports and not via the BOA which means that the BOA have less direct control as the individual sports can choose their own training venues. As a result, some are choosing to stay at their current UK high-performance centres or are choosing to go abroad away from the media glare and potential distractions.

This is not in any way a reflection on Aldershot which was chosen in preference to other prestigious venues due to its quality facilities and the professional support services available.

We were aware during the bid that a number of Olympic sports would remain in their current centres - the best examples being cycling at the Manchester Veladrome, sailing in Portland, rowing at Eton Dorney and swimming at Loughborough. There has also been a great deal of publicity over the past months about the track and field sports' decision to go abroad.

The BOA is currently reviewing its options and, as I have already stated, have not yet made a decision and Aldershot still features in their considerations.

The Army, ASPIRE and ourselves, have made clear that we remain committed to our original bid and are keen to continue working with the BOA and further meetings are being arranged in the near future.

While it is clearly disappointing and there is some uncertainty, the fact that Aldershot was chosen as the preferred Team GB Preparation Camp in February last year resulted in extensive media coverage which has considerably enhanced the image of the area.

This success has enabled us to attract over £1000,000 to support the Be The Best Programme at both Cove and Connaught Schools with Olympic gold medallist Darren Campbell meeting the pupils last month.

We have also received £6M to develop the Runways End Youth Adventure Centre, which reflects in part its proximity to the Army Centre of Sporting Excellence and potential BOA Training Camp.

The Garrison has subsequently hosted the Olympic boxing team and triathlon squads, and pupils from Samuel Cody Special Needs School were guests at a reception held at Wentworth for the South East medallists from the Beijing Olympics.

The improvements to the sports facilities at the Garrison are still on schedule including a new athletics surface, third synthetic hockey pitch and a new boxing and martial arts centre.

We are also working with the County to make the most of the Cultural Olympiad which, along with all the above initiatives, will ensure a lasting legacy for our residents.

I will ensure that you are kept fully informed of developments as the story continues to unfold.


Andrew Lloyd

My Selection tonight

Tonight is my selection interview so wish me luck.
Sitting Councillors quite rightly have to be reselected every term (4 years) in contrast to MP's who do not have the same rigorous examination and keep going until they decide to retire or get deselected.
My CV has been handed in updated and polished, and I have been summoned to the place of execution at 8.15pm. I do not know how many others are applying for the seat, and will be advised of the outcome by phone after the meeting. I am looking forward to the meeting and really enjoy getting feedback and questions that will indicate how the Branch think I am doing, and will give me a steer as to issues I need to address. The Association Chairman for the area will be there along with the Council's Conservative Group Leader who will tell the selection panel how I have performed at the Council level.
I would love David Cameron to come down to the constituency every four years and do that for our MP. I appreciate that is not too practical, but an annual school report would be nice!!
I will let you all know how it goes.....

Monday 16 November 2009

Council refuse TAG extra flying application

The meeting was attended by over 170 residents and, as well as being webcast by the Council, we also had camera crews from BBC South and Meridian. The overall tone and atmosphere within the room was pleasant and well-mannered. Keith Holland had prepared an excellent report which he presented an an extremely succinct and professional way, interestingly, he wasn't interrupted by the public at any time and they appeared to hang on his every word.

The public speaking had been agreed previously by the committee and 12 people were invited to speak against the application and 4 in favour, including TAG. I have to give credit to all the public speakers for the quality of their presentations which clearly had an impact on the Committee.

It was a challenging and in many ways difficult evening for committee members but I was impressed by their approach.

The final vote was 7 against, 1 in favour and the remainder abstained. The reasons for refusal were broadly based around the belief that the proposed increase in movements would result in an adverse impact on the amenities of the surrounding residential property, particularly with regard to noise disturbance, odour problems, and the greater risk from more movements.

Wednesday 4 November 2009

My MEP mate Daniel Hannan

In all the noise and fuss of the past 48 hours, I don't think there has been much consultation of people outside Westminster. I very much value your views on what Conservative policy towards the EU ought to be. Perhaps you would be kind enough to take a few minutes to reply to the seven questions below. The answers will be compiled anonymously, and I'll give you the overall figures in a future email.



Incidentally, you might be interested in my blog on the following subjects:



The EU budget continues to grow

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/danielhannan/100014790/the-eu-budget-is-set-to-grow-by-more-than-3-per-cent/


David Miliband should apologise to our Eurosceptic allies

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/danielhannan/100015091/david-miliband-should-apologise-to-the-peoples-of-poland-and-latvia/


No one elected Professor Nutt

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/danielhannan/100015376/perhaps-we-should-abandon-democracy-and-be-ruled-by-prof-david-nutt/


Tony Blair wanes, David Miliband waxes

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/danielhannan/100015232/sell-tony-blair-buy-david-miliband/


The European Commission is no illegal

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/danielhannan/100015393/from-midnight-last-night-the-european-commission-became-illegal/


Read Daniel's online column every day at

http://www.hannan.co.uk

Wednesday 28 October 2009

Farnborough Town Centre

Work is progressing well on the Farnborough Town Centre redevelopment.

The Sainsbury Superstore is almost complete and scheduled to open by the end of the year, it is possible that Sainsburys will decide to open the new store before Christmas but I will let you know as soon as we have confirmation.

The new Travelodge fronting Victoria Road is also virtually complete and will definitely be opening before Christmas.

The remainder of the first phase involves 40,000 sq.ft of new retail space – a much needed addition to Farnborough’s retail offer. Given the difficult trading conditions, the developers have yet to confirm specific occupiers but are continuing to market the units and are confident they will attract interest once completed. As soon as occupation of some or all of the units has been confirmed, they will then continue to build out the next phase adjoining Kingsmead and along the northern end of Queensmead.

There is a great deal of activity taking place on the detailed planning for the new cinema and I will keep you informed of progress on this key part of the overall town centre regeneration

Monday 26 October 2009

Club - Drug link proved

Research published this week demonstrates how illegal drugs have entered mainstream culture, with the tacit acceptance of police, politicians and economists. Britain's booming club culture actively supports and encourages the growth of illegal drug taking.


The first wide-ranging academic study of clubbers’ behaviour in a decade, published this week in the journal Criminology and Criminal Justice, indicates that thousands of apparently successful, healthy and economically active people in their twenties, thirties and forties choose to be heavy recreational drug users at the weekend.

Not only do the findings suggest almost ubiquitous drug use in and around Britain’s clubs, in particular cannabis, cocaine and Ecstasy, but they point to the emergence of new substances on the pharmaceutical block, such as ketamine and GHB, being used increasingly by clubbers as part of assorted drug “repertoires” at the weekends.

Dr Fiona Measham and Dr Karenza Moore, criminologists from Lancaster University, set out to explore the hidden world of pharmaceutical intoxication in Britain’s bars and night clubs. What they found, in the most thorough examination ever undertaken of drugs across the British night-time economy, was extraordinary:

almost all Britain’s thousands of clubbers routinely take drugs, in particular cocaine (tried by 83 per cent of people), cannabis (93 per cent) and ecstasy (85 per cent).
eight in ten clubbers had taken a drug within the previous month, and nearly two in three of those questioned had taken, or were going to take, drugs on the night they were surveyed.
much of Britain’s burgeoning night-time economy, worth as much as £30 billion, and employing about one million people, is inextricably linked to the night-long consumption of illegal drugs.
the trend is such that the main clubbing nights have been moved from Saturdays to Fridays specifically to allow people to recover in time for work or lectures on Monday morning.
Read the rest of this article from The Times here
http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/the_way_we_live/article6879862.ece

90,000 to be killed by alcohol

Alcohol will claim more than 90,000 lives over the next decade. The figures don't include drink-related accidents or deaths from illnesses which have been exacerbated by alcohol consumption.


According to research by Prof Martin Plant, of the University of the West of England, one of the UK's leading authorities on alcohol-related harm, 90,800 people will be killed by diseases directly linked to drinking, such as alcoholic liver disease and chronic hepatitis, and alcohol poisoning.

Plant urges that action is taken over the country's increasingly ruinous relationship with drinking, according to research.

Deaths due to drinking have trebled over the last 25 years as per capita consumption has risen to become one of the highest in Europe, That is more than one fatality per hour every day of the year. The figure does not include people who die as a result of alcohol-related accidents, such as drink-driving, or those in whom alcohol has exacerbated their ill-health, such as various forms of cancer.

Read the rest of this item from The Guardian here
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2009/oct/19/alcohol-death-toll-rising

Monday 19 October 2009

Brown backtracks on new council powers

Alan Johnson has quietly dropped new powers for local councils to close down bars in areas blighted by binge-drinking two weeks after they were promised by Gordon Brown.

In his speech to the Labour Party conference Mr Brown said that the Government “will give local authorities the power to ban 24-hour drinking throughout a community”.

The Home Office confirmed yesterday, however, that it had given in to opposition from the drinks industry and ditched the so-called blanket banning orders.

Other proposed local council powers set to be dropped from the Policing and Crime Bill currently going through Parliament include the right to outlaw happy-hours, ban glass containers at peak hours and insist that only over-21s are served in particular premises.

See full article at: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6878525.ece

Tuesday 13 October 2009

Sad dimise of Common Sense

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years.

No one knows for sure how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.

He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm, life isn't always fair, and maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you earn) and reliable parenting strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job they themselves failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer Panadol, sun lotion or a sticky plaster to a student but could not inform the parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband, churches became businesses and criminals received better treatment than their victims.

Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar can sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live after a woman failed to realise that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust, his wife, Discretion, his daughter, Responsibility and his son, Reason. He is survived by three stepbrothers; I Know My Rights, Someone Else is to Blame and I'm A Victim. Not many attended his funeral because so few realised he was gone.

If you still remember him tell others . If not join the majority and do nothing

Monday 12 October 2009

Conservatives will crack down on binge drinkers

Tories will introduce new taxes on alcohol as part of a crackdown on drunken anti-social behaviour in Britain’s city centres.


Supermarkets will be banned from selling alcohol at below cost price and taxes on alco-pops and super-strength beer will be rapidly increased under the Conservative plans. Local councils will also be able to charge higher fees for pubs and clubs wishing to open after 11pm.

The Conservatives will “tear up” the Government’s new licensing regime and pledged to give local residents the power to block late alcohol licenses. Chris Grayling, the Tory shadow home secretary, said that the measures would be unpopular with the drinks industry but said “it’s right to put the interests of communities ahead of the interests of business”.

Friday 18 September 2009

News from Rushmoor's Cheif Exec

Recession
I am pleased to be able to confirm that the Council took an active part in the development of a Hampshire wide bid to the Government's Future Jobs Fund which is aimed at providing employment and training opportunities for young people aged up to 24 who have been unemployed for at least 9 - 12 months. In all, approximately 167 jobs are to be created across Hampshire, of which 24 will be based within Rushmoor, either within the council or our contractors DC Leisure and Veolia, and local schools.

The new jobs will be focussed on improving the local area and addressing local issues and the posts specifically within the council will be based in the Handyman Team,supporting local community events and activities and in our Customer Services. There are a total of eight jobs within Veolia and these will provide an additional resource to work on our cleansing and refuse services.

I am particularly pleased that we have achieved this success as creating opportunities for our young generation must be a key priority in responding to the current recession.

We have just received the latest unemployment figures for August which shows a small increase of just 15 which means that our overall unemployment rate remains the same at 3.3%. This is slightly more than the south-east average of 3.1% but below the national figure of 4.2%.

Office Accommodation
At its last meeting the Cabinet considered a paper from Andrew Colver on our future office requirements based around a feasibility study on our needs together with an assessment of opportunity to create additional space within the building to accommodate other income-generating users, particularly services provided by Hampshire County Council. Hampshire are currently carrying out a review of their own office needs and are trying to better relate their office accommodation for staff to the needs and locations of their service users. They have a particular problem here in the north east of the county and have expressed a genuine interest in basing more services within our office.

We already provide space for the Connexions service, highways sub-unit, YSP, and the Audit Commission which brings in substantial income. We are also keen to pursue this initiative as we gain real synergies from co-locating our services with county ones and have already seen benefits from the presence of Connexions. Andrew's review has also taken into account our current and future maintenance needs, mindful that the building has now been in use for nearly 30 years and has suffered from relatively minimal investment over that time. Indeed, if we did nothing else we would need to spend approximately £500K on essential maintenance and refurbishment.

The proposed changes and improvements will cost approximately £1.5M over two financial years, however, based on a financial appraisal which assumes that we use our own capital resources, the business case is positive and within a year of completion we would expect to make a surplus after taking into account the loss of interest from investing our capital in this way. The business case includes a risk assessment which takes into account the possibility of not achieving as much additional income as we would wish but the current indications are extremely encouraging and we are confident that we will achieve our income target.

In considering this potentially controversial and certainly major decision the Cabinet were keen to ensure appropriate scrutiny by the Corporate Services Panel and resolved to seek the Panel's views before implementing their decision which they took in principle at the meeting. The Corporate Services Panel subsequently considered the proposal and had a robust and thorough debate which recognised that investing in the Council's own facilities will generate considerable interest within the council and community and members were keen to give all members of Council an opportunity to be both briefed and to comment and they felt this could best be achieved by a Members' Seminar. This is now being arranged and it is likely to be within the first two weeks of October.

The proposals have been carefully worked through and will improve the quality and utilisation of our office accommodation and will provide further opportunities to enhance service standards particularly by increasing the availability of other public sector partners within the building

Flooding
As you will be aware, we had some incredibly heavy rainfall on Tuesday which had not been forecast and was not prefaced by any serious weather or flood warnings from either the Met Office or the Environment Agency. The rain started at around 3 pm and continued until late in the evening. Ironically, this was the evening on which the Environment Panel met and our Duty Officer, James Duggin, was attending the Panel when he started to receive calls from residents concerned about potential flooding. A number of calls were received but the greatest concentration related to homes in Melrose Avenue and Cheyne Way - adjoining the Cove Brook. I am particularly grateful to James, Helen Lolley, Richard Apsey, Terry Genis and Dave Quirk who all played an active part together with our contractors Veolia in organising and delivering sandbags to the homes potentially affected.

In all around 200 sandbags were delivered but fortunately the rain eased off just in time to avoid any serious flooding. There is no doubt that the incident again caused deep concern to the Mayfield councillors and their residents and I believe they have some justification for concern over the extent to which the Environment Agency are striking the right balance between the use of the Cove Brook as a flood relief channel and also as a conservation area. The key issue being the levels of maintenance of the Brook and the extent to which the vegetation is maintained and cut back. It is our intention to have a further robust discussion with the Environment Agency on this point and we will certainly work closely with the ward councillors.

Princes Gardens Lunchtime Music Sessions
The recent music sessions in Princes Gardens over three lunchtimes proved extremely popular and gave visitors, shoppers and workers the opportunity to enjoy some of the finest acoustic artists in the South East. The event was organised as part of a wider project to encourage local people to use the gardens and we are considering the possibility of providing similar entertainment during the summer months next year

East Hampshire and Havant Shared Chief Executive
As you know, there has been a great deal of speculation in the local press about the benefits or otherwise of councils sharing their chief executives! Against this background I can now confirm that Sandy Hopkins has now been confirmed as the Chief Executive of East Hampshire and Havant. Sensibly both councils see this as a first step towards a more integrated management structure and will also be exploring further opportunities for shared services

Honorary Alderman
I am pleased to be able to let you know that Pat Devereux has been elected an Honorary Alderman of Hampshire. This is a great credit to Pat and reflects well on the borough as a whole.

Phone Scam - beware

The new telephone 'scam' has arrived.

I received a call from a 'representative' of BT, informing me that he was dis-connecting me because of an unpaid bill. He demanded payment immediately of £31.00 , or it would be £ 118.00 to re-connect at a later date.

The guy wasn't even fazed when I told him I was with Virgin Media, allegedly VM have to pay BT a percentage for line rental!

I asked the guy's name - the very 'English' John Peacock with a very 'African' accent - & phone number - 0800 0800 152.

Obviously the fella realized I wasn't believing his story, so offered to demonstrate that he was from BT. I asked how & he told me to hang up & try phoning someone - he would dis-connect my phone to prevent this.

AND HE DID !! My phone was dead - no engaged tone, nothing - until he phoned me again.

Very pleased with himself, he asked if that was enough proof that he was with BT. I asked how the payment was to be made & he said credit card, there & then.

I said that I didn't know how he'd done it, but I had absolutely no intention of paying him , I didn't believe his name or that he worked for BT.

He hung up.

Did 1471 & phoned his fictitious 0800 number – not recognised.

I phoned the police to let them know , I wasn't the first! It's only just started apparently but it is escalating.

Their advice was to let as many people know by word of mouth of this scam. The fact that the phone does go off would probably convince some people it's real, so please let as many friends & family be aware of this.

This is good but not that clever. He gave the wrong number - it should have been 0800 800152 which takes you through to BT Business. The cutting off of the line is very simple , he stays on the line with the mute button on and you can't dial out - but he can hear to trying (This is because the person who initates a call is the one to terminate it). When you stop trying he cuts off and immediately calls back. You could almost be convinced! The sad thing is that it is so simple that it will certainly fool the elderly and vulnerable.


Please pass this on to friends and family and be on your guard.

Wednesday 16 September 2009

Fly Past - Good Bye to MOD in Farnborough

Just to let you know that we have received confirmation through TAG that the MoD have arranged a flypast tomorrow (Thursday) to commemorate the final departure of the MoD and Defence Science & Technology Laboratory (DSTL) from the Farnborough site.

As many of you will recall they are moving to their new home in Portsdown near Portsmouth.

I should stress this is entirely an MoD flypast and the planes will not be landing or positioning at Farnborough Airport, they will only be flying past.

Details of the planes taking part are given below:

Farnborough Aero Club (Possible Chipmunk, Cherokee or both):1330 to 1335
Chinook from RAF Odiham:1335 to 1340
Aircraft from RAF Benson (Poss 1 x Puma & 1 x Merlin):1340 to 1350
Dominie: 1348 to 1353
Red Arrows:1358

Tuesday 15 September 2009

Robbery - Woking

This incident happened in Woking but be aware they possibly could come into our area.

Recently a pregnant young woman who is well dressed called with a resident asking if she could use their toilet.

Whilst this was allowed her male partner entered the property and stole property. Items such as cash, wallets handbags, jewellery etc.

It has also been known for the male to ask for a glass of water whilst his pregnant partner goes to the toilet and both take the opportunity to steal.

The female has also been known to kiss the occupant when leaving to say Thank you!

They appear as a genuine couple . The male is described as 29yrs old 5'5" tall, proportionate build with light brown short hair receding hair line.

And the female is described as 5'4" tall, slim build but now pregnant, shoulder length hair which is light brown but streaked blonde.

I'm just too cheap!!

Southern Daily Echo: Cllrs Keith House and Louise Bloom claim £80,000 from taxpayers
By Simon Carr

IS THIS the highest paid couple in Hampshire public life?

Councillors Keith House and Louise Bloom have been pulling in almost £80,000 of taxpayers’ cash by holding seven paid public posts between them.

New figures listing Eastleigh Borough Council’s expenses and allowances show top earner Lib Dem Mr House total creeping towards £60,000 a year.

That makes him Hampshire’s highest paid councillor – earning more than the £54,150 that Hampshire county and New Forest councillor Mel Kendal was paid in 2007 before pressure mounted for him to shed one of his lucrative posts.

As leader of Eastleigh council Mr House gets £28,107 in expenses and allowances, almost double that of most of his colleagues.

However, this is just the tip of the iceberg as he picks up £17,567, excluding expenses, for his responsibilities as Lib Dem environment spokesman on Hampshire County Council.

But his county council allowance will increase by a further £9,000 this year as he has taken on the role of Lib Dem leader on the authority.

He also got a further £2,865 as a member of the fire authority and £640 for working on the South East England Regional Assembly planning committee.

He pulled in cash from the South East England Development Agency (Seeda), although this year’s figures were unavailable, last year this amounted to £8,316. These five calls on the taxpayers’ purse brings his total pot of cash in 2008/09 to an estimated £57,485.

Meanwhile, his partner of nine years Louise Bloom is also getting a hefty amount of taxpayers’ money.

As one of Cllr House’s inner circle Eastleigh’s cabinet member for environment pulls in the fifth highest amount of the borough’s 55 councillors taking £15,865 and a further £6,380 in her role as deputy leader of the South East England Regional Assembly.

This brings her personal tally to £22,245 on top of her own job – working 30 hours a week as an advocacy project manager for charity Solent Mind The pair share a home in Hedge End.

Cllr House, Lib Dem, said: “I took a pay cut when I went in to public office and I was happy to do it because I think I have something of value to offer and the public obviously agree as they keep electing me.

“This is a trivial story, I don’t think the public are interested in councillors’ train fares.”

Fellow Lib Dem Cllr Bloom said: “I’m glad our expenses are published but mine are very boring, no moats or duck ponds I’m afraid.

“If I am happy to do ridiculous hours to take on these roles I should be free to.

“I work extremely hard for Eastleigh Borough Council as well as holding down a nearly full-time job. Nobody could accuse me of not doing my duty – I think I give good value for money.”

Cllr House, who has no other job, this year stepped down from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority and Seeda and The South East England Regional Assembly was abolished.

Taxpayers’ Alliance campaign director, Mark Wallace, said: “Local taxpayers will naturally be concerned that some councillors are claiming such large amounts.

“From the lower amounts others are spending it is clearly possible to do the jobs without running up massive bills.

Councillors need to tighten their belts.”

----------End of report---------------

Cllr Clifford says:

Conservative Councillors here in Empress cost you less and give you more. We also have a policy of ensuring we do not wear too many 'public' caps, so here you do not have a County Councillor that is also a Borough Councillor. This way you get more Councillors for your money too.

Monday 14 September 2009

My Pipex Hell

I have a simple request. Please transfer my business lines in Farnborough back to Aldershot where I brought them, 10 years ago, from. Back to the factory so everything is together.

I have rung on a premium number to their 'business support' three times to be told they will transfer me to the right person, but I end up waiting and waiting and nothing happening. So I thought I would email. I still wait. This has been going on since the beginning of September.

Business support my bum!

Living next to a noisey pub or club?

Legislation brought in at the same time as extended opening hours allows residents to complain about noise at any time of the day or night - not just after 11pm. In the past year, dozens of live music venues have shut, unable to afford expensive sound-proofing to satisfy noise-abatement orders.


If neighbours complain about noise, landlords now face fixed-penalty notices under the 2005 Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act and Noise Abatement Notices, or a fine of up to £20,000 under the Environmental Protection Act 1980.

"It used to be that the issue of noise was handled simply by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport but now the whole thing is such a mess that the Home Office is giving seminars on how to stay on the right side of the law," said Clare Eames, who specialises in licensing law. "Landlords can be taken to task under so many different pieces of legislation at present that they often don't know how to stay within the law."

She added: "This cocktail of legislation is making it too difficult for pubs to put live music on safely, so many simply turn off the amps and pack away the drum kits."

Sunday 6 September 2009

SPLAT update....

SPLAT UPDATE 04 September 2009
Dear Supporter

SPLAT INQUIRY – SNATCHED FROM THE JAWS OF VICTORY!

On the 2nd September, the Secretary of State issued his decision on the Pyestock Appeal.

Regrettably the Secretary overturned the Inspector’s decision to refuse the planning application on environmental grounds and instead gave priority to the provision of 1500 jobs.

SPLAT has always recognised that Pyestock is identified as an employment site, but has sought a more sustainable solution that reduced both in and out commuting and created more appropriate jobs for local communities. It has been our contention, that with very low levels of unemployment (latest figure for July 2009 -North Hampshire 2.4% against a national average of 4.1% (625th lowest constituency in the country) that the majority of the work force will commute into the area. Warehouse workers salaries are low and house prices in the Fleet and Farnborough area are very high.

We are particularly saddened that the Secretary of State in approving a road only distribution facility has failed to take the initiative to ensure a truly sustainable development and has gone against the government’s own climate change Policy. By accepting the massive increase in heavy goods vehicle traffic operating 24 x 7 he has condemned the residents of St Johns to intolerable traffic noise 24 hours a day and has committed local commuters and the residents of Southwood to the consequences of increased traffic congestion.

We have no doubt that the protected bird species on the SPA will not thank the SoS for the light, noise and traffic pollution that he has inflicted on their fragile habitat. We will need to seek clarification from the European Commission that they support Natural England’s interpretation of the European Directive and that the threatened bird species are being given the protection afforded to them by European law.

We probably speak for everyone who enjoys the woods and open green areas adjacent to the site that the recreational value of the open space will be impaired by this 24x7 operation and a locally valued amenity will be spoilt forever.

SPLAT is very disappointed that the Secretary of State has not taken local opinion into account in coming to his decision to permit this contentious development. Local concerns are real and the fears are well-founded. Central government has ridden rough shod over the District Council’s decision, the Inspector’s decision and local concern. The Inspector spent several weeks listening to the evidence and cross examinations and spent significant time familiarising herself with local conditions. All this local knowledge has been dismissed. The government’s policy of empowering local communities rings very hollow.

This is not the end of the campaign; SPLAT will explore the legality of the decision. If we are ultimately frustrated we will monitor construction and operation of the facility to ensure that the developer meets every legal standard and fully complies with every planning condition placed on him.

We took Rule 6 status, faced cross-examination by the best QC in the country and convinced the Inspector to find in our favour. She dismissed both appeals. We are understandably shocked that the final outcome was a political decision by a government committed to development and jobs at any cost.

The members of SPLAT’s core team wish to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed in so many ways to sustain this campaign and we are sorry that the Secretary of State has denied us the result that we all clearly deserved. We are waiting for legal advice from our barrister before we make our next move.

SPLAT HQ Together We Can Win!

Tel: 01252 679773 (Until the SoS overrules the Inspector)

Email: admin@splat-hq.co.uk

Web: www.pyestock.com

SPLAT - Stop Pyestock bLot Act Today

David Cameron on Afganistan

This week was the seventieth anniversary of the outbreak of the Second World War. It's a time to remember all those who fought, died and sacrificed for Britain. But it's a time, too, to remember the lessons.

Some of those lessons apply in Afghanistan today. We're fighting a ferocious war and after eight years there still seems to be no end in sight. Our troops lack vital equipment, especially helicopters. Many people want Ministers to explain more clearly what our troops are fighting for. And that anxiety is now really affecting the Government, with the resignation of an aide to the Defence Secretary. It's clear we cannot go on as we are.

We need to make it clear to the British people why we're in Afghanistan. It's simple - to stop terrorism here in Britain. We must help the Afghans to stop their country from once again hosting the world's most dangerous terrorists. So we need to train and equip the Afghan army to root out terrorists, and to support them until they can do this for themselves.

We must make sure our soldiers have the tools they need - more counter-IED capability, more helicopters, more surveillance drones, more heavily armoured vehicles, and more transport aircraft. We must support their families here in Britain, and give every assistance to the injured.

And to do all these things we need one thing more than anything else - leadership. That's something that's been desperately lacking. We've had four defence secretaries in as many years; the last one was part-time and the current one ranks 21st out of 23 in the Cabinet. That's not a great starting point when we're fighting a conflict thousands of miles away. This is a new kind of war, it's a necessary war, and we need strong leadership and relentless focus to explain that to people in Britain.

The lessons of 1939 show that Britain can turn things around in war. Six years of effort later, we won the war. I'm confident we can see success in Afghanistan. I've been out there and seen what a tremendous job our servicemen and women do. It's time they got the right kind of support from the Government at home.

Thursday 3 September 2009

Hart Mega Sheds approved

The following is an extract from the Secretary of States letter:


Jean Nowak, Decision Officer
Department for Communities and Local Government
Planning Central Casework Division,
1/J1, Eland House
Bressenden Place
London,
SW1E 5DU
Tel: 020 7944 3958
Email:
jean.nowak@communities.gsi.gov.uk

Our Ref: APP/N1730/A/08/2065912 and APP/N1730/A/08/2072087


TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT 1990 – SECTION 78
APPEALS BY PRUDENTIAL PROPERTY INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD AND ASTRAL DEVELOPMENTS LTD
HARTLAND PARK, IVELY ROAD, FARNBOROUGH, HAMPSHIRE
APPLICATIONS: REF 07/00764/MAJOR and 07/03197/MAJOR


1. I am directed by the Secretary of State to say that consideration has been given to the report of the Inspector, Christina Downes BSc DipTP MRTPI, who held a public local inquiry on various dates between 25 November 2008 and 9 January 2009 into your clients’ appeals against:

• Hart District Council’s failure to determine an application for part demolition of existing buildings, erection of new buildings to use within Class B8 and ancillary offices with associated access, parking, ground works, infrastructure and landscaping in accordance with application number 07/00764/MAJOR, dated 22 March 2007 (Appeal A); and
• Hart District Council’s refusal to grant planning permission for part demolition of existing buildings, erection of new buildings to use within Class B8 and ancillary offices with associated access, parking, ground works, infrastructure and landscaping in accordance with application number 07/03197/MAJOR, dated 21 December 2007 (Appeal B).

2. The appeals were recovered for the Secretary of State's determination, in pursuance of section 79 of, and paragraph 3 of Schedule 6 to, the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 on 28 March 2008 and 29 April 2008 respectively because they relate to proposals for development of major importance having more than local significance.
Inspector’s recommendation and summary of the decision
3. The Inspector recommended that the appeals be dismissed and planning permission be refused. For the reasons given below, the Secretary of State disagrees with her recommendation and has decided to allow both appeals and grant planning permission. A copy of the Inspector’s report (IR) is enclosed. All references to paragraph numbers, unless otherwise stated, are to that report.

Procedural matters
4. In reaching his decisions, the Secretary of State has taken into account the Environmental Statements and the supplementary environmental information which were submitted under the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 1999 (IR2-4). The Secretary of State is content that these documents together comprise the Environmental Impact Assessment for the two proposals, that this complies with the above regulations and that sufficient information has been provided for him to assess the environmental impact of the applications (IR4 and IR577).
5. The addendum to the Environmental Statement for each application includes 3 new drawings intended to supersede several drawings submitted as part of the planning applications. The Secretary of State agrees with the Inspector that, for the reasons she gives at IR5, there would be no prejudice to any party if these new drawings were considered as part of these appeals and has accordingly considered the appeals on that basis.
6. The Secretary of State has also taken account of the fact that by the end of the inquiry the Council had withdrawn Reason 4 of its putative reasons for refusal, had agreed that Reasons 1, 3, 8, 9 and 13 had been satisfied by the Planning Obligation and Planning Conditions and had indicated that Reason 14 did not stand independently of the other reasons (IR7).
Matters arising after the close of the inquiry
7. Following the close of the inquiry the Secretary of State wrote on 26 May 2009 to Natural England requesting confirmation of its views on whether the two appeal proposals were likely to have a significant effect on the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area (SPA). That letter was copied to the appellants, the Council and other Rule 6 parties. Both letters were copied to the other parties to give them notice of the consequent timetable variation and to give them the opportunity to request copies of Natural England’s response and then comment on it.
8. Natural England’s response, dated 12 June 2009, was circulated on behalf of the Secretary of State on 17 June to the Rule 6 parties and those who had requested an opportunity to comment. You replied on behalf of your clients on 30 June 2009 and replies were also received from Stop Pyestock bLot Act Today (SPLAT), dated 27 June 2009 and from the Southwood Residents Association, dated 25 June 2009. Those responses were in turn copied to Natural England with a covering letter dated 9 July 2009 seeking its comments on the issues raised by the respondents. Natural England responded on 31 July 2009, and that letter was copied for information to the Rule 6 parties and those who had previously asked for an opportunity to comment.
9. All the correspondence received by the Secretary of State, including a letter from Hampshire County Council, dated 5 February 2009; a letter from SPLAT to Hampshire County Council dated 11 February 2009; and a letter from North Hampshire Enterprise dated 23 June, is listed in the Appendix at the end of this letter. The Secretary of State has taken account of all this correspondence in his consideration of the appeal before him. Copies can be made available upon written request to the address at the foot of the first page of this letter.
Policy considerations
10. Section 38(6) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 requires that proposals be determined in accordance with the development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise.
11. In this case, the development plan comprises the Regional Spatial Strategy for the South East (the South East Plan (SEP)), published on 6 May 2009 after the close of the inquiry; and the saved policies of the Hart District Local Plan (Replacement) 1996-2006 (LP). The Secretary of State considers that the development plan policies most relevant to the appeal are those set out by the Inspector at IR39-44.
12. At the time of the inquiry, the SEP had yet to be published in its final form. However, the Secretary of State’s proposed changes published in July 2008 (IR37) had already indicated an intention to delete the Strategic Gap policy (IR442) and, as the final version does not include the Strategic Gap policy, the Secretary of State does not consider that there have been material alterations from the published proposed changes on matters relevant to this appeal to an extent that would affect his decision. He is therefore satisfied that there is no need for him to refer back to parties for further representations prior to reaching his decision. In reaching this conclusion the Secretary of State has taken into account the fact that the saved policies of the Hampshire County Structure Plan 1996-2011 (SP) have been replaced by the SEP and so no longer carry any weight.
13. The Secretary of State has also taken account of Circular 06/2005: Biodiversity and Geographical Conservation – Statutory Obligations and their Impact within the Planning System, which provides administrative guidance on the application of the law relating to planning and nature conservation as it applies in England. It complements the expression of national planning policy in Planning Policy Statement 9: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation (PPS9) and the accompanying Planning for Biodiversity and Geological Conservation: A Guide to Good Practice. Together, these provide guidance on the application of the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c) Regulations 1994 (“the Habitats Regulations”) which, in turn, transpose EU Directive 92/43/EEC (21 May 1992) on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (“the Habitats Directive”).
14. Other material considerations which the Secretary of State has taken into account include Planning Policy Statement (PPS) 1, Delivering Sustainable Development; Planning Policy Guidance Note (PPG) 4, Industrial, Commercial Development and Small Firms; PPS7, Development in Rural Areas; PPG 13, Transport; PPG24, Planning and Noise; Circular 11/95, Use of Conditions in Planning Permission; and Circular 05/2005, Planning Obligations.
15. The Secretary of State has also taken into account the consultation draft PPS4, Planning for Prosperous Economies published in May 2009. However, as this document is still at consultation stage and may be subject to change, he affords it little weight.
Main issues
16. The Secretary of State considers that the main issues in this case are as set out by the Inspector in IR433 and 434.
Strategic Gap
17. The Secretary of State agrees with the Inspector (and the parties) that, as a matter of fact, the appeals site lies within the Strategic Gap which separates Fleet and Farnborough (IR435) and, for the reasons at IR435-440, he agrees with the Inspector that the development would be harmful to the integrity and function of the Gap. The Secretary of State has taken account of the fact that, although the SEP contains no policies with regard to the Strategic Gap, it recognises that proposals for Local Gaps may be justified through Local Development Plan Documents, and he therefore considers that some weight should be given to the policy support for the protection of the Gap in adopted LP policies (IR446) pending their review in the light of the SEP. He also considers that the protection of land between settlements to ensure their continued separation remains an appropriate objective (IR445). However, taking account of the Inspector’s consideration of LP Policy DEV 12 (IR575) with regard to whether the appeal proposals would strike an appropriate balance between making the most of the employment opportunities of a previously developed site and the constraints of its location, the Secretary of State does not agree with the Inspector’s conclusion at IR446 that the development would therefore be unacceptable. The reasons for this conclusion are set out in the remainder of this letter.
Character and appearance of the rural area
18. For the reasons given at IR447-464, the Secretary of State agrees with the Inspector’s conclusion at IR465 that, overall, the appeals proposals would bring some improvement to the landscape quality and character of the site itself although the scale of the development would be considerably in excess of what exists at present. The Secretary of State agrees with the Inspector that there would be material harm to short distance views from a number of public viewpoints and, whilst the harmful effects would reduce over time due to mitigation, a significant adverse impact would remain. However, while the Secretary of State agrees with the Inspector this would be harmful to the character and appearance of the rural area and, in that regard, contrary to relevant development plan policy, he does not agree with the Inspector that that would necessarily outweigh any benefits that would accrue to the landscape of the site itself, especially when considered in combination with other factors considered below.
Traffic and Transport
19. Like the Inspector, the Secretary of State has given considerable weight to the fact that, although there is a considerable body of objection to the appeals proposals on the grounds of traffic generation, there were no insurmountable objections from the either the Highways Agency or the Highways Authority (Hampshire County Council) (IR466). The Secretary of State therefore agrees with the Inspector’s conclusions at IR 467 that there is no evidence that the roads are unsuitable or unable to accommodate the type and volume of traffic movements that would be associated with the proposed development.
20. In coming to this conclusion, he has taken account of the detailed reasoning set out by the Inspector at IR475-510. He agrees with the Inspector (IR511-512) that, in addition to the support of the two responsible highway authorities, the fallback situation (see next paragraph), the proposed controls by means of the traffic caps and routeing agreement, and the highway improvement works are all significant material considerations which, together with the relevant information in the Environmental Statements and the evidence presented to the inquiry, lead him to conclude that the proposed developments would not give rise to unacceptable congestion or harm to highway safety on the local and strategic road network. The Secretary of State therefore also agrees with the Inspector that there would be no conflict with relevant development plan policies (IR512).
Fallback option
21. The Secretary of State agrees with the Inspector (IR468) that both the fact that the site is a substantial brownfield site which is allocated in the LP for employment use and the existence of a Certificate of Lawfulness for an Existing Use or Development (CLEUD) (IR469-474) in relation to past uses of the appeals site are important material considerations, to which he attaches significant weight. He agrees with the Inspector that the CLEUD is important because it provides the fallback scenario as a starting point for the traffic assessment (IR468); that the terms of the CLEUD would not prevent an increase in the number of personnel in the fallback scenario provided that there was no material difference to the nature of the use (IR470); that there is a high probability that, if the appeals proposals did not proceed, at least some of the existing accommodation included in the CLEUD would be reused (IR471-472); and that the present site owners have every intention of recouping their investment if these appeals fail (IR473). The Secretary of State therefore concludes that a realistic fallback option exists; and he agrees with the Inspector that, for the reasons given at IR474, your clients’ transport evidence using the Highways Agency’s assessment of potential usage of the existing buildings offers a robust basis for the traffic assessment.
Noise and air quality impacts
22. For the reasons given by the Inspector at IR513-548, the Secretary of State agrees with her that the residential amenity of local residents would not be significantly adversely affected by the development in respect of air quality, health or noise and that the proposals would thus comply with relevant LP policies (IR549).
Nature conservation
Effect on the appeals site
23. The Secretary of State agrees with the Inspector (IR550) that there is no evidence that there would be significant harm to protected species of flora or fauna arising from the appeals proposals; and he is satisfied that the imposition of Condition 20 will provide appropriate protection (IR413 and IR551). He also agrees with the Inspector (IR552) that, overall, the appeals proposals would result in a net gain to biodiversity.
Effect on designated sites
24. The Secretary of State gives considerable weight to the fact that no objections have been raised by Hampshire County Council, Natural England or Hart DC in terms of the effect of the appeals proposals on the nature conservation interest of the various sites of ecological importance designated in close proximity to the appeals sites (IR553). For the reasons given at IR554-555, the Secretary of State agrees with the Inspector that the appeals proposals are not likely to place more pressure on the sites and are less likely than a housing scheme might have been to give rise to the use of the heathlands for informal dog walking; that the proposed development would be unlikely to deter visitors from using the adjacent woodlands as a recreational resource; and that, as the roads in the appeals site would be in private ownership, they would not be available for members of the public to use to visit the SPA.
25. For the reasons given at IR556, the Secretary of State agrees with the Inspector that the tranquil enjoyment of the nature conservation sites is unlikely to be adversely affected by noise emanating from the appeals site. He also agrees with the Inspector that, for the reasons given at IR557-562, including having regard to the effects which the fallback scenario could itself engender, there would be no other significant adverse effects arising in relation to noise, air pollution or light pollution.
Appropriate Assessment
26. As the Inspector indicates (IR563), the SPA is protected by European law, and so the question arises as to whether or not the appeal proposals are likely to have a significant effect on the SPA, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects. Regulation 48(1) of the Conservation (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1994 states that, before granting planning consent for a project, the competent authority (which in this case is the Secretary of State) must either be able to conclude that it is not likely to have a significant effect on any protected European site (either alone or in combination with other plans or projects) or, if he cannot do that, he must carry out an appropriate assessment of the implications for the site in view of that site's conservation objectives before granting planning permission. Subject to regulation 49 of the Conservation (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1994, if an appropriate assessment is required, regulation 48(5) means that consent cannot be granted if, on the basis of that assessment, it is not possible to ascertain that the project will not have an adverse effect on the protected European site. The Secretary of State does not consider that regulation 49 applies in this case. It is not part of the appellant’s case that the development must be carried out for imperative reasons of overriding public interest.
27. As noted by the Inspector at IR563, Natural England consider that there would be no significant impact on protected birds or their habitats arising from the appeal proposals either alone or in combination with other plans and projects. Natural England is the Government’s statutory adviser on the natural environment, and the Secretary of State agrees with the Inspector that the views of that body that an appropriate assessment is not required should be given considerable weight. The correspondence undertaken by the Secretary of State following receipt of the Inspector’s report to confirm Natural England remains of that view is set out in paragraphs 7 and 8 above and, taking account of that, the Secretary of State agrees with the Inspector that, for the reasons given at IR564, the development would have no adverse effect on the overall integrity of the SPA.
28. Overall, therefore, the Secretary of State agrees with the Inspector (IR565) that the development would have no adverse impact on sites of nature conservation importance and thus complies with the relevant development plan policies and PPS9.
Enterprise and accessibility
29. For the reasons given by the Inspector at IR566-568, the Secretary of State agrees with her that a B8 development generating about 1500 jobs on the appeals site, which is allocated for employment use in the LP, would be acceptable in principle (IR568). He also agrees that the jobs offered by the appeals development would expand range and choice (IR569). For these reasons, and those given by the Inspector at IR570-571, he agrees with the Inspector that the development would encourage new investment and enterprise in a location that is accessible to a range of travel modes and would promote sustainable transport choices in accordance with guidance in PPG4 (IR572).
Drainage
30. For the reasons given at IR573, the Secretary of State agrees with the Inspector that any concerns about flooding and drainage would be met by the condition requiring drainage details to be submitted to, and approved by the local planning authority.
Conditions
31. The Secretary of State has considered the proposed conditions in the light of the Inspector’s comments at IR408-428, 527-528 and 576 and national policy as set out in Circular 11/95. He considers that the proposed conditions as amended by the Inspector comply with the policy tests in that circular.
Planning obligation
32. The Secretary of State has considered the planning obligation by agreement in the light of the Inspector’s comments at IR429-431 and national policy as set out in Circular 05/2005. He considers that the obligation accords with the provisions of the circular.
Overall conclusions
33. For the reasons given above, the Secretary of State concludes that the proposals are in overall accordance with the development plan, although they do not accord with the LP policy for preserving the Gap to which he gives some weight as a material consideration despite it having been superseded by there being no Strategic Gap policy in the published South East Plan, He is also satisfied, taking account of the advice of Natural England, that the appeal proposals are not likely to have a significant effect on the SPA and that there is therefore no need to carry out an appropriate assessment before determining these appeals.
34. Like the Inspector, the Secretary of State considers that the scale of the proposed development would be considerably in excess of what exists at present, and it would impact adversely on the integrity and function of the Gap and on the character and appearance of the rural area surrounding the appeal site and separating Farnborough and Fleet. However, while the Inspector considers that the identified environmental harm which would result is of overriding importance, the Secretary of State gives more weight to the fact that the appeal proposals would provide up to 1500 jobs and would thus make efficient use of previously developed land on the largest site allocated for employment purposes in the LP. These jobs would also add to the range of types of employment opportunities in the area and, given that the site has the benefit of a CLEUD and is therefore likely to retain some form of commercial activity within the existing buildings, could well provide some improvement to the landscape quality and character of the site itself while also offering transport benefits which development under the CLEUD would not provide. Overall therefore, the Secretary of State disagrees with the Inspector and concludes that the benefits which the appeal proposals would bring outweigh any potential additional impact they may have on the integrity of the Gap and the character and appearance of the area.
Formal decision
35. Accordingly, for the reasons given above, the Secretary of State disagrees with the Inspector’s recommendation. He hereby allows your client's appeals and grants planning permission for:

• Appeal A: part demolition of existing buildings, erection of new buildings to use within Class B8 and ancillary offices with associated access, parking, ground works, infrastructure and landscaping in accordance with application number 07/00764/MAJOR, dated 22 March 2007, subject to the conditions in Annex A; and
• Appeal B: part demolition of existing buildings, erection of new buildings to use within Class B8 and ancillary offices with associated access, parking, ground works, infrastructure and landscaping in accordance with application number 07/03197/MAJOR, dated 21 December 2007, subject to the conditions in Annex B.

36. An applicant for any consent, agreement or approval required by a condition of this permission for agreement of reserved matters has a statutory right of appeal to the Secretary of State if consent, agreement or approval is refused or granted conditionally or if the Local Planning Authority fail to give notice of their decision within the prescribed period.
37. This letter does not convey any approval or consent which may be required under any enactment, bye-law, order or regulation other than section 57 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.
38. This letter serves as the Secretary of State's statement under regulation 21(2) of the Town and Country (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 1999.
Right to challenge the decision
39. A separate note is attached setting out the circumstances in which the validity of the Secretary of State’s decision may be challenged by making an application to the High Court within six weeks from the date of this letter.
40. A copy of this letter has been sent to Hart District Council and all parties who appeared at the inquiry.
Yours faithfully
Jean Nowak
Authorised by the Secretary of State to sign in that behalf
Annex A
Appeal A: Conditions
1. Details of the access, appearance, landscaping, layout, and scale, (hereinafter called "the reserved matters") shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority before any development begins and the development shall be carried out as approved.
2. Application for approval of the reserved matters shall be made to the Local Planning Authority not later than three years from the date of this permission.
3. The development hereby permitted shall begin not later than two years from the date of approval of the last of the reserved matters to be approved.
4. Prior to the approval of any reserved matters as required by Condition 1, a Plan showing the phasing of the development shall be submitted to, and approved in writing by, the Local Planning Authority. The development shall be carried out in accordance with the Phasing Plan.
5. The total new floorspace constructed pursuant to this planning permission shall not exceed 126,216m² gross floor area measured externally and no internal works to increase this floor area shall take place.
6. All reserved matters details for the new buildings hereby approved shall conform to the layout principles illustrated on drawing 2423-PL-083A; or 2423-PL-084A; or 2423-PL-085A and shall not exceed the maximum widths, lengths or heights above ground level specified thereon.
7. The reserved matters details shall accord with the principles set out in the Design and Access Statement dated November 2007.
8. Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 3 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 (or any Order revoking and re-enacting that order with or without modification) no change of use permitted by Class B of Part 3 of Schedule 2 of the Order shall take place on the site.
9. Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 3 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 (or any Order revoking and re-enacting that order with or without modification) no building, structure or other alteration or hard surface permitted by Part 8 of Schedule 2 of the Order shall be erected on the site.
10. No development shall take place on site until details of any change to the existing boundary treatment for the site has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Any approved details shall be fully completed before the development hereby permitted is first occupied.
11. Prior to the commencement of the development hereby approved, or such other date or stage in development as may be agreed in writing with the Local Planning Authority, a scheme to deal with the risks associated with contamination of the site shall be submitted to and approved, in writing, by the Local Planning Authority. That scheme shall include all of the following elements unless specifically excluded, in writing, by the Local Planning
Authority:
a) A desk study identifying:
i) all previous uses;
ii) potential contaminants associated with those uses;
iii) a conceptual model of the site indicating sources, pathways and receptors;
iv) potentially unacceptable risks arising from contamination at the site.
b) A site investigation scheme, based on (a) to provide information for an assessment of the risk to all receptors that may be affected, including those off site.
c) The results of the site investigation and risk assessment (b) and a method statement based on those results giving full details of the remediation measures required and how and when they are to be undertaken.
On completion of the works set out in (c), a verification report for the phases of development, confirming the remediation measures that have been undertaken in accordance with the method statement and setting out measures for maintenance, further monitoring and reporting shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.
12. Piling or any other foundation designs using penetrative methods will not be permitted other than with the express written consent of the Local Planning Authority, which may be given for those parts of the site where it has been demonstrated that there is no resultant unacceptable risk to groundwater.
13. A Retained Woodland Management Plan and a Landscape Management Plan, including long term management and design objectives, a planting scheme, management responsibilities and maintenance schedules for all woodland and landscaped areas, shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority before the development commences. The above Plans shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details.
14. No development or demolition work or delivery of materials for construction shall take place at the site except between the hours of 07:30 to 18:00 weekdays or 08:00 to 13:00 hours Saturdays without the prior approval in writing of the Local Planning Authority. No development or demolition work or deliveries of materials for construction shall take place at the site on Sundays or Public Holidays.
15. No development on land to which the reserved matters relate shall commence until details of the foul water drainage system and surface water drainage system, including sustainable drainage systems and source control measures, and an implementation programme have been submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority in writing. The scheme shall be constructed in accordance with the agreed details and timetable.
16. No works pursuant to this permission (including site preparation, site clearance, demolition, pile-driving and construction work) on the site shall commence until a detailed Construction Environment Management Plan has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The development shall then be carried out in accordance with the approved Construction Environment Management Plan unless the developer obtains the express written consent of the Local Planning Authority to do otherwise.
17. No development within the area covered by the application site shall commence until full details of the measures proposed to secure a carbon neutral building design, including proposals for the incorporation of renewable energy technologies where practicable at the site or the use of the renewable energy from off-site sources, has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The development, or any individual phase thereof, shall be implemented in accordance with the approved details, unless the developer obtains the express written consent of the Local Planning Authority. An independent Assessor’s Report on compliance shall be submitted to the Local Planning Authority within two months of the completion of the development or any phase thereof, whichever is the sooner.
18. All trees on the site, unless indicated as being removed on a plan submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority, shall be retained and protected in accordance with British Standard BS: 5837: Trees in Relation to Construction - Recommendations for the duration of works on the site and for five years following practical completion of the approved development, unless otherwise agreed by the Local Planning Authority. Any trees removed without the Local Planning Authority's consent, or which die or become seriously damaged or otherwise defective during the five year period shall be replaced and/or shall receive remedial action as required by the Local Planning Authority (unless such action would conflict with the Retained Woodland Management Plan pursuant to Condition 13). Such works shall be implemented as soon as is reasonably practicable and, replacement planting shall be implemented by not later than the end of the following planting season, with trees of such size and species and in such number and positions as may be agreed with the Local Planning Authority.
19. Details of any external lighting including floodlighting to be installed shall be submitted to, and approved in writing by, the Local Planning Authority before any such installation is carried out. The details, including an implementation programme, shall accord with E1 Environmental Zone (ILE 2005) and British Standard guidance (BS 5489-1:2003; BS EN 1302-2:2003; BS EN 13201-3:2003).
20. No works pursuant to this permission (including site preparation, site clearance, demolition, pile-driving and construction work) shall commence until a Wildlife Management Plan including long term objectives, management responsibilities, maintenance schedules and measures to protect and enhance flora and fauna within the site boundaries during the pre-construction, construction and post-construction phases, has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The development shall then be carried out strictly in accordance with the approved Wildlife Management Plan, unless the developer obtains the express written consent of the Local Planning Authority.
21. The level of noise emitted from fixed plant and equipment on the site shall not exceed LAeqT = 45dB as measured at any residential property during 0700 to 2300 and LAeqT = 35dB as measured at any residential property during 2300 to 0700. The noise level shall be determined in accordance with British Standard 7445.
22. No sound reproduction equipment conveying messages or music which is audible outside the site shall be installed on the site without the prior written consent of the Local Planning Authority.
23. No development shall take place until the applicant has implemented the recommendations outlined in the Environmental Statement for an archaeological watching brief to be conducted on areas where previously undisturbed deposits may exist. This will be subject to the submission to and approval in writing by the Local Planning Authority of a written scheme of investigation.
24. A scheme detailing provision to be made on site for bus facilities, including bus stops, waiting areas and information boards (including facilities to receive and display Real Time Passenger Information), shall be submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority in writing before development commences. The agreed details shall be implemented to a timetable contained within the approved scheme.
25. No development shall take place on the site until full details of the footpath link which connects the southern spur of Bramshott Road with New Ively Road have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The footpath link shall be completed in accordance with the approved details before any part of the development hereby permitted is first occupied.
26. The level of noise emitted from the site activity shall not exceed 42dB LAeq8hr between 2300 and 0700 hours the following day and 55dB LAeq16hrs between 0700 and 2300 hours as measured at one metre from the façade of any residential property. The measurement shall be made in accordance with British Standard 7445.
27. Before the development hereby permitted commences a scheme of Acoustic Attenuation works along the A327 Minley Link as shown on drawing number 2323/PL/052 Rev E or such alternative means of noise attenuation designed to satisfy the Minimum Attenuation Values set out in the table below shall be submitted to and agreed by the Local Planning Authority. The approved scheme shall be carried out prior to the first occupation of any part of the development.
Overall Traffic Noise Level,
LA10,1 hr (02:00 – 03:00)
Location (at first floor level)
Without Scheme
With Scheme
With Mitig'n
Minimum Attenuation
Values
A – Lyndsey Close (E)
58.0
63.3
58.5
4.8
B – Lyndsey Close (W)
58.0
62.7
59.3
3.4
C – Howard Drive
57.0
60.0
58.3
1.7
D – Fennel Close
60.8
66.2
61.4
4.8
- 14 -
E – Broadhurst
57.9
61.2
59.0
2.2
F – Herbs End (S)
61.7
66.2
62.6
3.6
G – Herbs End (Mid)
61.2
64.5
62.2
2.3
H – Herbs End (N)
61.5
64.4
62.5
1.9
J – Baywood Close
63.2
64.4
64.3
0.1
28. Before the development hereby permitted commences a scheme shall be agreed with the Local Planning Authority which specifies the provisions to be made for the control of noise emanating from the site. The development shall be operated in accordance with the approved scheme.
Annex B
Appeal B: Conditions
1. The development hereby permitted shall begin not later than three years from the date of this decision.
2. The total new floorspace constructed pursuant to this planning permission shall not exceed 126,216m² gross floor area measured externally and no internal works to increase this floor area shall take place.
3. Prior to the commencement of development, a phasing plan shall be submitted and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved phasing.
4. Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 3 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 (or any Order revoking and re-enacting that order with or without modification) no change of use permitted by Class B of Part 3 of Schedule 2 of the Order shall take place on the site.
5. Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 3 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 (or any Order revoking and re-enacting that order with or without modification) no building, structure or other alteration or hard surface permitted by Part 8 of Schedule 2 of the Order shall be erected on the site.
6. No development shall take place on site until details of any change to the existing boundary treatment for the site has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Any approved details shall be fully completed before the development hereby permitted is first occupied.
7. Prior to the commencement of the development hereby approved, or such other date or stage in development as may be agreed in writing with the Local Planning Authority, a scheme to deal with the risks associated with contamination of the site shall be submitted to and approved, in writing, by the Local Planning Authority. That scheme shall include all of the following elements unless specifically excluded, in writing, by the Local Planning Authority:
a) A desk study identifying:
v) all previous uses
vi) potential contaminants associated with those uses
vii) a conceptual model of the site indicating sources, pathways and receptors
viii) potentially unacceptable risks arising from contamination at the site.
b) A site investigation scheme, based on (a) to provide information for an assessment of the risk to all receptors that may be affected, including those off site.
c) The results of the site investigation and risk assessment (b) and a method statement based on those results giving full details of the remediation measures required and how and when they are to be undertaken.
On completion of the works set out in (c), a verification report for the phases of development, confirming the remediation measures that have been undertaken in accordance with the method statement and setting out measures for maintenance, further monitoring and reporting shall be submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority.
8. Piling or any other foundation designs using penetrative methods will not be permitted other than with the express written consent of the Local Planning Authority, which may be given for those parts of the site where it has been demonstrated that there is no resultant unacceptable risk to groundwater.
9. A Retained Woodland Management Plan and a Landscape Management Plan, including long term management and design objectives, a planting scheme, management responsibilities and maintenance schedules for all woodland and landscaped areas, shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority before the development commences. The above Plans shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details.
10. No development or demolition work or delivery of materials for construction shall take place at the site except between the hours of 07:30 to 18:00 weekdays or 08:00 to 13:00 hours Saturdays. No development or demolition work or deliveries of materials for construction shall take place at the site on Sundays or Public Holidays without the prior approval in writing of the Local Planning Authority.
11. The areas shown on the submitted plans for parking/loading and unloading of vehicles for the development or any individual phase, shall be provided before the buildings are occupied and subsequently retained and kept available at all times for their intended purpose.
12. No equipment, raw materials, finished or unfinished products or parts, crates, packing materials or waste shall be stacked or stored on the site at any time except within any buildings or storage areas shown on the approved plans.
13. No development on the site shall commence until details of the foul water drainage system and surface water drainage system, including sustainable drainage systems and source control measures, and an implementation programme have been submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority in writing. The scheme shall be constructed in accordance with the agreed details and timetable.
14. No works pursuant to this permission (including site preparation, site clearance, demolition, pile-driving and construction work) on the site shall commence until a detailed Construction Environment Management Plan has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The development shall then be carried out in accordance with the approved Construction Environment Management Plan unless the developer obtains the express written consent of the Local Planning Authority to do otherwise.
15. No development within the area covered by the application site shall commence until full details of the measures proposed to secure a carbon neutral building design, including proposals for the incorporation of renewable energy technologies where practicable at the site or the use of the renewable energy from off-site sources, has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The development, or any individual phase thereof, shall be implemented in accordance with the approved details, unless the developer obtains the express written consent of the Local Planning Authority. An independent Assessor’s Report on compliance shall be submitted to the Local Planning Authority within two months of the completion of the development or any phase thereof, whichever is the sooner.
16. No development shall take place until full details of both hard and soft landscape works have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority and these works shall be carried out as approved. These details shall include proposed finished levels or contours; planting plans; written specifications (including cultivation and other operations associated with plant and grass establishment); schedules of plants, noting species, plant sizes and proposed numbers/densities where appropriate; implementation programme.
17. All hard and soft landscape works shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details. The works shall be carried out in accordance with the programme agreed with the Local Planning Authority. Any trees or plants which within a period of 5 years from the completion of the development die, are removed or become seriously damaged or diseased shall be replaced in the next planting season with others of similar size and species, unless the Local Planning Authority gives written approval to any variation.
18. All trees on the site, unless indicated as being removed on a plan submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority, shall be retained and protected in accordance with British Standard BS: 5837: Trees in Relation to Construction - Recommendations for the duration of works on the site and for five years following practical completion of the approved development, unless otherwise agreed by the Local Planning Authority. Any trees removed without the Local Planning Authority's consent, or which die or become seriously damaged or otherwise defective during the five year period shall be replaced and/or shall receive remedial action as required by the Authority (unless such action would conflict with the Retained Woodland Management Plan pursuant to Condition 9). Such works shall be implemented as soon as is reasonably practicable and, replacement planting shall be implemented by not later than the end of the following planting season, with trees of such size and species and in such number and positions as may be agreed with the Authority.
19. Details of any external lighting including floodlighting to be installed shall be submitted to, and approved in writing by, the Local Planning Authority before any such installation is carried out. The details, including an implementation programme, shall accord with E1 Environmental Zone (ILE 2005) and British Standard guidance (BS 5489-1:2003; BS EN 1302-2:2003; BS EN 13201-3:2003).
20. No works pursuant to this permission (including site preparation, site clearance, demolition, pile-driving and construction work) shall commence until a Wildlife Management Plan including long term objectives, management responsibilities, maintenance schedules and measures to protect and enhance flora and fauna within the site boundaries during the pre-construction, construction and post-construction phases, has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The development shall then be carried out strictly in accordance with the approved Wildlife Management Plan, unless the developer obtains the express written consent of the Local Planning Authority.
21. The level of noise emitted from fixed plant and equipment on the site shall not exceed LAeqT = 45dB as measured at any residential property during 0700 to 2300 and LAeqT = 35dB as measured at any residential property during 2300 to 0700. The noise level shall be determined in accordance with British Standard 7445.
22. No sound reproduction equipment conveying messages or music which is audible outside the site shall be installed on the site without the prior written consent of the Local Planning Authority.
23. No development shall commence on site on any individual building or phase of development until a schedule and samples of the materials and finishes for the building(s) have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The development shall then proceed in accordance with the approved details.
24. No development shall commence on site on any individual building or phase of development until a schedule of the surfacing materials have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The development shall then proceed in accordance with the approved details.
25. No development shall take place until the applicant has implemented the recommendations outlined in the Environmental Statement for an archaeological watching brief to be conducted on areas where previously undisturbed deposits may exist. This will be subject to the submission to and approval in writing by the Local Planning Authority of a written scheme of investigation.
26. A scheme detailing the provision to be made on site for cycle parking facilities, including their specification and siting, shall be submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority in writing before development of any particular phase commences. The agreed details shall be fully implemented before the buildings in that phase are occupied and the cycle parking facilities shall thereafter be retained for their intended purpose.
27. A scheme detailing provision to be made on site for bus facilities, including bus stops, waiting areas and information boards (including facilities to receive and display Real Time Passenger Information), shall be submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority in writing before development commences. The agreed details shall be implemented to a timetable contained within the approved scheme.
28. The level of noise emitted from the site shall not exceed 42dB LAeq8hr between 2300 and 0700 hours the following day and 55dB LAEQ16hrs between 0700 and 2300 hours as measured at one metre from the façade of any residential property. The measurement shall be made in accordance with British Standard 7445.
29. Before the development hereby permitted commences a scheme of Acoustic Attenuation works along the A327 Minley Link as shown on drawing number 2323/PL/052 Rev E or such alternative means of noise attenuation designed to satisfy the Minimum Attenuation Values set out in the table below shall be submitted to and agreed by the Local Planning Authority. The approved scheme shall be carried out prior to the first occupation of any part of the development.
Overall Traffic Noise Level,
LA10,1 hr (02:00 – 03:00)
Location (at first floor level)
Without Scheme
With Scheme
With Mitig'n
Minimum Attenuation
Values
A – Lyndsey Close (E)
58.0
63.3
58.5
4.8
B – Lyndsey Close (W)
58.0
62.7
59.3
3.4
C – Howard Drive
57.0
60.0
58.3
1.7
D – Fennel Close
60.8
66.2
61.4
4.8
E – Broadhurst
57.9
61.2
59.0
2.2
F – Herbs End (S)
61.7
66.2
62.6
3.6
G – Herbs End (Mid)
61.2
64.5
62.2
2.3
H – Herbs End (N)
61.5
64.4
62.5
1.9
J – Baywood Close
63.2
64.4
64.3
0.1
30. Before the development hereby permitted commences a scheme shall be agreed with the Local Planning Authority which specifies the provisions to be made for the control of noise emanating from the site. The development shall be operated in accordance with the approved scheme.
31. No development shall take place on the site until full details of the footpath link which connects the southern spur of Bramshott Road with New Ively Road have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The footpath link shall be completed in accordance with the approved details before any part of the development hereby permitted is first occupied.