Tuesday 29 October 2013

Tumble Down Dick "Call In" dismissed


Secretary of State for Communities & Local Government  has decided against calling in the Tumbledown Dick Planning Application:

“The Secretary of State has carefully considered this case against call-in policy, as
set out in the Written Ministerial Statement by Nick Boles on 26 October 2012. The
policy makes it clear that the power to call in a case will only be used very
selectively. The Government is committed to give more power to councils and
communities to make their own decisions on planning issues, and believes planning
decisions should be made at the local level wherever possible.

The Secretary of State has carefully considered the impact of the proposal, and the
key planning policy issues which this case raises. In his opinion, the proposals do
not: involve a conflict with national policies on important matters; have significant
long term impact on economic growth and meeting housing needs across a wider
area than a single local authority; have significant effects beyond their immediate
locality; give rise to substantial cross boundary or national controversy; raise
significant architectural and urban design issues; or involve the interests of national
security or of foreign Governments. Nor does he consider that there is any other
sufficient reason to call the application in for his own determination. He has
therefore decided the application should be determined at local level, and has not
called it in. The decision as to whether to grant planning permission will therefore
remain with Rushmoor Borough Council."

Planning consent has been signed and issued.

Monday 28 October 2013

Mystic Ed


If McDonald's could name towns....

Good to see a resident with a sense of humour and talent to airbrush facts - I'm lovin it
Sent to me by a resident. No comments taken on this one. 

This, like most art, should be left to be enjoyed, considered and absorbed in quiet contemplation and reflection.

Monday 14 October 2013

Music Venue for Farnborough?

www.tergroup.co.uk organise live band events


Having closed the post on the Tumble Down Dick as the comments were getting repetitive, I am keen to move the debate onward not backward. One thing that was evident was the disappointment in losing a live band venue. 

I am 150% in favour of a live music venue in Farnborough, and would welcome feedback and ideas as to how we accomplish such a worthy aspiration for the town.

It would be good to have a cultural venue for music and other arts etc in a location with good access and easy parking. Could the Community Center be expanded, or rebuilt? Is there room for a new build in the area, if so where? What other options are there?

The Council has no current plans - this is just a local Councillor considering what options would be of interest. 

Is there interest?


Thursday 10 October 2013

McDonald's saves TD Dick

Artist impression of the restored Tumble Down Dick & cleaned up site

Last night the Development Control Committee, chaired by the young, talented and Tory Cllr Gareth Lyons had the task of considering the application to convert the Tumbledown Dick into a McDonalds restaurant and drive-through, which had been recommended by Rushmoor Planning officers for approval.   

The meeting was, as expected, well attended by a little over 100 members of the public. Given the hype I was surprised there were no television crews present other than a cameraman from the poorly read Aldershot / Farnborough News Group (part of the Guardian group I believe) - I understand they have put details on their web site which I assume has more readers than their local rag.  I have nothing against the local paper - just find it incredibly boring and unimaginative to the point I have stopped buying it. The Council also have details on their web site - www.rushmoor.gov.uk

The report prepared by officers was comprehensive and precisely set out the issues. The Chairman, Cllr Lyon, handled the meeting extremely professionally. Fran Beauchamp, Chair of the Friends of the TDD, spoke against the application and a representative from McDonalds spoke in favour.  After a discussion the recommendation was approved 7 for and 3 against which means the plans can now go ahead. Which means McD now saves the TD Dick

I for one will be extremely pleased to see the area cleaned up at last, and the site used and enjoyed by local families. I'm lovin it....