NOTICE OF MEETING ON THURSDAY 2 AUGUST AT 7:30PM AT THE RAT, ANICK
To update residents on progress since the last meeting and to discuss options for action during the next 6 weeks.

Recommendation for proceeding with planning objection against the 4 residential sites in Oakwood and Anick and the Egger expansion

Findings to date:

1) Planning Aid - Free Advice:
Planning Aid was not fully aware of the changing planning system when Helen Millar spoke with them. They had to go away and do some findings! In any event, this is a telephone service only, to 'help people help themselves'. It is an impartial service. They quoted that the proposed site allocation is only the initial stages of the process, nothing to worry about, and the council are only collating public views!

Our View:
IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT THE SITES IN QUESTION ARE THROWN OUT AT THE FIRST STAGE, AS IT WILL BECOME MORE DIFFICULT AND MORE COSTLY THEREAFTER.

2) Notes from the meeting with the Planning Officer:

Comments should be submitted no later than 14 September 2007. Sites (excluding Egger) are in Greenbelt, and this remains unchanged in the Core Strategy (unless the Inspector changes this before giving final seal of approval later this year, but unlikely) Oakwood/Anick are classed as unsustainable, and should in principle not be developed. The council will not allow a rural village to expand out of proportion, as this would be contrary to policy. This should in theory protect the largest site in Oakwood; however there can be no guarantees. Objections to sites can be either listed on individual site basis, or grouped together (and the council will merely photocopy) Decision Process for Sites: First recommendations at a private meeting 'Local Development Framework Group'. Will be down to 10 councillors at this meeting (we have a name list) who come to a consensus of opinion. They don't officially vote. Due to the vast number of sites, the time spent on each site will therefore be limited. It is therefore crucial to submit as many accurate objection letters as possible. It may be that councillors only have time to look at one. It is therefore vital that we don't take the risk of councillors picking on a weak letter. We are allowed to 'copy' and change names/addresses

Recommendation
Based upon the advice or lack of it from Planning Aid, we consider that the best and safest way to protect our local environment and avoid possible property devaluation is to appoint a Planning Expert. The Planning Expert would be employed to produce a detailed set of objections to the proposals, which could then be used as a template.

The same Planning Expert has been recommended from different sources and the estimated cost is £500 (plus VAT). The Planning Expert will need time to produce her report and having regard to the deadline for submitting comments we consider that we need to appoint the Planning Expert immediately.

We would therefore urge as many residents as possible to attend the meeting on Thursday to:

1. Approve the appointment of a planning expert; and
2. Pay £25 each towards the cost of the Planning Expert. Please note that cheques should be made payable to the "The Tynedale Environmental Group".