Have a Voice - Are You the Future?

To our many members and Journal readers, we wish you a Happy Christmas and a Joyful New Year.

At the time of going to press the Taylor Wimpey and Wheatley Homes appeals are due to commence on the 10th December. The case against high-volume eastward development and the protection of the Rib Valley has been professionally developed and widely consulted and should receive agreement by the planning inspector. We shall see.

Many who have worked so hard over recent months are bitterly disappointed that our District Council has withdrawn from the appeal hearing. East Herts District Council barrister's advice is that the inspector may find in favour of the developers and that costs could be required from EHDC.

This episode undermines the manner in which the National Planning Policy Framework was promoted and poses the question - does the policy have real substance? Where is 'Localism' and 'Consultation'?

A Neighbourhood Plan led by Buntingford Town Council is under development in the format and content which should inform the District Plan. This is an important step with regard to the future of Buntingford and surrounding villages.

As you may know, there are outline planning applications by Fairview for the brownfield Sainsbury site on the southern edge of town and by Pigeon for land off Ermine Street to the north. In the absence of a District Plan both must be considered premature.

We have tried to capture key aspects of our community's situation to make it clear that Buntingford Civic Society must grow from its current strong position with increased membership and active involvement on a range of issues.

In an effort to increase membership, BCS is embarking on a targeted recruitment drive and seeks support from current members to this end, so get your friends and neighbours to join you in Buntingford Civic Society.

I have been Chairman for about 10 years now and will be stepping aside in 2014.

Derek K Cooper,

Chairman, Buntingford Civic Society