Page 11 - Phonebox Magazine July 2016

Sainsbury Planning Decision
Ron, It is clear that the Sainsbury’s decision at Development Control Committee was very disappointing for many residents in Olney.
I have to start by pointing out that Group leaders have no in uence over decisions made at the Development Control Committee because this Committee is a quasi judicial committee and so decisions must be unfettered by political whipping. I stick to this rule religiously.
DCC members carry out a very important role and their decisions affect peoples’ livelihoods so I totally agree that every member of DCC should make sure they are fully briefed on the agenda items to be discussed. It is also a pre requirement for members to have gone through proper training before they sit on the committee. They are bound by legal and policy tests which they must consider when making decisions. Within these tests local knowledge and conditions have a part to play as do representations from local people but local opinion does not automatically trump other planning considerations.
The decision on the Sainsbury application was very close with 5 in favour and 5 against and the vote was distributed across all parties. I believe the issues of concern were around access, parking and the affect on local trade. The chair had a very dif cult decision to make and was going to be “in trouble” either way. Sainsburys decided to withdraw their reapplication and their Appeal against the decision. With such a close decision at DCC their next attempt with minor changes might well have succeeded, although, as I say, I have no control over that. In hindsight it might be the case that Sainsbury would not have proceeded even if permission was granted as we are seeing this happening at a few sites across the country due, I assume, to pressures on supermarket margins; their decision to buy Argos announced around this time might also be a factor. Sainsbury’s withdrawal may become an opportunity for another similar retailer to make an application. Unfortunately there is nothing more I can say on this particular application. You have three particularly hard working and effective ward councillors in Olney who will, I am sure, work with the Town Council on any future proposals. I hope this is helpful. Kind regards, Cllr Edith Bald, Leader of Conservatives at Milton Keynes Council
Race for Life Thanks
Dear Editior, A big thank you to everyone in Olney who sponsored us for our 10k Cancer Race for Life in Campbell Park on Sunday 12th June. We raised £370.
From Elizabeth Thimaya and Gillian Newbery
Littering
Sir, I was in Wellingborough and Newport Pagnell at the Weekend and was saddened to see all the litter on the streets and verges. This picture was at Newport Pagnell where litter lay next to a litter bin. Olney is slightly better but seems to be getting more littered. Littering is anti social behaviour. We all need to do our bit to make our environment safe and pleasant for all.
Regards, Colin Rodden
Are you Sweltering in the
Are you Freezing in the
Summer and Freezing Winter and Sweltering
in the Winter?
in the Summer?
Nu-Look Conservatory Roof Solutions can solve
Nu-Look Conservatory Roof Solutions can solve these problems with low cost conservatory roof
these problems with low cost conservatory roof conversion systems that will give you back the
conversion systems that will give you back the room and space you wanted in the first place.
room and space you wanted in the first place.
We have over 40 years combined experience in We have over 40 years combined experience in
the conservatory and roofing business. Customer the conservatory and roofing business. Customer satisfaction is at the heart of everything we satisfaction is at the heart of everything we
do and we pride ourselves on the quality of do and we pride ourselves on the quality of workmanship and service that we provide. workmanship and service that we provide.
We’ll transform your conservatory into a room We’ll transform your conservatory into a room
that’s perfect every day of the year! that’s perfect every day of the year!
Call today for a free quote o Call today for a free quote on
For more information visit www.nulookroof.co.uk For more information visit www.nulookroof.co.uk
01604 523172780180 016260304 529316724780010807
n
July 2016 | Phonebox Magazine 11