Ed Bassford - Albion legend - Lewes Meeting

[Cadiz Seagull]

92% NO now.
Although I'm not sure the Sussex Express covers my area here

 

[Schrödinger's Toad]

 

[Rangdo]

If it's on the local news is there any chance someone could get a copy uploaded for the exiles among us?

 

[Dick Knights Mumm]

Ed - you are an Albion hero. Of the first order. It is like the Emporers new clothes. They have had the obvious pointed out in a way they cannot ignore.

 

[Simster]

Fine fine work, Ed.

 

[Woodchip]

Ed, Can you have a name change to Sir B?

 

[Biscuit]

I'm in love with a Richard Branson lookalike.

 

[Albion Dan]

Well Played Sir!

 

[Martlet]

Fair play young Bracknell

 

[Lord Bracknell]

Are you gonna be on telly and everything, Ed?

Well, no-one got on to the Meridian South East coverage - although they did say that a petition was handed in.

Hopefully all you people in the Southampton / Portsmouth / Whatever that other place is Region will get better coverage.

We residents of Lewes District more or less ignored - as usual - by Kentish TV. But hey! The stadium isn't in Lewes District, so maybe we shouldn't complain.

 

[itszamora]

 

[Hiney]

I don't do gist.

You'll get word for word:-



Thank you, Chair.

I find myself standing here this afternoon in a state of astonishment.

I’m here to present a petition to the Council, objecting in the strongest possible terms, to this Council committing any further expenditure in pursuit of a challenge to the Government’s decision to grant planning permission for the community stadium in Brighton.

This petition will, I am sure, come as no surprise to members of the Council. You have all received many letters and e-mails since the Cabinet Committee took its decision, thirteen days ago, to go to the High Court and start proceedings against the First Secretary of State.

So, members of the Council, you may not be particularly astonished.

But I am.

The first thing that astonishes me is that, with little over one week to rally support among residents of the district, we have managed to collect 5,165 signatures. From Lewes residents.

5,165. That is more people than signed the petition organised by Norman Baker and Lewes Liberal Democrats against the incinerator plans for Newhaven.

That in itself is an astounding fact.

But even more astonishing is that, if it hadn’t have been for the people of the district, this highly contentious decision of the Cabinet would not have found its way on to the Agenda of this Council meeting.

Because of the timescale set out in the Town and Country Planning Act, the question of a High Court challenge is deemed to be such an urgent matter that it has to be pushed quickly through the Cabinet Committee, meeting in secret, with no opportunity for members of the Council to ask questions in public, to canvass the views of the people they represent or even respond properly to correspondence received. Let alone debate the decision.

As I say, astonishing. And all the more so, if we believe the stories that are flying around about Councillors being instructed not to question the decision or respond direct to questions from electors.

This decision should be debated. Firstly, because of the risks that the Council is taking.

When, last year, Solihull Council considered challenging John Prescott in the High Court over a planning decision, their Cabinet decided not to do so, on the grounds that it would be irresponsible to commit the £50,000 necessary to fund the initial stages of a challenge and risk “significantly more” money in the event of losing the case. Irresponsible. And they are a Council with an annual budget of £229 million.

But, we are told, Lewes is only risking £25,000. You must know some very cheap lawyers. Or perhaps you are relying on other people to pay most of the costs? According to Falmer Parish Council’s website, the estimated costs, at this stage, are £60,000. Contributions (of £5,000 each) have apparently been promised by the South Downs Society (that’s the Downsmen) and the South Downs Joint Committee (the organisation that used to be the Conservation Board). And Falmer have offered to split the remaining £50,000 with the District Council - £25,000 each.

Today we now hear from Councillor Commin that the costs may be £65,000, with Falmer apparently promising £30,000.

But, last week, Falmer Parish Council admitted on their website that they don’t have £25,000, let alone £30,000. They have £15,000.

So what is the risk to the Council? More than members have been told, that’s for sure.

That is why the people of Lewes District are right to be angry. If this case is lost – and who believes that the Government won’t contest it vigorously? And expensively? – the costs could rise significantly. And we are genuinely fearful for our public services.

And if the Council is hanging its case on the expectation that a High Court judge will find that planning law somehow prevents any development in protected countryside, the case will be lost.

Only three weeks ago, a House of Lords Committee decided that there was no basis to allow an appeal against the decision of the High Court, confirmed by the Appeal Court, that it was perfectly legal for a planning authority to permit major development in a National Park, notwithstanding its protected status, where it was held that the development brought significant economic and regeneration benefits to a deprived local economy. Exactly the circumstances that John Prescott has found to apply in the Falmer Stadium case.

If that is this Council’s case, you will lose it.

The Cabinet Committee’s decision to commit funds to this adventure is taking a reckless risk – of unknown quantity – with Council Tax Payers’ money.

5,165 residents of Lewes District have signed this petition. Please listen to us. And please think again.

I've just come

 

[Muhammad - I’m hard - Bruce Lee]

92% no............and it only lets you vote once

 

[Springal]

good coverage there by meridian

 

[Virgo's Haircut]

Ed, all I can say is thank you for such a passionate and intelligent speech. You are truly a legend.

 

[Cian]

BBC South EAST Today now, not South Today unless they've got it in the sports section

 

[Virgo's Haircut]

The BBC again out do Merdian. 2nd news story, showing a very erm...wobbly Cllr Cumming getting over excited.

 

[Beach Hut]

Well done LB - you are a true statesman and we are not worthy of you

 

[Bwian]

Excellent work by all concerned-just sorry I couldn't be there to witness it all first hand.

The Sussex Express poll is now 93% against LDC. What's the betting that they don't make the findings public and will claim the poll has been hacked? If they do claim that then they're out of order because nowhere does it say Lewes residents only-it merely asks if LDC are right. Yes or No.

 

[The Oldman]

Lord B . Wonderful stuff. We knew LDC would not back down but how they must regret taking the Albion on!
Would have loved to be there but just got home from the Operating Theatre at a hospital "near you". I am very sore in more ways than one.