Your Swindon
Get involved: send your photos, videos, news & views by texting 'SWINDON NEWS' to 80360 or email »
Got a story? CLICK HERE to email us, call the newsdesk on 01793 501806 or text your
tip-offs to 80360, starting your message with 'SWINDON NEWS'
MP worried over flats plan anger
11:07am Tuesday 13th May 2008
LOCAL anger at plans to build 33 flats reflect wider concerns over disillusionment with politics, says a Swindon MP.
Anne Snelgrove, the representative for South Swindon, met members of the Radnor Street and Area Residents Association over proposals for a block of 21 flats in Shelley Street and a further 12 in nearby Radnor Street.
While the MP assured the residents that she was on their side in the fight against "unsympathetic" planning applications, she said she was concerned at comments about local politics.
George Brockbanks, of the Residents' Association, said: "People are sitting around talking about problems with parking and new developments.
"Ask any of them and they'll say what difference does it make talking to your councillor? It'll happen anyway."
The residents are opposed to plans by Ember Construction to build a block of 21 flats, with parking and landscaping, at the top of Shelley Street.
They say that the three-storey building will not be in keeping with the area, it will add pressure to the drainage system and exacerbate parking problems.
A previous proposal for 30 flats on the site was withdrawn, and one for 24 flats was refused.
A further application is to build a block of 12 flats in Radnor Street, on the site of the Radnor Stores.
Eastcott councillor and leader of the Liberal Democrat group, Stan Pajak, insisted residents' interests were well represented.
He said: "We are listening to them and we are acting for them.
"The Radnor Street and Area Residents' Association have been very vocal in their objection to this plan and there has been a meeting between developers and members of the association.
Mrs Snelgrove said: "I think it is really worrying that so soon after a local election, when only 29 per cent of those eligible went to the polls, there is this level of disillusionment with the work done by councillors."
She added: "Something has to be done to re-engage people with the democratic process."
Your Say YourSwindon
Voice of Sanity, Swindon says...
11:48am Tue 13 May 08
The sooner the better.
Justin Tomlinson, Taw Hill, Swindon says...
12:07pm Tue 13 May 08
The serious point which causes frustration with the planning process is that there is very little flexibility in the system, ie the planning laws / rules are often on the side of the developers. It is staggering to see how many things that can't be considered when looking for an objection (as I know from experience from a variety of issues in my ward over the years).
I think the system should take a greater account of local residents wishes. When I have major planning issues I normally bring the developers to meet the residents face to face, these seems to help focus the minds though still often only relies on the goodwill of the developers not to take a rejection to appeal.
Polymath, Swindon says...
12:11pm Tue 13 May 08
Ian13, Swindon says...
12:15pm Tue 13 May 08
Or honouring election pledges - a vote on Europe and an exemption from the smoking ban for non-food pubs and clubs!
Tobz, says...
12:23pm Tue 13 May 08
stfcrule, old town says...
12:27pm Tue 13 May 08
Polymath wrote:Are you serious ?????
Swindon is turning into a city and SN1 needs to "grow up". Unless we want to carry building out into the countryside even more than we already do? Town centre development is feasible. There is existing infrastructure and services. People can use public transport to access any other part of the town or indeed to travel on the train. If you want car parking spaces, live in the suburbs.
Polymath, Swindon says...
3:02pm Tue 13 May 08
Frontier(s), says...
3:04pm Tue 13 May 08
Mrs Snelgrove said: "I think it is really worrying that so soon after a local election, when only 29 per cent of those eligible went to the polls, there is this level of disillusionment with the work done by councillors."
I find this comment not only insulting by hyporcritcal in the extreme.
Myself, and around 70 other residents, campaigned against yet more flats and the council Planning Committee voted against the application.
Unfortunately, although she was happy to pose for a photo opportunity about her 'helping' our cause, Anne Snelgrove did absolutely nothing to help.
Everyone knows that John Prescott's Planning Inspectorate regulations means that councillors are all but forced to allow any development that is technically legal, no matter how morally wrong or unsuitable for the area concerned.
It is an absolute disgrace that Snelgrove is implying that the council are at fault here.
The fact is that peope voted Tory in the local elections because Labour cannot be trusted, do not listen to the people and constantly ignore the common good.
People are sick to death of politics because they are sick to death of a ten year old, has-been (never was?) government that doesn't listen, doesn't care and simply doesn't want to know about anything other than the Stalinist line it takes.
Anne Snelgrove has just sunk local politics to an even lower position with this remarkably deluded attack on a council the people have only just resoundingly voted for.
Trust me, Ms Snelgrove, they will not be voting for you whenever we're finally allowed our democratic right to oust you and your increasingly pathetic government!
Captain T, Swindon says...
3:05pm Tue 13 May 08
This is where you have to draw the line. The issue here is that residents do not believe the buildings would be inkeeping. How about a little bit of cooperation and working together to try and put a stop to the development and both of you get off your political high horses and stop blaming each other. That's why only 29% of those eligible voted.
Old_Chap, Swindon says...
3:18pm Tue 13 May 08
Tobz wrote:Spot on Tobz!!!
How ironic that the woman who cannot and won't listen is criticising councillors for the feeling of disillusionment and disengagement! Check your own voting record Anne - and then consider why we don't believe that politicians act in the interests of their electorate...
The sooner Snelgrove is recycled the better.
Frontier(s), says...
3:23pm Tue 13 May 08
Since Prescott's new planning application regulations came into effect, the only applications council's can turn down are those that are illegal.
All legal applications are able to be turned down but the developer then simply appeals to the Planning Inspectorate who then grant the application and fine the relevant council.
This IS a government legislation/policy problem, not the council's.
Captain T, Swindon says...
3:41pm Tue 13 May 08
This story comes across as Snelgrove blaming the council and doing nothing and Tomlinson throwing his hands up in the air and saying 'nothing we can do about it'
It's time everyone got together and tried to do something about these kind of local issues and do what the people of Swindon elected them to do.
Frontier(s), says...
4:11pm Tue 13 May 08
Nor can Snelgrove - unless, of course, she requests that her government changes their policy. Something she will never, unfortunately do.
After all, we all know what a fine political statesman John Prescott turned out to be.
Pass another block of 'luxury' flats with that trifle and condensed milk would you?
HoneyPie, The Shire says...
4:57pm Tue 13 May 08
LordBelacqua, Swindon says...
4:59pm Tue 13 May 08
HoneyPie wrote:Haha, quite so!
That woman has more front than Selfridges!
I do wonder if Ms Snelgrove is just naive though - after all, we all know that this government is very good a losing information, not so good at releasing it...
Frontier(s), says...
5:04pm Tue 13 May 08
Labour have obviously gone out today to portray themselves as actually caring that people are sick of politics - even though it's a decade of Labour that have made people sick of politics.
Should have known Snelgrove would be simply doing as her party tells her.
Here's the 'delightful' Hazel Blears telling us how awful we think politics is, yet seemingly unable to realise it's entirely her own government's fault:
tinyurl.com/698pox
It's a shame Anne Snelgrove used such an important topic as the uncontrolled proliferation of flats in Swindon on which to hang her opportunistic press release on.
Yet again proves she's far more interested in her job and her government than anyone or anything in Swindon.
I Too Could Be a Councillor, Swindon says...
7:24pm Tue 13 May 08
Our Tory Council are brilliant, beautiful.
They've never done anything wrong, always listen to the public, especially when it comes to the town's history and nature reserves.
The Swindon Tory council are perfect, not in the least bit power crazy.
Ouch I stubbed my toe! That,s Labours fault I expect.
Mike Bawden (Tory) boasted about initiating the Coate fiasco (which isn't over yet) That's labours' fault.
I'm only writing this because Mr Prescott told me to do it.
I forgot to mow the lawn yesterday, all labours fault.
Labour Labour Labour.
If only they were angels, like our Tory council.
Bah! Labour Labour Labour.
I expect it was Labour that said "put a ten storey tower block on top of the Mechanics'" and not the Labour government that called the plans in whilst the Tory council rolled over.
Labour this labour that and a bit more Labour ZZZZZzzzzzzzz
Robert Feal-Martinez, Swindon says...
7:27pm Tue 13 May 08
I Too Could Be a Councillor, Swindon says...
7:36pm Tue 13 May 08
That'll be Labour's fault, I expect
I Too Could Be a Councillor, Swindon says...
7:39pm Tue 13 May 08
I forgot to mention, that I forgot to take my sandwiches to work today.
That's Labours fault that is.
HoneyPie, The Shire says...
9:17pm Tue 13 May 08
Is that Labour's fault, too?
If it is, they may be doing something right. So who's fault would that be?
Please, do tell us...
oldtowner, Old Town says...
9:54pm Tue 13 May 08
She added: "Something has to be done to re-engage people with the democratic process."
Anne Snelgrove's got a cheek to talk about the democratic process.
How about the democratic right to vote for the EU Constitution, Anne? Something you promised in your manifesto then voted against this year.
Frontier(s), says...
11:13pm Tue 13 May 08
The irony about your stupid post is that the current situation with planning applications very much IS all Labour's fault.
It's as simple as that. In fact, some local councils have scrapped Council Planning Committees entirely, as all they can do now is accept applications that are legal and prevent applications that are illegal - they have no power, whatsoever, to prevent legal planning applications going ahead, no matter how destructive or unsuitable those plans might be.
You might not like that, you might think it's a shame that Labour have shot themselves in the foot yet again with their policies but that's the reality.
amlorusso, Swindon says...
3:42am Wed 14 May 08
Even if SBC could turn down a legal proposal, why should they bother on the basis of what's been posted in this forum? Is anyone even remotely interested in discussing the merits of the planning application itself, or shall we throw some more mud?
Kudos to RFM for the only moment of level-headedness.
HoneyPie, The Shire says...
6:23am Wed 14 May 08
Many of these 'complaints' are as a result of laws that do not take into account the merits of the planning application - the views of the people who have to live with the development are not taken seriously. So yes, they will complain - what else can they do?
Local planning decisions should be made by people (and/or their representatives) who live in the locality, with any potential benefits and drawbacks fully discussed before the plans are agreed. There also needs to be some sort of independent right of appeal to a higher level for the local residents - not just the developers. The developers will move on to (demolish) pastures new - the residents will have to grin and bear it.
Bad laws do exist. If nobody complains about them, why bother changing them? And it's the same theory for Politicians. They know what they are getting themselves into when they put themselves forward for election.
Our local MP doesn't appear to want to discuss the merits of this planning application, but try to score political points. Hence the posts on this forum. Or should we all just ignore her political mud-slinging?
Robert Feal-Martinez, Swindon says...
7:07am Wed 14 May 08
Frontier(s), says...
10:15am Wed 14 May 08
amlorusso, have you ever looked into how planning applications work? If you look at the grounds that are permissible for objection you will see that they're carried over from days gone by and have very little relevance or importance for people today.
On the other hand, the specific areas that people are not allowed to object to are directly relevant to the reduction in quality of life and living standards that new developments (especially blocks of flats) often create.
Whether Tory or Labour, most recent legislation has been solely in favour of developers - with residents given virtually no control over what happens in the areas they live, work and pay tax in.
Labour have now removed Council's power to veto unwanted developments and so we see the free for all that we have in Swindon where any available land/empty buildings are immediately converted into prison-cell like blocks of flats.
This is often very cynically done under the pretence of providing 'affordable' housing, whilst in reality it's a quick and easy way to maximise developer profits.
On that point, I am not against developers making money - far from it - but that should not be at the expense of communities and with the destruction of things that make various areas what they are.
Old Town is the classic example of this. Once one of the most pleasant areas of Swindon it has been ruined by over-development and a never ending barrage of flats.
As HoneyPie says, just because something's not illegal doesn't mean it's good or desirable.
An example of just how ridiculous town planning regulations are is the fact that in any given area, each planning application can only ever be considered in isolation.
That means that a developer could submit plans for 10 blocks of flats in one area and each must be considered as if it were the only one. In reality, it means the direct opposite of 'planning'.
Robert Buckland, says...
1:54pm Wed 14 May 08
It is up to politicians to work with residents to help them gain access to information and to help ensure that their voices are heard.
Frontier(s), says...
3:00pm Wed 14 May 08
Therefore, if the developer has submitted plans within current regulations (which is basically anything - interestingly there is a minimum dwelling per hectare limit, but no maximum...) then the plans will eventually be agreed, either by the council (as they have no choice) or by the Planning Inspectorate in Bristol (who, ultimately, can do as they please).
I Too Could Be a Councillor, Swindon says...
7:46pm Wed 14 May 08
I've got wrinkles in my forehead. That wouldn't happen if our Tory council were in control.
I've got bags under my eyes, all Labour's fault.
I blame Labour
Frontier(s), says...
11:19pm Wed 14 May 08
It was marginally more amusing but about as boring.
I Too Could Be a Councillor, Swindon says...
6:16pm Thu 15 May 08
You Don't have the monopoly on blaming Labour you know.
Monopoly is a boring game. I blame Labour for that.
You could always do the "vision thing", but then you'd have to change your script , and blame the Tories (SBC Majority).
Labour Labour Labour
Your sayYourSwindon
Add your comment
Register for a FREE Swindon Advertiser account and you can have your say on today's news and sport by adding comments on articles we publish. The best comments may even get published in the paper.
Please register now or sign in below to continue.
In this section
- Swindler gets second chance
- Charity in Bible march
- Join in the fun at the Mela
- Fun for youngsters saying farewell
- Horror at school gate for danielle
- Bob's team are such good sports
- Police get on their bikes in charity ride
- Machine that is changing patients' lives
- A new look to play time
- Golden boy Matthew's on cue for Games
What's Hot On Our Site...
Sponsored Links
Your Neighbourhood News
Radio star opens homes
RESIDENTS at a Highworth retirement development enjoyed meeting broadcaster and comedian Don Maclean so much that they want him to move in.
Come and have fun with St John Ambulance!
If your aged between 5-16 years old, why don't you try out the Stratton St Margaret youth division of St John Ambulance and join in the fun. We meet each tuesday evening during school terms between 1830 and 2045 at the St John Ambulance headquarters on Rodbourne Road. all you need to do is get involved and have fun with us.
Upper Stratton Baptist Church - 1861 to date
USBC has been serving the community in Upper Stratton since 1862
New Youth and Children’s Minister for Stratton
Chris Priddy, 24, has been appointed as a Youth and Childrens Minister at Upper Stratton Baptist Church (USBC).
Public Meeting on Upper Stratton Flooding
Last year Upper Stratton suffered from some absolutely dreadful flooding in some areas; particularly Foxley Close, Beechcroft Road, St Philip's Road, Marsland Avenue and Headlands Grove.
Criminals target Baptist Church
Criminals have targeted the Upper Stratton Baptist Church buildings resulting in serious damage
Join in the fun with the Air Cadets
What did you do last weekend? Air Cadets across the UK take part in fun and challenging activities like flying, gliding, parachuting, climbing, shooting, expeditions, adventure training, Duke of Edinburgh... the list goes on.
Stratton Scouts and Guides Brave the Cold for Easter Camp
Stratton Scouts and Guides, Rangers and Explorer Scouts braved the bizzare Easter weather on a camp near Oxford.
What's On Live Travel YourSwindon
Hot Jobs
- Various Trades Swindon
- Care Assistants Swindon
- Dental Nurse/ Receptionist Swindon
- Receptionist/Admin Assistant Swindon
- Administrator Coordinator Marlborough
- Canvassers Swindon
Local Advertisers
Local Information
Enter your postcode, town or place name
Justin Tomlinson, Taw Hill, Swindon says...
11:30am Tue 13 May 08