Smoke

Strange goings on at the moment, folks.  There is smoke and a smell of burning coming from one of the chimneys at the front of the pub.  There is a couple of cars parked outside, presumably the instigators of what ever is  going on inside.  What a way to spend a Bank Holiday.

Pause for Thought

Now that the euphoria and celebrations have died down a bit it's worth considering what happens next.  In fact, one or two contributors have already started to do that (click on the links to see comments in earlier posts).  We can only speculate about what happens now.  One thing for sure is that it cannot be the end of the matter.  We did think of using this post to explore the various options but would hate to give anyone ideas they hadn't already thought of, if you see what we mean.

Rest assured, we'll keep you posted about any developments that come our way.

Some More News

According to the latest posting on the SBC planning portal, the application was refused on the following grounds:

• Impact on street scene
• Breach of space about dwellings guidance
• Design of development

Good, eh?  More news when we get it.

We've Won!!!!!

News is still trickling through but are delighted to tell you that the planning application has just been rejected by the SBC planning committee.  It seems that common sense has finally prevailed with most committee members voting against the application.  Those that didn't, abstained.

Unfortunately, we were not able to be there because of a long-standing business commitment out of the area.  We have just heard the news from Friends of the Blog who are still in the committee room and celebrating their well earned and deserved success with other residents and politicians who united to oppose these terrible plans.

More news when we get it but for now, well done residents of Rough Close for going the extra mile!

It's On

We learned earlier this week that the planning application is be heard by the Borough Planning Committee next Wednesday 19th May.  It is disappointing to note that the Planning Department has recommended that the application be allowed.

Basically, in their report they disagree with the thrust of our objections but it seems to us that this is a material disagreement about the facts eg. we think the development is out of keeping with the local area and its character.  They think it isn't.  Staffordshire Wildlife Trust thinks the owners' survey was inadequate given that it was carried out during dormant periods for bats and nesting birds.  SBC thinks that it was.

And so it goes on.  There is clearly a difference of opinion when it comes to the facts.  Interestingly, the Government's Planning Policy Statement, PPS1, states that local authorities should involve communities in all development proposals.  We wonder why SBC has not taken any notice of this especially when we have differing views.  Why have they not bothered to engage the community in dialogue over the issue when they have clearly been recommended to do so? 

Looking at it another way, they are completely ignoring the overwhelming body of local opinion in favour of people who don't live in the area and have simply purchased a property with a view to redeveloping it to make a quick profit.

Residents get a paltry three minutes to present a case to the Planning Committee.  We are currently preparing our statement.  Borough Councillor Richard Oldfield is supporting us and gets to speak for five minutes.  The slightly better news is that anyone can attend and we would urge everyone who can make it to turn up and demonstrate the continued strength of feeling against the proposals.  The arrangements are:

Time: 6.30pm
Venue:  The Craddock Room (1st Floor), Civic Centre, Riverside, Stafford

Here's a link to a map showing the location:   Stafford Borough Council Offices

Bill on a Flying Visit

Surprise of all surprises today when no lesser a person than Bill Cash came knocking on our door.  He called in to assure the residents of Rough Close of his continued support for our opposition to the planning proposals.

We had been hoping to arrange a meeting with a group of locals but unfortunately Bill couldn't fit it into his schedule.  Something to do with next Thursday ...

No matter.  It's the support that counts.  He is strongly opposed to situations like the one in which we find ourselves where owners demolish pubs of long standing to develop houses for their own financial gain and to the detriment of the local community.  He even talked about the possibilities of introducing legal aid for people affected in this way.  A bit late for us, though.

Anyway, keep those letters rolling in to SBC.