SELLINDGE VILLAGE - Anaerobic Waste, Shepway Housing, Lorry Park and Windfarm

Updates for 7th to 22nd October 2011

2011-10-27T06:09:00.019+01:00

Note - Click on any link in the right-hand column of the article you are interested in to read more. The Website has all the latest information on the main issues facing Sellindge - please note pre-July 2011 information to these topics can be found lower down (in the Sections prefixed with the word 'old'). A new Section (Section 8) entitled 'Kent Mineral and Waste Sites Development - Consultation' has been added. The most recent information is:

Section 3 - Otterpool Waste treatment

1) Update/Reply from Environmental Agency to Susan Carey email re Environmental Permit application from Countrystyle Recycling - 19 October 2011

Section 4 - Wind Farm

1) Two Wind Anemometer Masts erected Harringe Brooks - 20 October 2011
2) Harringe Brooks Wind Anemometer Mast - 20 October 2011

Section 6 - Shepway - Housing/Village Green

1) Parish Council response to Shepway LDF and Sellindge Masterplan

Section 8 - Kent Mineral and Waste Sites Development - Consultation

1) Mineral and Waste Sites Development Plan Documents - Supplementary Options Consultation commencing on Monday 24 October 2011

Section 9 - Correspondence including replies from KCC

1) Letter to Mr Cameron - People must not have policies forced on them from above - 7 October 2011
2) Abolish the County Councils? - 9 october 2011
3) Reorganise local government? - response from Eric Pickles - 11 October 2011

The Updates for week commencing 24th September 2011 are.....

2011-10-01T11:53:00.002+01:00

Click on the link in the right-hand column of the article you are interested in to read more. The information added over the last week is:

Note - Older (pre-July 2011) information has been archived to the same named Section (prefixed with 'old') lower down in the right-hand column.

Section 7 - Sellindge Convertor Station - including application number

1) National Grid Converter Station - Notification of decision 'letter'
2) A Copy of the letter referred to above re the planning application

Section 8 - Correspondence including replies from KCC

1) Photos and emails re the disgraceful 'Pavements' on the A20
2) National Trust Planning for People campaign - Planning for people - your views?
3) English Countryside under threat - petition from '38 degrees'

Shepway LDF - Making a representation!!

2011-09-22T10:22:00.004+01:00

From: Mark.Aplin@shepway.gov.uk

To: ronald@millenniumtrust.co.uk

Sent: Wednesday, September 21, 2011 4:17 PM

Subject: Making a representation

Dear Mr Lello

Please see the form which can be downloaded and saved from this link:

http://www.shepway.gov.uk/content/view/200313/206/

You will see after the promotion of the internet site (portal) there are two forms – in pdf or Word IT versions depending on your preference.

Please email back to planning.policy@shepway.gov.uk by Friday as discussed.

This is the government’s expression of the rules against which it will be assessed:

Soundness

To be “sound” a core strategy should be JUSTIFIED, EFFECTIVE and consistent with NATIONAL POLICY.

“Justified” means that the document must be:

Founded on a robust and credible evidence base
The most appropriate strategy when considered against the reasonable alternatives

“Effective” means that the document must be:

Deliverable
Flexible
Able to be monitored

Mark Aplin

-Planning Policy

Team Leader.

Planning & Communities Directorate

SHEPWAY DISTRICT COUNCIL,

1st Floor, Civic Centre,

Castle Hill Avenue, Folkestone,

Kent

CT20 2QY.

01303 853485

See plans for the future of the District (LDF):

http://www.shepway.gov.uk/ldf

Shepway LDF Core Strategy Consultation - points to consider in your response

2011-09-16T12:09:00.004+01:00

At the top of Section 6 - Shepway Housing/Village Green, there is a new link which takes you to a document produced by Monks Horton Parish, asking their residents' key questions and points to consider regardig the Shepway LDF Core Strategy Consultation.

These are key points for us all to consider whilst making our response by next Friday 23rd September 2011.

The link is repeated here ...

Monks Horton Parish 'key questions/considerations'regarding Shepway's LDF for planning

Once finished reading, click on the back arrowin the top left corner of your screen to return to here.

1) How to 'simply and quickly ' Comment on the Sellindge section of the Shepway LDF Strategy plan

2011-09-08T05:45:00.029+01:00

These guidance notes are intended to help Sellindge residents comment on the Sellindge section of the Shepway LDF Core Strategy by providing a simple, direct link to the Sellindge section (Policy CSD9: Sellindge Strategy). They should be read in conjunction with Shepway's email to local residents in the next 'post' which describes how to make comments (representations) on the Shepway Core Strategy.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

The easiest and best way to comment is on-line (it only takes 2 minutes, you have the proposed map in front of you at the time and you can see other people's comments). To do this simply click on the following link:
Policy CSD9: Sellindge Strategy section and then use the 'Add Comments' button half way down the screen on the right.

You can also complete a representation form with your contact details, which can be obtained via www.shepway.gov.uk, email to planning.policy@shepway.gov.uk or by writing to Planning Policy, 1st Floor Civic centre, Castle Hill Avenue, Folkestone. CT20 2QY.

If you have questions over the process please call Shepway Planning Policy staff on (01303) 853266 / 853318 or email via the above link to see how they can assist.

All comments must be submitted by 5pm on Friday, 23rd September 2011.

2) There's still time to make representations on the Shepway Core Strategy!

2011-09-08T05:34:00.009+01:00

Here is a copy of an email received by local residents

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Piran.Cooper@shepway.gov.uk [mailto:Piran.Cooper@shepway.gov.uk]
Sent: 07 September 2011 17:07
To: Planning.Policy@shepway.gov.uk
Subject: FW: There's still time to make representations on the Shepway Core Strategy!

Shepway District Council has published the proposed plan for the long-term future development of the area, the Core Strategy.

The Shepway Core Strategy (Proposed Submission) Document has been out for comment and the period to make representations lasts until Friday 23rd September 2011. This is a reminder email following earlier formal notification (see below).

In order to make representations and to view the proposed submission documents or the range of supporting evidence, please see http://consult.shepway.gov.uk/portal/core_strategy/cspropsubdocconsult (using the blue 'Read and Comment' link two thirds down). Thank you if you have already commented – many of the representations made so far against particular parts of the Core Strategy can be seen on the portal website (via the above link).

To ensure your views are expressed in the most effective way please use the website or the representations form -which is available on the link below or by emailing planning.policy@shepway.gov.uk. The website and the representations form are structured so that they relate comments to the government’s self tests for the Core Strategy.

Comments should be made in writing and received by 23rd September 17.00hrs. Further information on the Proposed Submission process and guidance documents are available on: http://www.shepway.gov.uk/currentconsultation.

If you have questions over the process, or viewing the document and supporting reports, or are facing difficulty commenting by 23rd September please call (01303) 853266 / 853318 or email to see how we can assist.

D Shore

Dave Shore
Planning Policy & Economic Development Manager
Shepway District Council

SENT PREVIOUSLY:
Dear Sir/Madam

Planning & Compulsory Purchase Act 2004
Town and Country Planning (Local Development) (England) Regulations 2004 as amended – Regulations 27 and 28

Shepway Local Development Framework:
Representations on the Core Strategy proposed submission document.

Shepway District Council is writing to notify you of commencement of the period in which you can make formal representations on the above document: 29th July 2011 to 23rd September 2011 (17.00 hrs).

In order to view the proposed submission documents/supporting evidence and to make representations pleas see:
http://consult.shepway.gov.uk/portal/core_strategy/cspropsubdocconsult
Any representations that are made on the document must relate to its soundness, meaning comments must focus on whether it is justified, effective and consistent with national policy.

What's new on the website - July/August/September 2011

2011-09-02T08:08:00.034+01:00

There are Sections for each of the main issues facing Sellindge today in the right-hand column, with the information/stories added to the appropriate Section as it becomes available. Click on the story you are interested in to read the full story. The information added since July is (with articles added in the last 2 weeks highlighted in red) are:

Note - Older (pre-July 2011) information has been archived to the same named Section (prefixed with 'old') lower down in the right-hand column.

Section 1 - Home Page

Home page - Click here any time to return to the 'Home' page

Section 2 - Village Meeting - 1st September 2011

1) Sellindge Village Meeting Agenda
2) Damian Collins letter to the Village
3) Village meeting Thursday 1st September 7.30pm - School Hall
4) Why is the Village meeting important to attend
5) Poster / leaflet regarding the Village meeeting
9) Contacts

Section 3 - Otterpool Waste treatment

1) General waste article - making good use of your waste - 21 July 2011

Section 4 - Wind Farm

1) MoD objection halts turbine plan - 25 August 2011
2) A 2nd Wind Mast application - land adjoining Somerfield Court Farm
3) Planning Portal - Onshore wind farms refusals increase - 14 July 2011
4) Proof that the PM is tilting at windmills - 3 July 2011
5) The Wind turbine backlash - 11 July 2011
6) Approved wind masts must have bat detectors - 11 July 2011
7) Power slump as wind farms are left becalmed - 1 July 2011
info a) Windfarm at Deeping St Nicholas - Noise and Hum
info b) Waubra Wind farm - Noise Impact Assessment report
info c) Den Brook Wind farm Judicial review information
info d) stop woodlane wind farm - information

Section 5 - Lorry Park

1) Firefighters' concern over Operation Stack lorry park - 5 September 2011
2) Lorry park plan 'unmanageable' - 1st September 2011
3) Lorry park plans spark debate + Risk factors - 1st September 2011
4) Water supplies inadequate - 1st September 2011
5) Operation Stack's £25m solution will soon be revealed - 7 July 2011
6) Stack lorry park plans to be revealed - 8 July 2011
7) Stack forum books ministerial meeting - 14 July 2011
8) An answer to Operation Stack could be agreed by Christmas
9) Hoping that freight trains can lighten the load on roads - 16 June 2011

Section 6 - Shepway - Housing/Village Green

1) Shepway LDF Core Strategy - Sellindge - Documentation - How to Access
2) Final Shepway LDF: view and comment - by 23rd September 2011 latest - 29 July 2011
3) Planning for our district's future - 28 July 2011
4) District's future is going to plan - 28 July 2011
5) CPRE fears 'open season' on Kent countryside 1 August 2011
6) MPs will be punished by voters if they force .... - August 2011
7) Proposal for 30mph limit in villages - 18 August 2011

Section 7 - Sellindge Convertor Station - including application number

0) Our Objections stirred Ashford Council
1) Letter re Land at western side of National Grid Converter Station, Church Lane, Aldington
2) to 10) various plans and view diagrams as labelled on the website links

Section 8 - Correspondence including replies from KCC

1) National Planning Protest Grows
2) Ministers hit back at development claims - 25 August 2011
3) Paul Carter response - Otterpool Application, Hollingbourne, Lorry park - 27 July 2011
4) A Second Wind farm - Shepway LDF - 28 July 2011
5) Look for an alternative to residential area - 11 July 2011
6) Otterpool - Contamination and pollution control - 22 June 2011
7) Kent Waste Sites Development plan - 27 June 2011
8) KCC asked to send people to Sellindge to explain - 30 June 2011
9) Turbines - Black Noise
10) Mr Cameron - people will not have policies forced on them - law

Village Meeting Thursday 1st September 7.30pm, Sellindge School

2011-08-27T10:23:00.005+01:00

Please find below details of the Village Meeting being held in the Sellindge School Hall on Thursday 1^st September at 7.30 pm. We have invited various people from Shepway DC, KCC and other local organisations to speak (briefly) to us about the various issues that are causing so much anxiety at present with the Press in attendance. The agenda is as follows:

1) The Lorry Park including ideas of Paul Carter

2) The crucial Shepway plans for the development of this village – plans that may radically change our environment and not necessarily for the better

3) The arrival of proposals for a substantial number of wind turbines

4) The current situation regarding Otterpool Quarry and the role to be played by the Environment Agency in ensuring Countrystyle keep to existing laws in both building the plant and then if they achieve that in obtaining an operation permit.

This village has earned the respect of many authorities. This is due to the remarkable extent of village support for demonstrations, meetings, surveys of opinion, voicing questions and concerns to KCC etc. and your general willingness to participate.

If we are to continue to influence local authorities and organisations, it is vital that we all maintain this consistent determination. Therefore please come to the Village Meeting, hear the latest re the above issues and have your say and/or vote for what you want. It is not an exaggeration to state that you really can influence what will happen here over the next twenty five years.

Kindest Regards

Ronald Lello

Chairman

Final Shepway LDF: view and comment - by 23rd September 2011 latest

2011-08-05T06:25:00.003+01:00

Here is a copy of an email received by local residents

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Piran.Cooper@shepway.gov.uk [mailto:Piran.Cooper@shepway.gov.uk] On Behalf Of Planning.Policy@shepway.gov.uk
Sent: 29 July 2011 13:13
To: Planning.Policy@shepway.gov.uk
Subject: Shepway Local Development Framework: Representations on the Core Strategy proposed submission document.

Dear Sir/Madam

Planning & Compulsory Purchase Act 2004

Town and Country Planning (Local Development) (

England

) Regulations 2004 as amended – Regulations 27 and 28

Shepway Local Development Framework:

Representations on the Core Strategy proposed submission document.

Shepway District Council is writing to notify you of commencement of the period in which you can make formal representations on the above document: 29^th July 2011 to 23^rd September 2011 (17.00 hrs).

In order to view the proposed submission documents/supporting evidence and to make representations pleas see:

http://consult.shepway.gov.uk/portal/core_strategy/cspropsubdocconsult

Any representations that are made on the document must relate to its soundness, meaning comments must focus on whether it is justified, effective and consistent with national policy.

After submission of representations and the Core Strategy to the Secretary of State, an Examination in Public will be held by the Planning Inspectorate in early 2012 to determine the soundness of the Shepway LDF Core Strategy.

Representations must be sent in writing will be made public. Further information on the Proposed Submission process and documents is available on: http://www.shepway.gov.uk/currentconsultation. For additional assistance, please email planning.policy@Shepway.gov.uk.

Please note we will not be able to accept representations after 23^rd September 2011, 17.00hrs.

Yours faithfully

Dave Shore

Planning Policy & Economic Development Manager

Shepway District Council

Village Meeting Thursday 1st September 7.30pm, Sellindge School

2011-08-05T06:16:00.000+01:00

Save Sellindge - The Fight Goes on - Meeting Thursday 1st September 7.30pm, Sellindge School

A message from the Chairman of Sellindge and District Residents’ Association - Ronald Lello

Dear Resident,

It is always very difficult to keep one’s output of energy at maximum. Long distance runners certainly can sprint but not for long. We too have to pace ourselves as we confront the various threats to family life in our village.

At our last village meeting it was suggested we meet again at around this time. However, we are still awaiting official publication of the Shepway recommended Core Strategy proposals. Shepway also appear to have gone ahead to grant planning permission for Test Masts for the proposed wind Turbines without informing Sellindge Parish Council of the meeting and we are not certain what will arise from that and whether the granting of permission is legally valid. And there are other unresolved issues. It therefore seems sensible to delay a village meeting until after the August holiday period.

Accordingly, we have booked the Sellindge school hall for Thursday 1^st September for a meeting at 7.30pm. This will be an all-important meeting because it will concern the design of this village for the next 25 years or more. Shepway have distinguished themselves by ensuring that we are consulted and are able to make a contribution to what happens. Therefore your views can have some effect. So please do make every effort to attend on the 1st September. We shall make an effort to bring to your attention what the proposals are and what the various responses might be to them.

We shall also be able to report on an up to date account of Otterpool and the other issues including the Lorry Park.

Let us pray for better weather and hope everyone can enjoy the summer month to come,

Kindest Regards

Ronald Lello

What's new on the website up to 26th June

2011-06-26T12:03:00.001+01:00

A few items have been added in the last week to the Sections in the right-hand column, as listed below (note - just click on the link in the Section matching the description). Once finished, click on 'Home Page' or 'back-arrow' in the top left of the screen, to return to here. These entries are at the top of the corresponding Sections, with last week's underneath - all identified by use of the word 'New' at the start of the description.

Section 4 - Lorry Park

a1) Policy on Service areas and other roadside facilities on motorways and all-purpose trunk roads in England

a2) Truckstop planning initiative

Section 7 - Correspondence including replies from KCC

1) Question to Paul Carter - Otterpool Quarry clean-up - KCC responsible to see its done - updated

2) Concern as to how the clean up will be properly done - updated

3) Hollingbourne Application - Covenant - Richborough planning application information

What's new on the website - last 10 days to 22nd June

2011-06-19T07:19:00.051+01:00

(Note - this weeks new entries in the right-hand Sections start with 'New' with 'last weeks items renamed from New to older)

Section 2 - Otterpool Waste Application

a1) + a2) Parish Council letter to KCC with KCC's reply

Section 3 - Wind farms

a) Neighbours force noisy wind farm to shut down
b) 38 days when wind farms can't work
c) Industry wakes to the dangers of green lunacy

Section 4 - Lorry Park

a) Hoping that freight trains can lighten the load on roads

Section 5 - Shepway Housing/Village Green

no updates

New Section 6) - Other Sellindge Issues

a) Carbuncle at Sellindge Convertor Station - planning application 11/00667/AS to build a Transformer substation on stilts above the tree line in full view of the valley

Note - This is an application to Ashford Borough Council so that is where your comments should be directed. You can do it online from the planning application search pages if you want, or write to Carol Ridings at Ashford Borough Council and quote the planning reference 11/00667/AS. Ashford have also consulted Shepway on this application because it is close to the district boundary. So you can write to Shepway Planning as well if you have any opinions on this and want them to know about it.

Section 7 (old Section 6) - Correspondence including replies from KCC

a1) + a2) reply to KCC reply

b) How far is Sellindge from the site at Otterpool Lane

c) Kent Sites Waste Development Plan

d) Covenant questions - Hollingbourne Application
e) Ombudsman investigate planning system - has there been injustice to an individual or group?
f) Updated - How the developer will be made to clean up contaminated soil at Otterpool Lane

g) Noisy and Unsightly wind turbines

What's new on the website - week ending 11th June

2011-06-11T15:11:00.011+01:00

A number of items have been added in the last week to the Sections in the right-hand column, as follows (note - just click on link, once finished click on 'Home Page' or 'back-arrow' in the top left of the screen, to return to here):

Section 1 - Home page + Contacts

Note - Don't forget its important to let those representing us to know how you feel. You can still 'contact' those in the contact list above about any issues.

Section 2 - Otterpool Waste Application

a) Waste Sites Development Plan Document - Options consultation

Section 3 - Windfarms

a) Wind farms aren't just a blight, they're a folly
b) View from your window could win protection
c) A copy of the Application form

Section 4 - Lorry Park

a) Fast rail freight answer to Operation Stack?
b) Bid to move freight from roads to HS1 being trialled

Section 5 - Shepway Housing/Village Green

a) Shepway due to publish at end of July the proposed Submission Core Strategy

Section 6 - Correspondence including replies from KCC

a) concern - how the developer will be made to clean up contaminated soil at Otterpool

Shepway due to publish at end of July the Proposed Submission Core Strategy

2011-06-11T14:18:00.002+01:00

Please find below a copy of an email recently received from Shepway re the above. It advises amongst other things that Shepway intends to invite representations on the document for a minimum of 6 weeks. Please read on.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Piran.Cooper@shepway.gov.uk [mailto:Piran.Cooper@shepway.gov.uk]
Sent: 06 June 2011 09:22
To: Planning.Policy@shepway.gov.uk
Subject: Shepway District Council Local Development Framework - Core Strategy - Summer 2011 Consultation

Dear Sir / Madam,

At the end of July Shepway District Council is due to publish the Proposed Submission Core Strategy. It is contacting those organisations and individuals who have made representations and comments on the developing policy in the past to provide prior notification of the period for the public to make representations on the document.

The council intends to invite representations on the document for a minimum of six weeks (ending September 2011). Please be aware that this is part of the statutory process the council is required to comply with under planning legislation. The council will not therefore be able to guarantee that any responses received outside of the recognised consultation period will be able to be considered.

Accordingly, please ensure that you or your organisation is prepared to consider its possible representations in time for them to be put forward by mid September. Expected key principles for the strategy have been discussed by Shepway’s Cabinet, and are publicly available as set out in the Report available @ www.shepway.gov.uk/currentconsultation. You will be able to access this report via the link to the Cabinet Report 13^th April 2011 - see Agenda Item 5 Shepway Local development Framework Core Strategy - Key Decisions. Please also note that a pre-consultation presentation version of the Proposed Submission Core Strategy will be available in early July.

All comments must relate to whether the Core Strategy is considered to be sound; that is supported by a robust evidence base, effective in delivering the policy objectives and that it supported by national policy.

You will be informed of the start of the period for representations in due course. This will be the final period for interested parties to comment on the Core Strategy before the document (and the representations made on it) are submitted to Secretary of State for Examination in Public.

Please notify us if your details are incorrect or if you would like them to be removed from the council’s data base. You can contact Planning Policy by replying to this email or by telephone on 01303 853266 or 01303 853337.

Yours Faithfully

The Planning Policy Team

reply from Defra re planning involvement, points considered, when waste can't be recycled

2011-06-05T06:31:00.004+01:00

Click on the top link in 'Section 6 - Correspondence including replies from KCC' of the right-hand column to see the reply from Defra re the above.

Once you have finished reading just click on 'Home page' link in Section 1 to return to here or the back arrow in the top left of your screen to return to here (note - you may see blank space on the left. Just scroll up to see the top of the website get to the top of the page as before).

KCC asks the Public for their views on waste and minerals consultation

2011-06-02T18:05:00.004+01:00

KCC published an article on their website on 31st may 2011 on the above topic. It starts as follows:

"Your views count! Kent County Council is making a call for action to help determine future waste and mineral activities in the county. We want to hear from local residents and businesses as their views are vital.".........

To read more, click on the top link of Section 2 in the right-hand column, entitled 'KCC asks the Public for their views on waste and minerals consultation'.

Once finished, click on the back-arrow at the top left of the screen to return to here.

Pollution

2011-05-31T06:43:00.000+01:00

Please click on the second link down in 'Section 2 - Otterpool Waste Application' entitled Pollution. This contains a response from Defra regarding potentially contaminated land.

Once you have please click on the back-arrow at the top left of your screen, or the 'Home page' link in Section 1 to return to here,

Richborough Waste Treatment site approved

2011-05-30T11:16:00.006+01:00

An article re the above was published in the Kent on Sunday, dated May 29th, 2011. The full article can be viewed by clicking on the top link entitled 'Richborough Waste site approved' of 'Section 2 - Otterpool Waste Application'.

Note - the article is in the bottom right corner. You can reposition the page by holding the mouse down over the page and then moving it slightly. Click on the page to enlarge. Once finished click on the back arrow to return to here.

KCC Planning website now has documents and drawings that led to the approval

2011-05-28T15:33:00.000+01:00

Information re the above, including how to view, can be seen by clicking on the top link in the coloured Section 2 in the right-hand column. Once finished, click on the back-arrow at the top left of the screen to return to here.

Waste Management companies active in the South-East

2011-05-28T14:54:00.001+01:00

On page 2 of the 'Remade - Southeast' wbsite is a list of the details of waste management companies active in the South East. The dots represent the type of waste each company will collect.

http://www.remade-southeast.co.uk/rse/docs/Projects/ashford/ConstructionWaste.pdf

When you have finished, just click on the back-arrow in the top left of the screen to return to here.

KCC invite Residents' Asociation representatives to meet - your questions please

2011-05-25T11:01:00.002+01:00

A team from the Residents Association has been invited to Maidstone to meet the KCC Planners on Tuesday 31st July. It might be that because we have ‘not gone quietly’, they want to introduce a bit of ‘management’ to wrap us up once and for all. So we would like you to send us the questions or comments you want to make to sellindgeresidents@gmail.com and we shall ensure not only are we not wrapped up but that we begin the task of unwrapping KCC! They need to experience the consequences upon us, of the kind of actions they have taken. Do not let them just walk away. They are responsible. We will have to live with the consequences and so should they.

Contacts Information - including who to contact re what

2011-05-24T10:35:00.001+01:00

As requested, at the recent Village meeting, contact details have been added to the website to assist with matters including:

Questions to ask the appropriate Council members regarding in particular the Otterpool Waste Planning application and associated issues
Freedom of Information requests, or
Any other communication/questions you may have for your local representatives

These contact details (including postal and email address and their area of responsibility can be found by clicking on the link 'Contacts' in Section 1. Once you have finished with the 'Contacts' section then please click on the backward arrow in the top left of the screen to return to here.

BBC Radio Kent - Ronald Lello - live - Tuesday 24th May, 7.45am and 8.45am

2011-05-24T10:32:00.006+01:00

BBC Radio Kent will be interviewing live our Chairman, Ronald Lello, tomorrow Tuesday 24^th May, during their early 6am to 9 am programme - "Breakfast with John Warnett and Clare McDonnell". The 2 interview slots are scheduled at 7.45am and 8.45am, although the actual times cannot be guaranteed.

BBC Kent will be asking about the Village meeting held on Tuesday 10^th May and the repercussions.

If you missed it then its available for the next 7 days via the BBC Kent radio link (see below) for the next 7 days. Click on the link for the programme http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/p00grj74 and this takes you to the BBC Kent iPlayer screen for the programme. Now you can go straight to each of the interviews in the programme by clicking near the top of the screen, in the bar to the right of the play/pause icon under the BBC Kent logo:

1) The first interview slot starts at 1 hour, 49 minutes into the programme
2) The second interview slot starts at 2 hours, 38 minutes into the programme.

Once you have listened to the interviews just click on the back arrow in the top left of the screen as normal to return to here.

Residents plan how to protest - Anger over developments

2011-05-17T10:00:00.001+01:00

The article re the above, published in the Folkestone Herald, dated 19th May, following the Village meeting on Tuesday 10th May, can be viewed by clicking on the top link in the coloured Section 2 in the right-hand column. Once finished, click on the back-arrow at the top left of the screen to return to here.

Villagers 'treated with contempt' by planners - Kentish Express article following meeting on Tuesday 10th May

2011-05-17T09:37:00.001+01:00

The article published in the Kentish Express, dated 12th May, following the Village meeting on Tuesday 10th May, can be viewed by clicking on the second link in the coloured Section 2 in the right-hand column. Once finished, click on the back-arrow at the top left of the screen to return to here.

Let's sort out this problem

2011-05-17T09:32:00.004+01:00

The article re the above, published in the Folkestone Herald, dated 19th May can be viewed by clicking on the second link in the coloured 'Section 4 - Lorry Park' in the right-hand column. Once finished, click on the back-arrow at the top left of the screen to return to here.

Village Meeting 10th May 2011 - YourShepway

2011-05-14T09:10:00.002+01:00

In this weeks edition of YourShepway, page 3, the following article appeared. Click on it to enlarge. Once read please click on the arrow in the top left to return to here.

YourShepway - Village meeting

Energy firm bid to put up 80m sensors - Folkestone Herald 12th May

2011-05-14T07:50:00.000+01:00

The following article was on Page 2 in the Folkestone Herald, dated 12th May 2011. Click once on the image below to enlarge so you can read it more easily. Once you have finished, click on the back arrow in the top left of the screen.

Sellindge and District Residents' Association

2011-05-11T07:26:00.007+01:00

If anyone has any thoughts, comments or copies or copies of correspondence with officials, please send these to Ronald Lello, Chairman, on sellindgeresidents@gmail.com

If you have information to be added to the website for all to see, please send this to Dave Motley (your name will be included unless you state otherwise) at dave@davemotley.co.uk

Invite to KCC to the Sellindge public Village meeting this Tuesday 10th May + Separate meeting with Ronald and key players

2011-05-08T11:26:00.009+01:00

From: sharon.thompson@kent.gov.uk

To: ronald@millenniumtrust.co.uk

Cc: Richard.King@kent.gov.uk ; Paul.Crick@kent.gov.uk

Sent: Friday, May 06, 2011 3:39 PM

Subject: RE: Greetings

Dear Mr Lello,

Thank you for your email. As my earlier email refers I am arranging a separate meeting with you and a number of other interested parties to discuss concerns that have been raised on the Otterpool Quarry planning application. The decision has however been taken in accordance with the planning process and therefore cannot be revisited. As part of that process the views of the locally community were taken into account and there were two site visits and public meetings arranged by the County Council along with public speaking to the Planning Applications Committee. As I have advised in previous correspondence, as the development was in accordance with planning policy for waste development the views of the local community were not over-riding in this instance. Planning decisions have to be made on planning grounds and are not determined on the basis of popularity. On this basis, I see no need for a further public meeting.

Kind regards

Sharon

Sharon Thompson

Head of Planning Applications

Planning and Environment,

Enterprise and Environment

Kent

County Council Invicta House, County Hall, Maidstone,

Kent

ME14 1XX

Internal: x6052

External: 01622 696052

www.kent.gov.uk/planning

Please consider the environment before printing this email

From: Ronald Lello [mailto:ronald@millenniumtrust.co.uk]
Sent: 05 May 2011 15:39
To: Thompson, Sharon - EE PE
Cc: Carter, Paul - LEADER; King, Richard - MEM
Subject: Re: Greetings

Dear Sharon,

Thank you very much for notice of a proposed meeting with you all. We look forward to that.

Regarding the Sellindge meeting, I should say that this meeting will be highly significant. A large number of villagers feel alienated, really alienated, from the process of local government in Kent. (Please refer to Kent Express www.kentonline.co.uk Hythe and Romney 28th April page 18) It is very difficult to understand how this can be allowed to happen in 21st century Britain. I am shocked by it. It is therefore in my view unthinkable that someone from KCC will not be here to answer questions. We all know that it will not necessairly be an easy evening but surely that goes with the job. I find it particularly disturbing that Paul Carter will not be coming or that he has not suggested someone to deputise for him. It seems to me that there must be someone in Kent Administration or Planning or the ruling political group who could deputise for you or Richard or Paul Carter - what about Mr Smith of Tonbridge? He had plenty to say. I remember him for his implacable conviction, so surely a man with such persuation of mind would leap at the chance of answering questions.

If no one attends you cannot expect us not to direct the attention of this village, the media and the national media to the implications arising. Nor can you expect that this issue will automatically fade away. Important national issues are raised by what has happened: we have made no decisions yet but we are currently consulting with others with direct interests and are considering potential action with others on a larger stage.

I look forward to you response,

Kindest Regards

Ronald

----- Original Message -----

From: sharon.thompson@kent.gov.uk

To: ronald@millenniumtrust.co.uk

Cc: Richard.King@kent.gov.uk ; Paul.Crick@kent.gov.uk

Sent: Thursday, May 05, 2011 1:01 PM

Subject: RE: Greetings

Dear Ronald

Thank you for your e-mail of 27 April regarding an invitation to attend a public meeting being held in Sellindge on the evening of Tuesday 10 May. Unfortunately, neither the Chair of the Planning Applications Committee, Richard King, or myself are available to attend.

However, in an earlier e-mail of 18 April and addressed to Richard King, you requested a meeting with Mr King, myself and the case officers involved in this application. We are currently in the process of arranging such a meeting at County Hall and hope to be able to contact you soon with some date options. We, therefore, do not consider there is also a need for another wider Parish meeting.

Kind regards

Sharon

Sharon Thompson

Head of Planning Applications

Planning and Environment,

Enterprise and Environment

Kent

County Council Invicta House, County Hall, Maidstone,

Kent

ME14 1XX

Internal: x6052

External: 01622 696052

www.kent.gov.uk/planning

Please consider the environment before printing this email

From: Ronald Lello [mailto:ronald@millenniumtrust.co.uk]
Sent: 27 April 2011 15:17
To: Thompson, Sharon - EE PE
Subject: Greetings

Dear Sharon,

Well, there seems to be a lot of letters, messages and emails flying around at the moment. I have also promised to join in by way of a long letter to you, but this email is not intended to be part of the main game. On this occasion I am writing to offer you an opportunity to bring some peace, quiet and repose to this part of Kent.

As you will be aware, much bitterness, frustration and cynicism abounds in Sellindge and district. This has been generated by the conduct of the KCC Planning team and the Planning Committee at the meeting in March. As I have said, I shall be writing to you about this in some detail. For now I just want to say that the anger is so strong here that we no longer have a Parish Council. Just two people, the Chairman and one other member have agreed to serve. The other members are retiring and we cannot find anyone to replace them. And this is in a village where 96% signed a petition, 700 marched and all meetings have overflowed. When asked, likely Parish Council candidates have said 'Why bother?' They all refer to the way KCC have and did, totally ignore the case which had been made by, we might say, 100% of the population plus Shepway, Damian Collins MP, all the parish councils, the race-course and the rest - just totally ignored it. Didn't even refer to it. And that is why we Sellindgers - politically active as we are - will not have a Parish Council next month.

Well Sharon, I do not want to labour the point in this Email letter. I shall be developing this and other points later. What I would like to do is help you find a way to neutralise all this anger, bitterness and frustration. We are having a public meeting in the village on the evening of the 10th May and I thought it would be a jolly good idea if you came along to explain to everyone just how the KCC Planning Office and Committee works and answer a few questions at the same time. Sellindgers are a good natured lot and I am sure you would get a warm welcome. And to keep you company I shall be inviting Mr Paul Carter and Mr Richard King - I am sure they will take good care of you as well. And besides the good people just mentioned, I thought I'd invite the media by sending them copies of this letter. We would be most obliged if you could say whether you are able to come, as soon as possible, because I would like to feature you on our publicity. I am sure that with your capabilities and experience of talking to the Planning Committee you can sway the meeting - I have even heard that some people want to rename Otterpool to Sharon's Quarry but I think the majority want the new name to be 'Carter's Folly'.

I look forward to your early reply,

Kindest Regards

Ronald Lello - Chairman Sellindge and District Residents Association

Village Meeting Tuesday 10th May - School - at 7.30pm

2011-05-08T10:25:00.001+01:00

Save Sellindge – The Fight Goes On

There will be a meeting at 7.30pm on Tuesday 10^th May 2011 at Sellindge School to hear the latest position and discuss future actions on the issues facing Sellindge including:

Otterpool Waste Application
The Wind Farm
The Lorry Park
Shepway Housing proposal including the Village Green
The Racecourse

We have invited Paul Carter and Sharon Thompson of KCC to talk to the Village regarding the Otterpool Waste Application proposal, their thoughts and their decision – will they come along?

Its Our Village!! – don’t let them decide its future for us - Please come along as We need to hear your views!!

New information added - mainly Section 2 - Otterpool Waste and Section 6 - Correspondence with KCC

2011-05-08T08:46:00.006+01:00

In the right-hand column, there have been information added this weekend gathered over the last few weeks (apologies for the delay). These are highlighted by beginning with '*** 1) New - ', etc. As usual, click on the link to view (click on the image where applicable to enlarge) and once finished click on the back arrow to return to here.

Sellindge Village News April 2011 - article by Ronald Lello, Chairman of the Residents Association

2011-05-04T06:19:00.010+01:00

SELLINDGE & DISTRICT RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION WHY BOTHER? - LET’S JUST ‘GET CARTER’ INSTEAD!

Yes why bother? What happened at the KCC Planning Committee Meeting in March which approved the Countrystyle application to build a Recycling Plant at Otterpool Quarry? What happened? First of all, our Susan – Cllr Carey made an excellent speech. What a pity the rest of them ignored it. Two members fell asleep soon after it began – although it is true they woke up in time to vote. One member made a speech about visiting the Airport Café many years ago and ‘didn’t find it up to much’. Most of those who did speak concentrated on what a very good idea it was to have a huge waste materials processing plant in the middle of the Kent countryside especially because it is surrounded by famous tourist attractions. “Paint it Heritage Green, chuck in a few trees and no one will even notice it.” typifies the level of erudition. Seemingly, it is all part of a KCC Planning Committee’s scheme to industrialise this part of rural Kent. The members meekly followed instructions given by the planners in the most one sided presentation that I can ever remember. There was no debate. No balanced examination of the issues. No concern or support for the lone Upper Otterpool dwelling or the independent Airport Café - the small Davids against the Goliaths. Not a single mention of the

Petition just presented by Cllr Susan Carey demonstrating an incredible 96% of Sellindge villagers together with very high support from the other villages, rejecting the proposal. The implacable opposition of the Shepway District Council and Planning Authority, the Parish Councils, the CPRE, the small local organisations - in fact the opposition of almost the entire local population - was dismissed out of hand and without discussion or examination. No, instead of intelligent debate there was just a lot of old fogies sat around talking about paragraph 3 sub section ii . . . . For three years we have worked to show just why this proposal is the right activity but in the wrong place. We have published our objections and even made a film about them. We have checked that the objections provide the substance for proper planning reasons to reject the proposal. We have provided the Planning Officers with our views in good time, unlike their disgraceful 4 working day notice of their 82 page, error prone and dense report. Even the vital Conditions are only being published as this is being written.

The whole exercise seems to be a defeat for the democratic process. And as for Localism – forget it! This whole process has caused either immobilising cynicism or real anger and frustration in this village. Localism? The Big Society? God help us. So why bother? Almost all the members of the planning committee fell in behind Chief Planner, Sharon Thompson’s pre-written summing up, which like the edicts of Mozart’s Queen of the Night, was a fine example of extreme obscurantism. Tightly armoured with their mechanistic formulae, the planners condemned our cause. Apart from perhaps three members, not a single thought for the community who live here. What really disturbed me was the way they all regarded their reductionist versions of planning regulations as true reasoning, while anything to do with real human beings was regarded as unstable emotionalism - something unreliable and un-defendable. ‘Human beings cost KCC money so let’s leave them out of this’ is the ruling idea. Well our message for them is we are human beings and we are going to make sure they know it. This is why we bother. In fact we bother so much that we invite Paul Carter who sits on top of the KCC pile, drawing a substantial pay and allowance packet, (when did he last visit Sellindge?) together with Sharon Thompson who I doubt is under-paid, Cllr Christopher Smith, the grey-suited hatchet man of Maidstone, together with John Champney (less said about him the better) to address a meeting of Sellindge villagers. Yes, it seems a good idea to ‘Get Carter’! We need him.

Ronald Lello Chairman Sellindge and District Residents Association 01303 813 140 sellindgeresidents@Gmail.com

Planning Application for Wind farm - 80 metres high monitoring masts

2011-05-04T04:34:00.000+01:00

Recently, in the local papers, a Planning Application was published for two 80 metres (the paper corrected the 80 foot to 80 metres) high monitoring masts to be erected to conduct the 'suitability tests' for the Wind farm. Any objections need to be submitted by 5th May. A direct link to the Planning Application on Shepway's website is at the top of 'Section 3 - Wind farms' in the right-hand column. Any comments need to be submitted within 21 days of the application (I think that means by tomorrow 5th May?)

The following article was in the Kentish Express. As usual, click on the picture to enlarge it. Once finished reading, click on the back arrow in the top left of the screen to return to here.

Shepway LDF Core Strategy - Sellindge Masterplan Conclusions

2011-04-12T10:53:00.003+01:00

Sellindge & District Residents' Association have just seen the ‘Shepway LDF Core Strategy – Cabinet Report 2011, entitled Sellindge Masterplan Conclusions’. Shepway, as yet, have not told us that it exists.

It can be viewed at the top of the 5th coloured Section 'Shepway - Housing/Village Green'. Just click on the link entitled 'Shepway LDF Core Strategy - Sellindge Masterplan Conclusions' to view. Once finished, click on the back arrow at the top left of the screen to return to here.

Residents’ Association will comment once it has been studied. .

Injustice

2011-04-09T08:52:00.006+01:00

Please view the top link in Section 2) 'Otterpool Waste Application' in the right-hand colum entitled 'Hollingbourne Application - failed'. Its an article including comments made by Hugh Robertson in January 2004 in regard to a green Waste Application that failed in Hollingbourne - the applicant was Countrystyle Recycling Ltd.

Sellindge & District Residents ' Association comments to follow.

Changes to the Website

2011-04-04T13:40:00.006+01:00

The website now has a Section for each of the 4 proposals, which would affect Sellindge, at the top of the right-hand column immediately below the 'Home page'. The top 6 Sections are:

1) The 'Home page' link - to return to 'Home'

2) Otterpool Waste Application (see Section 6 below to find correspondence including replies by KCC)

3) Wind Farm

4) Lorry Park

5) Shepway - Housing/Village Green

6) Otterpool Waste Application correspondence including replies from KCC

As you can see, there are various links within each Section.

If after clicking on a link, an image is shown of a newspaper article then by clicking on the 'image' it will be enlarged, making it easier to read.

Once you have finished click on the arrow in the top left corner to return to here, the 'Home page'.

Sellindge News - April 2011

2011-04-04T07:29:00.000+01:00

The April issue of the Sellindge Village News (Edition 564) includes various comments regarding the KCC Planning Committee meeting on 15th March 2011 where KCC approved the Anaerobic Proposal but with conditions.

A copy of the newsletter can be found at the bottom of the 2nd coloured Section - 'Otterpool Waste Treatment'. Just click on to view. The Chairman of the Sellindge & District Residents Association, Ronald Lello, comments are on page 4. Once finished, click on the back arrow at the top left of the screen to return here.

Published draft of the KCC Minutes of the Planning Applications Committee on 15 March 2011

2011-04-02T10:12:00.001+01:00

Here are the published draft of KCC Minutes of the Planning Applications Committee on 15 March 2011 - please note they 'could' be changed in a final agreed issue.

To view the draft minutes , please go to the right-hand column, 2nd coloured Section down named 'Otterpool Waste Treatment - Latest' and click on the link entitled 'Draft Minutes KCC Meeting 15 March 2011'. Once finished, click on the back arrow in the top left of the screen to return here.

Planning Application - Otterpool Quarry

2011-04-02T09:57:00.003+01:00

Here is an update I received from KCC as many others will have done .......

Dear Mr Motley, Please find attached a notification of the decision taken at the Planning Applications Committee on 15 April 2011 regarding the planning application at Otterpool Quarry, Ashford Rd, Sellindge (Ref: SH/08/124), for your information. If you have any further queries, please contact the case officer, Angela Watts, on 01622 221059. Regards Richard Bore (Planning Tech Support Team Leader).

To view the notification, please go to the right-hand column, 2nd coloured Section down named 'Otterpool Waste Treatment - Latest' and click on the link entitled 'Planning Application - Otterpool Quarry' ). Once finished, click on the back arrow in the top left of the screen to return here.

Otterpool Quarry decision notice - now on KCC website

2011-03-30T09:26:00.015+01:00

The decision notice for the quarry has appeared on the KCC website. It is a very dense form of document (13 pages long) and includes the list of conditions that KCC have applied.

These can be viewed at the top of the second coloured section down, in the right-hand column, named 'Otterpool Waste Application - Latest'. Just click on the link entitled "List of conditions KCC have applied" to read, scrolling up and down as you wish or you may prefer to print the document. Once you have finished viewing, just click on the back arrow at the top left of your screen to return to here, the "Home Page".

How KCC will monitor and enforce the planning conditions applied to the Otterpool consent

2011-03-25T06:39:00.005Z

Please see the new section, immediately below the Home page link, entitled 'Otterpool Waste Application - Latest', for the news since KCC approved but with Conditions.

Please see the top link in this section which describes "How KCC will monitor and enforce the planning conditions applied to the Otterpool consent." Just click on the link in the right-hand section to read this. Once you have finished viewing just click on the back arrow at the top left of your screen to return to here, the "Home Page".

Otterpool Waste - Information following KCC meeting

2011-03-16T15:09:00.043Z

Here is an informal preview of what is yet to be published officially by KCC planning ……………………….........................................................................

KCC say the list of "Conditions" raised by the Sellindge & District Residents' Association at the Planning Committee meeting on 16th March - that KCC referred to both during and at the end of the meeting - is acceptable and the spirit is acceptable and they will incorporate these "Conditions" onto their list of conditions.
The "Conditions" can be seen at the top of the 'Otterpool Waste Treatment' Section (2nd coloured Section down in the right-hand column) Just click on the link within this Section entitled 'Planning Conditions' to view. Once you have finished click on the back arrow at the top of the screen to return to here.

These "Conditions" will help force out the detail that has been so lacking during the application process, and from that the possibility that the development will become increasingly harder to justify economically.

They have a planning consent.

They now have to cross many demanding hurdles to be able to start building.

They have equally demanding hurdles to be allowed to operate the site.

We have to make sure that these hurdles are kept as high as properly required, and no circumvention of the requirements.
Other information in the 'Otterpool Waste Treatment' Section include on-line news from a variety of sources and hopefully will be available for a while. The local papers out this week should include further detail. This will be updated here early next week.

Breaking News - BBC 1 South East - tonight - 6.30pm - Wednesday 9th March.

2011-03-09T17:26:00.005Z

Our Chairman, Ronald Lello, is appearing live on BBC 1 South-East News tonight (Wednesday 9^th March) at 6.30pm.

If you miss Ronald or want to see him again, you will be able to watch it via BBC iPlayer until 6.30pm tomorrow night. (We shall also try and put a link here but not sure if this will be possible- watch this space.)

Breaking News - KCC PLANNING HEARING - Otterpool Quarry Waste Treatment - Confirmed 15th March

2011-03-07T14:08:00.007Z

Anaerobic Waste Recycling Plant application – confirmed - 15th March

KCC have confirmed the hearing of the Countryside's Otterpool Anaerobic Waste plant Application will be first on the Agenda at the planning meeting on Tuesday 15th March for consideration.

Please remember that County Councillor Susan Carey says such demonstrations do have a big effect so please make a huge effort to be there. Coaches have been re-booked for Tuesday 15th March to take protesters to County Hall Maidstone. People will need to be at the Village hall by 8.20 am, leaving on the dot at 8.30 am. The early departure is necessary due to the hearing starting at 10 am, the time it takes to get to Maidstone (including rush hour and being market day) and needing to present our Petition and be settled in place before the hearing. If you would like to join us on the coach then we are just asking for a £5 donation to the Residents’ Association.

If you have not already done so, please contact Margaret Ludlow via email mjludlow@toucansurf.com or telephone (01303) 813 369 as we need to know if you want to reserve a place on the coach

Any further information will be published as soon as available - keep watching!!

The local papers will include the latest and hopefully local TV !!

Letter from a local resident to the PM re the Otterpool Planning Application

2011-03-06T09:25:00.004Z

Please see below a copy of a letter from a local resident, Fred Turton, to the Prime Minister. 

For the personal attention of Mr D.Cameron
Dear Mr Cameron, we desperately need your personal help. The village in which I live is located half way between Folkestone and Ashford, Kent, on the main A20 road. We are a small village with a population of just under 2000 residents. On the outskirts of the village is an old aerodrome that is now being used as an industrial site.

On the edge of the site in question, a company called Countrystyle Developments, has put in a planning application to build an Anaerobic Processing plant for the conversion of waste food to fertiliser and methane gas. The site chosen is on the south side of the village in the path of the prevailing South-westerly wind. The Plants produce obnoxious gases and it’s fairly obvious that we are going to suffer when these are blown across the village. With the best intentions it will be impossible to control the stench. The location of the Plant is only about 30m from the nearest house and directly opposite a thriving café.

The people of Sellindge are so incensed that they have signed a petition against the construction of the Plant. The response is over whelming with a 96% return. This brings me to your personal and government policy ‘that local communities must not have projects forced on them from above. It must be an agreement between the community and their local council’. We are having a meeting with Kent County Council (KCC) on the 15^th March. It has been indicated that KCC is going to grant planning permission on the grounds that any problem can be technically solved. This is completely contrary to your policy of local involvement.

What infuriates us as a village is that those who decide and those applying for application are not affected by the outcome; we have to live with it. I am sure that if there was a possibility of such a Plant being built in the locality where these people live, they would fight it “tooth and nail”. Tell me, would you like to have a plant that produces obnoxious gases being built in the locality of your home, obviously the answer is no? So why should we be expected to suffer just because some people want to make money?

The people of Sellindge are all in favour of recycling. This is evident with the way in which they take great pains to separate their rubbish every collection day. We very rarely have the roads swept by the local council but you don’t see any rubbish on the roads as the locals will pick it up, even if it’s someone else’s. We live in a rural area and cannot see why the Plant cannot be erected somewhere else and away from any residential area. At the moment we feel that we are being “rough shod” over by KCC and Countrystyle Developments. In my opinion they have absolutely no consideration for anybody but themselves. Why should a community suffer just because a few selfish people want to make money? If the recycle process is so essential then let some of the farmland be developed to cater for this? To me the ideal location would be at Dungeness, next to the power station which is sparsely populated.

On the BBC Breakfast TV a few weeks ago, they did a report on one of the existing Anaerobic Plants. The waste product that they showed was just one lorry load. The reporter in her closing sentence actually remarked, “What a Pong”. This was just one load but according to Countrystyle’s own website they are expecting to use over 100 Lorries a day. The thing is how large is this Plant going to be to cope with all this stuff? Added to this there is the problem of pollution from the exhaust of the number of Lorries used. Finally, there is the problem with vermin. During the summer we are going to be plagued with flies and it will obviously attract rats and mice. No doubt Countrystyle will use the argument that this will all be taken care of but I very much doubt that they will be able to control 100% of any problem that may arise. Someone may have to take them to Court under the Tort of Nuisance but who will foot the bill?

We live in a democratic society so surely the wishes of the majority should prevail.

Thank you for your time. I realise that you are an extremely busy man but the people of Sellindge are desperate. So please help.

Yours sincerely,

Fred Turton.

Copies to:

Kent County Council.

Shepway District Council.

Countrystyle Developments

Ecotricity reveals plans for a windfarm in Sellindge - EXHIBITION 3rd MARCH in Sellindge Village Hall

2011-02-25T06:05:00.009Z

Ecotricity has arranged a public exhibition of its plans to be held in the Sellindge Village Hall on Thursday 3rd March from 1pm to 7pm.

Representatives from the firm will be on hand to answer questions from visitors.

In this weeks Kentish Express and Folkestone Herald (24 February) on pages 17 and 5 respectively, are the articles below. Click on each image to increase its size, so you can read it more easily. Once you have finished, click on the back arrow in the top left of the screen to return to here.

Sellindge Petition - Tuesday 1st March 2pm - be there

2011-02-24T18:28:00.002Z

To Members and Friends of Sellindge and District Residents Association

INFORMATION REGARDING SELLINDGE PETITION

One of the most impressive actions taken by you, the residents of Sellindge village was to sign the Petition organised to ask KCC Officers and Members to stop the application by Countrystyle to build an industrial sized Waste Treatment Plant at Otterpool Lane Quarry.

We now understand that the Application is going to be heard at Maidstone on the 15th March. Therefore we are going to present Cllr Susan Carey with the Petition tomorrow, Tuesday 1st March at 2 00 pm at the Airport Cafe and the Press will be there to record it all. While this is short notice we do hope you may be able to attend.

This Petition is significant in that over 96% iof the village signed it - that has got to be close to being a UK record. Our message to Countrystyle remains the same - Industrial Processes belong in Industrial Parks - not in the beautiful Kent countryside,

Kindest Regards Ronald Lello, Chairman

Reclaimed land lorry park 'would end Stack chaos'

2011-02-15T05:59:00.001Z

Recently, in the local papers, the following article appeared. Click on the image to increase its size, so you can more easily read the article. Once you have finished, click on the back arrow in the top left of the screen to return to here.

Shepway Housing - Urban Initiatives Update

2011-02-14T06:30:00.003Z

Update from Urban Initiatives - 17 February 2011

Thank you for all your help and feedback with the Public Exhibitions in early December. Since the end of the public consultation Urban Initiatives have been taking everyone’s comments on board and working away on the final Masterplan. The council expects to be issued with the final Masterplan by early March and you will be notified when the document is available to view online.

In the mean time the Sellindge Masterplan Stage B- Viability Report is now available to view on their website

http://www.sellindgefuture.org.uk/ (go to the 'Downloads' page)

This document includes details of the options appraisal workshop that was held on 15^th November with the team and the outcomes.

Lydd Airport - Expansion - flights - long approach right over Sellindge?

2011-02-14T06:26:00.008Z

Inquiry begins over expansion of airport

In this weeks Folkestone Herald (24 February) on page 7, is the article (see image) below. Click on the each image to increase its size, so you can read it more easily. Once you have finished, click on the back arrow in the top left of the screen to return to here.

The ILS maps from the CAA show the long approach being right over Sellindge. The flight paths have been overlaid onto an aerial photomap in an attempt to make it more understandable where the flight paths actually are/would be. The flight path above Sellindge seems to be around 2000 to 3000 feet. You can see aerial photomap described in the right-hand column, at the top of the 'Recent Updates' section (5th coloured section down). Just click on the link entitled 'Lydd Airport expansion Flight Path' to view. Once you have finished click on the back arrow at the top of the screen to return to here.

KCC PLANNING HEARING - Otterpool Quarry Waste Treatment - NOW 15th March

2011-02-09T16:31:00.009Z

Anaerobic Waste Recycling Plant application – deferred to 15th March

KCC have once again deferred the hearing of the Countryside's Otterpool Anaerobic Waste plant Application due to further information needing to be considered.

It is now scheduled to be heard at the following KCC meeting on Tuesday 15th March, at 10.00am. Please remember that County Councillor Susan Carey says such demonstrations do have a big effect so please make a huge effort to be there.

Coaches have been re-booked for Tuesday 15th March to take protesters to County Hall Maidstone. People will need to be at the Village hall by 8.20 am, leaving on the dot at 8.30 am. The early departure is necessary due to the hearing starting at 10 am, the time it takes to get to Maidstone (including rush hour and being market day) and needing to present our Petition and be settled in place before the hearing. If you would like to join us on the coach then we are just asking for a £5 donation to the Residents’ Association.

Please register your interest by contacting Margaret Ludlow via email mjludlow@toucansurf.com or telephone (01303) 813 369 if you have not already done so.

Any updates will be posted here as soon as we hear anything.

Anaerobic Waste Recycling Plant application - official protest 15th February outside KCC

2011-01-29T05:28:00.009Z

Following on from the Folkestone Herald article below, we need to protest at KCC regarding this application. here is a brief summary of some key points:

Would you want an Anaerobic Waste Recycling Plant on your doorstep – that is what this proposal is all about! Its proposed to be near people’s homes in the village of Sellindge, opposite the Airport Café – with much extra heavy traffic (150 lorries plus per day) - along the already overloaded A20, in a highly dangerous location. Also, there is the extra noise to suffer every day/all day and the damage to our beautiful countryside, with the additional major concerns regarding local habitation and plants. What about pollution to local sewage and water. Surely, there must be a more appropriate place away from people and houses.

Margaret Ludlow has provisionally booked buses to take protesters to County Hall Maidstone on the 15th February and already people have put their names down. If you can possibly come to Maidstone to demonstrate to the Planning Committee your opposition to the proposals please do so. County Councillor Susan Carey says such demonstrations do have a big effect. Please register your interest now by Contacting Margaret on mjludlow@toucansurf.com or 01303 813 369.

Further news will appear here as soon as its known so please keep looking.

Protest to stop sludge plant plan - Folkestone Herald article 27 January - join our protest

2011-01-28T05:55:00.014Z

In this weeks Folkestone Herald (27 January), is the article below. Click on the image to increase its size, so you can more easily read the article. Once you have finished, click on the back arrow in the top left of the screen to return to here.

KCC - Kent Mineral and Waste Sites Development Plan Documents - Supplementary Options Consultation

2011-01-27T08:12:00.001Z

From: Rachel.Cutler@kent.gov.uk [mailto:Rachel.Cutler@kent.gov.uk]
Sent: 21 October 2011 15:23
To: dave@davemotley.co.uk
Subject: Kent Mineral and Waste Sites Development Plan Documents - Supplementary Options Consultation

Dear Consultee

Mineral and Waste Sites Development Plan Documents - Supplementary Options Consultation commencing on Monday 24^th October 2011.[1]

Kent County Council is part way through the process of preparing a new Minerals and Waste Development Framework. The final framework will be in three parts – a Core Strategy, a Mineral Sites Development Plan Document and a Waste Sites Development Plan Document.

This email[2] is to notify you and invite you to join the consultation on the supplementary minerals and waste sites options. You are invited to give us your views on the site options that are proposed.

The current consultation document includes nine new sites submitted late to our site assessment process as well as five sites previously consulted upon between May and August 2011 which now have significant modifications. It also gives details of two sites withdrawn by the operator or landowner who promoted the site for consideration.

The Mineral Sites and the Waste Sites Development Plan Documents consultations at ‘options’ stage, held between May and August 2011, was the first time we have asked for your views in the process of preparing these plans. These documents identified proposed sites for consideration for future minerals or waste uses. The responses received from that consultation are informing the site assessment and selection process in preparation for the final allocation of suitable sites in later consultation stages. No decisions have been made yet regarding which sites will become allocations.

To submit your comments and view the document we recommend you go to our online consultation portal at: http://consult.kent.gov.uk/portal/supplementary_sites/site_options. Alternatively you can email your comments to mwdf@kent.gov.uk or write to us at:

MWDF Project Team

Planning and Environment

Kent

County Council,

Invicta House, Maidstone

Kent

ME14 1XX

This consultation closes at 5pm on Monday 19^th December 2011.

You can also inspect copies of the Supplementary Sites consultation document at the main Kent County Council offices[3], in Gateways, and in

Kent

libraries. Please note all comments received will be published online on our consultation portal.

Please contact us at the addresses above or visit our website www.kent.gov.uk/mwdf for further information. If you prefer to be contacted in future by email, please send us your email address.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully

Lillian Harrison

Minerals and Waste Policy Planning Manager

[1] Formal Notice of the Preparation of Kent County Council’s Minerals and Waste Development Framework – Regulation 25 Consultation.

[2] made in accordance with Regulation 25 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Development) (England) Regulations 2004 (SI 2004/2204) (as amended by the Town and Country Planning (Local Development) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 (SI 2008/1371) and the Town and Country Planning (Local Development) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2009

[3] Sessions House, Maidstone; Joynes House, Gravesend; Kroner House, Ashford; Kings Hill Office, West Malling; St. Peter's House, Broadstairs.

Letter to Mr Cameron - People must not have policies forced on them from above

2011-01-27T05:30:00.002Z

7^th October 2011

Dear Mr Cameron,

This is my fourth letter to you about your statement that “people must not have any scheme thrust upon them from above”. Like many others, I am still waiting for this to become law.

Your government has said that there will be no restrictions on building houses in the countryside. The argument given is there is a shortage of affordable houses. When I was at a local meeting I asked what is affordable housing but nobody could give me a definite answer. Unfortunately, if the building programmes materialises this will allow the builders and land owners, to disregard the views of local people who will be “rough shod” over by these people. It is pointless saying that Local Government will control the situation. From the experience of the people in my village, Local Government is more interested in legal costs if a plan is rejected and the applicants appeal.

If you had instigated your suggested policy you would have been top of the Popularity Poll. You would have enabled local people to become involved in all planning in their locality; a true democratic procedure. A scheme could be devised whereby a committee would be formed incorporating those who will be affected by the outcome. From our experience, those who apply and those who decide are unaffected by the outcome whereas those living locally have to live with it.

Please will you establish what you said?

Yours sincerely,

F.J.Turton

Reorganise local government? - response from Eric Pickles

2011-01-27T05:27:00.002Z

From: fred turton [mailto:brain37@live.co.uk]
Sent: 11 October 2011 09:10
To: dave
Subject: RE: Letters

I got a reply from Eric Pickles or from his department, who said that there are no immediate plans to reorganise local government. The way the economy is going I have a feeling that they may come back to my suggestion as they are desperate for money. The cut backs we are getting and the general attitude is identical to the Thatcher period. I have the book 'Dancing with Dogma' by Ian Gilmour who was in Thatcher's Cabinet and reading it is like reading today's newspapers. During her time we had that magnificent bonanza of North Sea oil and gas, which was wasted on the unemployed, unlike Norway who invested theirs in their infrastructure. At the time I was studying Industrial Relations at a high level and could see through their arguments.

I wrote to Duncan Smith about the State Pension. I also wrote to a previous minister a good few years ago on the some subject. They keep telling us that they cannot to pay pensions at the same rate. I said that everyone who pays NHS contributions is entitled to a pension. I asked the questions, how many people die before pensionable age, a year after or by the age of 70 years? I was told that a third of women and two thirds of men die before this age. How many women actually draw a full pension? I said instead of talking about the cost they are in fact saving £millions. As it is we have the worst State Pension in Europe with the next lowest being Holland where the pension is twice as much as ours. I said that its not a case of can't afford it but more that they don't want to afford it. Unless people die everyone is affected. I am still waiting for a reply.

Fred

Abolish the County Councils?

2011-01-27T05:23:00.000Z

From: brain37@live.co.uk
To: ceefax@bbc.co.uk
Subject: Re: Costs
Date: Sun, 9 Oct 2011 19:38:00 +0100

I agree with you PC, Worcestershire, 9/10, about reducing the number of MP's. I would go a stage further and have written to the government suggesting that they should abolish the County Councils. I pay 70% of my house tax to the County Council and the work they do is duplicated by the District Councils. If this was implemented then the system would be more democratic as this Council must be more responsive to local pressure. Instead of paying for very large salaries and the up-keep of County Hall, the money could go direct to those who are responsible for local needs.

Thank you,

Fred Turton.

Update/Reply from Environmental Agency to Susan Carey email re Environmental Permit application from Countrystyle Recycling

2011-01-25T07:11:00.011Z

From: Susan.Carey@kent.gov.uk

To: mjludlow@toucansurf.com

Sent: Wednesday, October 19, 2011 10:03 PM

Subject: FW: Otterpool Quarry

Margaret - I think this information from the Environment Agency should be more widely shared. Can you get it on the SANDRA website?

Thanks,

Susan

From: Dengate, Alan [mailto:alan.dengate@environment-agency.gov.uk]
Sent: Wed 19/10/2011 15:28
To: Carey, Susan - MEM
Cc: Cansdale, Alan
Subject: RE: Otterpool Quarry

Dear Cllr Carey,

Thank you for your email of 18/10/11, Alan Cansdale has asked me to reply on his behalf.

As a quick summary for your newsletter, we have not received an Environmental Permit (EP) application from Countrystyle Recycling.

However, you may like to include any of the following Q&A's/links/attachments as further background information for your readers.

How long would an Environmental Permit (EP) take to determine ?

For a Bespoke permit, up to 4 months from when the application is received. However, if the application for the permit is more complex because of other legislation or planning constraints, then we would agree a different timescale with the applicant.

More information can be found at this link:

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/aboutus/customercharter/default.aspx

How will we consult ?

For any EP application at Otterpool, we would use a range of methods to fully involve the local community in consultation process. Again, more in depth information can be found at this link:

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/topics/permitting/36420.aspx

Can they build the installation without having the permit ?

Technically yes, but they would be unable to operate the plant without the permit having been granted by us.

Do they need to de-contaminate the site first and is it contaminated land ?

Kent County Council granted planning permission on 28 March 2011. There are a number of planning conditions that will have to be met by the operator . All the conditions we requested to safeguard the environment were included and covered remediation of potential land contamination, surface water management and flood risk. More information on the planning decision can be found in the attached PDF document. (these can be found via the links below).

If you have any other questions, please let Alan or I know.

Regards.

Alan

Alan Dengate

Principal Communications Officer

Kent & South London and Solent & South Downs

From: Susan.Carey@kent.gov.uk [mailto:Susan.Carey@kent.gov.uk]
Sent: Tuesday, October 18, 2011 10:24 PM
To: Cansdale, Alan
Subject: Otterpool Quarry

I wonder if there is any news on Otterpool Quarry that could be shared with my Sellindge villagers? The copy deadline for our village newsletter is the end of this week and I'd like to say something even if it is only that there has been no progress.

Hope to hear from you.

Kind Regards,

Susan Carey

Member, Elham Valley

Kent County Council

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

KCC Decision - 28 March 2011

Environmental permits - What you need to know

Waste and industrial sites - How we decide whether to grant a permit under the Environmental Permitting Regulations

Environmental permits for waste operations and industrial sites - Making your views known

Two Wind Anemometer Masts erected Harringe Brooks - 20th October 2011

2011-01-24T07:50:00.007Z

Below are more photos of the two Wind Anemometer Masts recently erected (around 20th October 2011) on Harringe Brooks, Sellindge. The 6 intended wind turbines (depending on the results of these Masts and planning approval) will have a height of 79 metres to the hub, with a rotor diameter of 82 metres and believed to produce the equivalent to power 10,000 homes.

Note - you can google 'Ecotricity Sellindge' for more detail.

To see more clearly (enlarge the photo) click on the image below - thhe wind masts do appear in each photo. (You can obviously also go and see them for real, for example, from the A20/Otterpool lane.) Once finished, click on the back-arrow at the top left of the screen twice to return to the 'Home' page.

Harringe Brooks Wind Anemometer Mast - 20 October 2011

2011-01-24T07:33:00.003Z

Below is a photo of the first Wind Anemometer Mast erected on 20th October 2011 at Harringe Brooks. To see more clearly (enlarge the photo) click on the image below. Once finished, click on the back-arrow at the top left of the screen, twice, to return to the 'Home' page.

Lympne Airfield Village Green Application - photo shoot Saturday 26th November

2011-01-23T14:26:00.000Z

Dear All,

Lympne Airfield

Would everyone supporting our Village Green application to save the Airfield meet at the County Members Car Park at 9am next Saturday 26th for a picture to accompany an article in the HERALD following last week's public announcement in the Kent on Saturday.

It will only take half an hour to complete. Please get there if you can.

As there are many for whom we do not have an email address and to ensure that everyone is fully informed about what has to be done now to support our Village Green application a leaflet will be delivered during the next few days.

We look forward to seeing you on Saturday.

David

David Plumstead
Shepway Environment and Community Network
and
Out on a Lympne

Monks Horton Parish 'key questions/considerations' regarding Shepway's LDF for planning

2011-01-16T11:29:00.003Z

Minks Horton Parish have provided their 'thoughts/questions' to their locals regarding the Shepway LDF planning for new houses and development. This document asks key questions and raises thoughts for you to consider in your response to Shepway. Please view the document by clicking on the link below:

Monks Horton Parish 'key questions/considerations'regarding Shepway's LDF for planning

Once finished reading, click on the 'Home page' link at the top of the right-hand column to return to the Home page.

The latest on the 4 issues affecting Sellindge - Folkestone Herald 8th September 2011

2011-01-11T10:12:00.003Z

The Folkestone Herald published an article on 8th September covering the Village meeting on 1st September. To read the article (enlarge the print) click on the image below. Once finished, click on the back-arrow at the top left of the screen twice to return to the 'Home' page.

Scrapping wind farms will save each of us £550 - 7 Nov 2011

2011-01-11T05:50:00.001Z

The Daily Mail published an article on 7th November 2011 on the above topic. To read the article (enlarge the print) click on the image below. Once finished, click on the back-arrow at the top left of the screen twice to return to the 'Home' page.

KCC PLANNING HEARING - Otterpool Quarry Waste Treatment - NOW 15th February

2011-01-09T11:33:00.009Z

We have just heard that KCC's planners have put back the hearing of the Otterpool application from 20th January to the meeting on 15^th February. This is in no small part due to a formidable letter sent to KCC planners from Chris Lewis, Head of Planning at Shepway.

This new date should be confirmed by February 8^th. It is important that as many of us as possible make an enormous effort and get to Maidstone that morning to demonstrate. Susan Carey says such demonstrations do have a big effect. The trouble is that KCC will not confirm the position until five working days before the hearing - the same time when they will make their own views known about the proposals.

Margaret Ludlow has provisionally booked buses to take protesters to County Hall Maidstone on the 15^th February and already people have put their names down. If you can possibly come to Maidstone to demonstrate to the Planning Committee your opposition to the proposals please do so. Contact Margaret on 01303 813 369 or Dave on sellindgeresidents@gmail.com and look for further news here.

We in the Residents Association will be making a film about the threat of the proposed waste treatment operation for showing at the planning hearing and sending final letters to the Planning Committee together with other measures. We will keep you informed during the next few weeks.

Ronald Lello Chairman Sellindge and District Residents Association

Lorry park and turbines are 'major threats to village life - Kentish Express

2011-01-09T04:53:00.003Z

Kentish Express published an article on 8th September covering the Village meeting on 1st September. To read the article (enlarge the print) click on the image below. Once finished, click on the back-arrow at the top left of the screen twice to return to the 'Home' page.

A 2nd Wind Mast application on land adjoining Somerfield Court Farm

2011-01-06T15:48:00.005Z

Note that all Application Number:	Comments must be made by 15th August at the very latest (see image below - click on image to enlarge and click on back arrow to return to here) Y11/0670/SH - (click on application number for full detail)

Location:	Land Adjoining Somerfield Court Farm Barrow Hill Sellindge Kent
Proposed Development:	Erection of one 40.5m high, wind monitoring mast (mast structure comprising of maximum 152mm thick steel tubes supported by guy ropes), with associated meteorological instruments, for a temporary period not exceeding 18 months.
Applicant:	Mr R Price R Price And Sons Harringe Lane Sellindge Ashford Kent TN25 6EE

Address:	SOMERFIELD COURT FARM BARROW HILL SELLINDGE ASHFORD TN256JZ
Application No:	Y11/0670/SH
Date Opened:	21 Jul 2011
Status:	current

An answer to misery of Operation Stack could be agreed by Christmas

2011-01-06T15:27:00.001Z

Approved wind masts must have bat detectors - 14 July 2011

2011-01-06T15:22:00.001Z

The Kentish Express published an article on 14th July 2011 on the above topic. To read the article (enlarge the print) click on the image below. Once finished, click on the back-arrow at the top left of the screen twice to return to the 'Home' page.

Look for an alternative site away from a residential area + other planning applications rejected

2011-01-06T15:10:00.003Z

From: brain37@live.co.uk
To: ehwpriority.enquiries@kent.gov.uk
Subject: RE: 12313 - Otterpool Quarry
Date: Mon, 11 Jul 2011 14:12:25 +0100

Mr Sweetland, I regard myself as a reasonably intelligent person with four degrees and two degree equivalents. I remember exactly what Sharon thompson said and so do the other people from Sellindge who were at the meeting. The central theme was cost and there is no doubt about it. Mrs Thompson said, "It's legal and if you reject it, it will cost KCC a lot of money when they appeal". What more proof do you need?

The most disgusting aspect was that democratically it was a disaster. With all the opposition this application should have been rejected and Countrystyle told to look for an alternative site, away from a residential area. As I pointed in my letters to KCC, there was enough displeasure shown when they thought that a recycling plant was going to be built in Hollingbourne, near the homes of the then leader of KCC and his his deputy.

You mentioned that five planning applications had been rejected. How many of these appealed against the decision? This is the critical factor, the cost of appeal.

Fred Turton.

Subject: 12313 - Otterpool Quarry
Date: Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:30:01 +0100
From: EHWPriority.Enquiries@kent.gov.uk
To: brain37@live.co.uk

Sent on behalf of Mr Bryan Sweetland

Dear Mr Turton

Thank you for your email of 21 June concerning the planning application for waste management development at Otterpool Quarry. I note your comments and dispute that the application was not properly considered. Having spoken to those in attendance at the meeting I also have to dispute that the Committee were advised to refuse the application on cost grounds. This was not the case. The Committee were properly advised that the Council would be at risks of costs at appeal should the Council be unable to substantiate its grounds for refusal at appeal. Members were fully aware that they could determine the application contrary to officer advice and I am confident that they determined the application on planning merits which were heavily in favour of the development in this instance.

Kent County Council refused 5 planning applications between April 2010 and March 2011.

Given the copious amount of correspondence on this case and the difference of opinion between us, I think we may just have to agree to differ on this matter.

Yours sincerely

Bryan Sweetland

From: fred turton [mailto:brain37@live.co.uk]
Sent: 21 June 2011 22:08
To: Sweetland, Bryan - MEM
Subject: Re: Your letter.

4 Swan Green,
Sellindge,
Kent,
TN25 6EX

Dear Mr Sweetland,

I received your reply to my letter but all you did was to send me a copy of the letter composed by Sharon Thompson. I really despair with the correspondence I have received over the granting of planning by KCC. It seems that its impossible to get a straight answer. Reading Sharon's letter I find that it fraught with inaccuracies and quoted statements. I will take each one of these in turn.

Paragraph one says that the Otterpool site is 1 km from Sellindge. A kilometre is 1000 metres or the equivalent of ten football pitches joined end to end. In Imperial units this is 0.625 miles or 1100 yards. I think that KCC should buy a SatNav or a reasonable atlas or use Googal Virtual Earth. The Airport Cafe is within Sellindge and the houses start at about 150 metres away from the site and then continue to the far end on the Ashford side, about 2 miles.

The same paragraph states just how much waste is expected to be processed, 75000 tonnes of recyclable material. The amount of traffic being used will be considerable but I don't see any of the objections put forward by Hugh Robertson on behalf of Sandy Bruce Lockhart and Paul Carter, when there was a possibility that a similar site was suggested for Hollingbourne where the two latter people lived.

Paragraph two says that the planning application for the Otterpool site followed a three hour debate. I was there but did not see any debate in action. Just a few people spoke and it was totally biased in favour of the applicants. According to Sharon Thompson the members considered an 81 page report but strange as it may seem, I didn't see anybody reading such a report or referring to it. As for the 2000 signatures, these were totally ignored and treated with contempt. It was also stated that the Committee had visited the site twice and yet they raised no objection when the distance quoted by Sharon Thompson was given. The Committee members were fully aware of the feelings of the Sellindge residents at the meeting as the Chairman had to threaten some of the people about their behaviour. These people were flabbergasted at the undemocratic procedure and result.

Paragraph three says that objections were raised by all of the local councils as well as Shepway District Council. These were totally ignored and we live in a so called democracy. It was said that there were no technical objections but did KCC investigate the technicalities or did they as in the case of traffic movement on the A20, use the information from Countrystyle Development? From the experience so far, KCC has done no research but has relied on Countrystyle for all the information. At the very first meeting in our local village hall, Countrystyle said that there were no other Anaerobic Digesters in England. The nearest were in Scotland and Germany, which as it turned out, was untrue. Did KCC investigate this claim as I am sure that it didn't?

Paragraph four says that the proposals are contentious. Of course they are as KCC has allowed a recycling plant to be built on the edge of a residential area. They are supposed to be in accordance with the development plan. The people of Sellindge are fully in favour of the process but disagree about the recycling plants location, in exactly the same way that Hugh Robertson opposed it for Hollingbourne. By all means meet the targets laid down by central government but do so within the demands of those that it will affect. As for climate change, that is a contentious theory.

Paragraph five says that the criteria for the Otterpool site were within the policies in the Kent Waste Local Plan. What are these criteria? I wonder if they took into consideration the attitude and opinions of the local residents and the effect that a Digester would have on the environment.

Paragraph six says that there were 16 other sites that could have been selected for the recycling plant. If this was the case then why wasn't these sites presented to the residents of Sellindge? Was it the case that Countrystyle considered the Otterpool site the one with the least opposition? Were any of the 16 sites located near a residential area? At the Planning Application meeting it was said that there were 82 possible sites to choose from, which is correct?

Paragraph seven says that two councillors appeared to be asleep during the debate but they only closed their eyes so as to aid their concentration. I am sorry but I do not believe this to be true. If this was the case then why didn't these people contribute to the debate?

Paragraph eight says that committee members are not charged with examining or challenging every point raised. Surely this is why they are there. They should be fully aware of all the implications as they are the deciding factor. Only two people spoke in favour of the application and two against it. One person compared the outcome of this application with the situation when the quarry was operating in the 1960's. There is no comparison as in the 1960's the cafe was just a small building with petrol pumps at the front, in other words a petrol forecourt. There was no room for people to sit outside. Today, the cafe is much bigger with a patio for customers at the front, only yards or metres, from the A20.

Paragraph nine says that it is not unusual for Members to propose and second the recommendations early in the debate. The impression that I got and so did many of people present, was that this was not a debate. The Members were told how and why they should agree to the application. Sharon Thompson told them in no ambiguous manner that it is legal and if rejected will cost KKC a lot of money when the applicants appeal. Even those who possibly would have rejected it wouldn't do so which such a threat.

Paragraph ten says that the decision was not taken on the basis that the Committee could not afford the 'cost of appeal'. This is untrue as Sharon Thompson butted in and said, "The application is legal and if rejected it will cost KCC a lot of money when there is an appeal". If cost wasn't the main criterion then why did she say it? She virtually told them how to vote and what decision she expected. There was no mention about the effect that the recycling plant would have on the local community. In fact, there was absolutely no mention on how it would affect the residents of Sellindge.

Paragraph 11 says that the two councillors who seemed to be asleep were closing their eyes to assist their concentration. It's obvious that they were just bored and were going through the motions as they knew what the result was going to be. Just by looking at the representative of Countrystyle with his confident manner it was an obvious conclusion, which was evident from the start.

Paragraph 12 sums it up. Hugh Robertson expressed his views when there was the possibility of a Plant being built in Hollingbourne where the Leader of KCC and his Deputy lived. This was a blatant case of NIMBY where those applying and those deciding are unaffected by the granting of the application. It says that an unpopular decision in either procedural and planning assessment doesn't mean that its wrong. From a democratic point of view it does. The people from Sellindge who witnessed the meeting all agreed that it was a charade, with the main criterion being cost to the KCC. Countrystyle should have been told that their proposed site is too close to the residential area. I am sure that an alternative site could have been found.

If this case had been taken to Court a mediocre lawyer would have torn it to shreds. Unfortunately for the people of Sellindge there was no money available to do this. They pay their house tax of which 70% goes to the KCC who should have represented them. Instead, everything was in favour of Countrystyle Developments.

Now please answer a simple question, how many applications has KCC rejected this year?

Fred Turton

Copy to Sharon Thompson

Proof that the PM is tilting at windmills

2011-01-06T15:02:00.002Z

The Sunday Telegraph published an article on 3rd July 2011 on the above topic. To read the article (enlarge the print) click on the image below. Once finished, click on the back-arrow at the top left of the screen twice to return to the 'Home' page.

Operation Stack's £25m solution will soon be revealed - Kentish Express 7 July 2011

2011-01-06T14:54:00.001Z

The Kentish Express published an article on 7th July 2011 on the above topic. To read the article (enlarge the print) click on the image below. Once finished, click on the back-arrow at the top left of the screen twice to return to the 'Home' page.

Power slump as wind farms are left becalmed - Telegraph 1 July 2011

2011-01-06T14:36:00.002Z

The Telegraph published an article on 1st July 2011 on the above topic. To read the article (enlarge the print) click on the image below. Once finished, click on the back-arrow at the top left of the screen twice to return to the 'Home' page.

Paul Carter response - Otterpool application, Hollingbourne, Lorry park

2011-01-06T14:31:00.003Z

From: Paul.Carter-LEADER <Paul.Carter-LEADER@kent.gov.uk>

To: caroleandcolin4 <caroleandcolin4@aol.com>

Sent: Wed, 27 Jul 2011 11:12

Subject: RE: Your letter dated 28th.July.

Dear Mr Abbott

Thank you for your email of 12th July 2011 in response to my reply to your earlier letter of 25th May 2011. Your latest correspondence raises further questions about the Otterpool Quarry Planning application and an earlier planning application at Hollingbourne. I respond to the concerns that you have raised below.

Otterpool Quarry I am aware that you and others have been in correspondence with the County Council on this case and are very disappointed that planning permission was granted. This was an unpopular planning decision locally but one where planning policy was strongly in support of the development for a waste management facility. Planning decisions have to be decided on their planning merits and not on the basis of a popularity vote. In this particular case, the Planning Applications Committee were fully aware of the strength of local objection and considered this against planning policy and technical consultee views such as the Environment Agency and the Highway Authority that had no technical objection to the development. The views of local residents were considered but were not overriding in this instance. Planning decisions are taken by the County Council's Planning Applications Committee which is a quasi-legal process and not one that I as Leader of the Council is directly involved in. I am satisfied that the decision was properly considered and I do not have any discretion in this matter. I advised Damian Collins MP of this when he wrote to me in April. I have also advised him that I do not therefore think it would be necessary for a representative to attend the village and explain the decision further. The planning decision cannot be reconsidered. There has been much detailed correspondence with officers and elected Members on the application both prior and post the decision. This included two site meetings and two public meetings where the planning application process was discussed and a large number of local residents attended the committee meeting. In addition, following the planning decision, representatives from the County Council including the Chairman of the Planning Applications Committee, the Head of Planning Applications and Susan Carey, the local Member met with representatives from the Sellindge and District Residents Association. I understand that all correspondence is posted on a local website thereby widening access to the material.

Hollingbourne Recycling I assume that you are referring to a planning application that was made in 2004 at Greenway Court. This application was not comparable with the Otterpool Quarry proposal for a number of reasons and was never tested through the planning process. The Hollingbourne proposal was for an open windrow composting facility, whereas the Sellindge application proposed an anaerobic digestion plant and a materials recycling facility to be carried out in 3 buildings. The Hollingbourne planning application was also unpopular and attracted strong objection including from myself. However the application was never considered by the Planning Applications Committee as the applicant withdrew the application. There as on for this as shown on the planning application file is due to a covenant on the land. I cannot speculate what the outcome would have been, had the application been determined.

Lorry Park I note the comments that you make.

I trust that the above responds to your concern. Yours sincerely,

Paul Carter Leader of Kent County Council Please help to save paper by NOT printing this email unless absolutely necessary.

From: colin abbott

Sent: 12 July 2011 15:13

To: Carter, Paul – LEADER

Subject: Your letter dated 28th.July.

Dear Mr.Carter,

I refer to your letter dated as above which I received on 7th.July.In my letter to you dated 25th.May I asked you to comment specifically on Damian Collins letter which I enclosed. You have not done this. In his letter Mr Collins stated that,in respect of Otterpool Quarry he had asked you to exercise any discretion you had in support of local peoples’ views. In the event all local feeling was completely ignored. Why have you not commented on this? He also asked that you send representatives of KCC to the village to explain the decision. Again you have made no comment on this. When will you be arranging for someone, preferably yourself,to come? I also asked you to comment on the Hollingbourne Recycling application of a few years ago when all the objections you put forward to keep this away from your doorstep were equally valid to the Otterpool application which you supported. Can you please explain why. With regard to the Lorry Park proposal please do not have the sheer effrontery to ever inflict this on the vicinity of Sellindge. What about siting it near Maidstone or somewhere nearer your locality. I look forward to a more detailed response.

C.Abbott Sellindge resident

Kent Waste Sites Development Plan

2011-01-06T12:23:00.000Z

From: sharon.thompson <sharon.thompson@kent.gov.uk>

To: caroleandcolin4 <caroleandcolin4@aol.com>

CC: Linda.Songhurst <Linda.Songhurst@kent.gov.uk>

Sent: Mon, 27 Jun 2011 5:36

Subject: RE: Kent Waste Sites Development Plan (Will I get a reply?)

Dear Mr Abbott

The point that I am making is that planning applications are determined against planning policies which are set out in development plans. This is the current planning process and there are no current plans to change this. Once adopted the Mineral and Waste Development Framework will be the key development plan document that sets out the policies that future applications are considered against. It is on this basis that the consultation it is an important opportunity to shape future policy. Any objection to a future planning application will have to be considered on its merits and against the development plan policy. As I have advised previously, planning applications are not determined on the basis of popularity and if applications are to be refused the reason for doing so have to be backed up by development plan policy. There is no opportunity for the County Council to reconsider the Otterpool Quarry application.

Kind regards Sharon

Sharon Thompson Head of Planning Applications Planning and Environment,

Enterprise and Environment Kent County Council

From: colin abbott

Sent: 26 June 2011 19:42

To: Thompson, Sharon - EE PE

Subject: Re: Kent Waste Sites Development Plan (Will I get a reply?)

Dear Mrs.Thompson,

Thank you for your Email of 24^th June. Either I am not making myself clear or you are evading my question. The point I am trying to get answered is: you were insistent that in the case of Otterpool Quarry, in spite of all the objections, the application would be granted because there were no planning grounds for refusal. What then is the point of asking for comments on future applications? Please tell me. Will future applications be refused because there are objections from people who will be affected by them? Or will planning conditions prevail again and democracy be overruled as in our case. If a fairer system is to be introduced what about a rehearing for Otterpool Quarry when we might get some justice. I look forward to you answering the question. I will also remind Damian Collins MP to get in touch regarding the explanatory visit to Sellindge to explain the decision of 15^th March.

Colin Abbott

From: sharon.thompson

To: caroleandcolin4 <caroleandcolin4@aol.com>

Sent: Fri, 24 Jun 2011 8:19

Subject: RE: Kent Waste Sites Development Plan (Will I get a reply?)

Dear Mr Abbott

Thank you for your email. The current planning consultation on the Mineral and Waste Development Framework (MWDF) is a chance to inform the new planning policies that will be used in the determination of future planning applications. This will be the case when the MWDF is adopted. The reason that the Otterpool application was permitted was that it was in accordance with development plan policies, so this is an opportunity to shape future development plan policy considerations. I confirm that the County Council has not received the letter from Damian Collins.

Kind regards Sharon

Sharon Thompson Head of Planning Applications Planning and Environment, Enterprise and Environment Kent County Council

From: colin abbott

Sent: 23 June 2011 16:07

To: Thompson, Sharon - EE PE

Subject: Fwd: Kent Waste Sites Development Plan (Will I get a reply?)

Dear Mrs Thompson,

Thank you for your Email. With regard to the above, I was not asking you to comment on the Plan but I am puzzled as to why local opinion will form an important part on where and why future sites are positioned. In the case of Otterpool Quarry, I understood that the

Basis of your argument was that planning conditions outweighed all other criteria and this was why the sheer number of local objections were disregarded. So what therefore is the point of calling for local opinion in the future? If your view that planning requirements will

always prevail over democracy is true then each time there is an application permission will be granted to the exclusion of all else. Or are you expecting a radical overhaul to the system, which, given the experience of our village would be no bad thing.! .If you do not receive a letter from Damian Collins fairly soon with regard to coming to Sellindge please let me know and I will forward a copy of the one he sent to me. Thank You.

Colin Abbott

From: sharon.thompson

To: caroleandcolin4 <caroleandcolin4@aol.com>

CC: Linda.Songhurst <Linda.Songhurst@kent.gov.uk>

Sent: Thu, 16 Jun 2011 6:30

Subject: RE: Kent Waste Sites Development Plan (Will I get a reply?)

Dear Mr Abbott

Thank you for your email. I cannot pre-judge the outcome of the consultation on the mineral and waste development framework, but would advise that this is an important opportunity to shape planning policies for the future. Once the Framework is adopted, it is these new policies that would be used when deciding any future planning applications. I note your reference to the MP letter, but I have yet to receive the letter you refer to.

Kind regards

Sharon

Sharon Thompson Head of Planning Applications Planning and Environment, Enterprise and

EnvironmentKent County

From: colin abbott

Sent: 15 June 2011 15:01

To: Thompson, Sharon - EE PESubject:

Re: Kent Waste Sites Development Plan (Will I get a reply?)

Dear Mrs Thompson,

Thank you for your Email. You will appreciate I am sure, when you say it is an opportunity for local people to influence decisions that, in the case of Sellindge, 96%of the village were against it and it counted for not one jot!I ask the question again. What will be new now???? Also I have received a letter from Damian Collins MP today, dated13th.June,in which he says*I have asked that Kent County Council explains its decision properly to the people of Sellindge and that officers or councillors should come to the village to do so. I believe in your letter you said that you had not yet heard from him in this regard. Presumably you now have. I therefore look forward to hearing further from you on this matter.

Colin Abbott

From: sharon.thompson

To: caroleandcolin4 <caroleandcolin4@aol.com>

Sent: Wed, 15 Jun 2011 8:41

Subject: RE: Kent Waste Sites Development Plan (Will I get a reply?)

Dear Mr Abbott

Thank you for your email. The planning application for waste management development at Otterpool Quarry, Sellindge was determined in accordance with current planning policy and guidance. Planning decisions are determined in accordance with the development plan. The views of local residents were considered as part of the decision making process, but were not overriding in this case. The consultation you refer to relates to the Council's new Minerals and Waste Development Framework and once adopted will set out the strategy and planning policy considerations that future mineral and waste planning applications will be considered against. This consultation is an important part of the plan making process and provides an opportunity for local communities to influence development plan policies that will be used in deciding over the next 20years.

Kind regards Sharon

Sharon Thompson Head of Planning Applications Planning and Environment, Enterprise and Environment Kent County Council

From: colin abbott

To: planning.applications <planning.applications@kent.gov.uk>

Sent: Sun, 12 Jun 2011 17:07

Subject: Kent Waste Sites Development Plan

I see that KCC now have a Website calling for the views of the public in relation to the above and saying that their views will be taken in to account .i.e. The Big Society in action. Will you therefore tell me why at the Planning Meeting at County Hall on 15th.March the views of the 96%of the villagers who signed a petition against the Otterpool Quarry application WERE COMPLETELYDISREGARED????????

I AWAIT YOURREPLY.^!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

C. Abbott (Resident of Sellindge)

Otterpool Lane - contamination and pollution control

2011-01-06T11:20:00.002Z

From: EHWPriority.Enquiries@kent.gov.uk <EHWPriority.Enquiries@kent.gov.uk>

Subject: 12275 - Otterpool, Letter to Defra
To: mavis.turton@btinternet.com
Date: Wednesday, 22 June, 2011, 16:22

Sent on behalf of Bryan Sweetland

Dear Mrs Turton

Thank you for your email dated 28 May 2011 addressed to Mr Carter and your email to me of 31 May 2011. I am sorry for the delay in replying. Your emails raise concern about the waste management proposal at Otterpool Quarry and in particular the clean-up of any contamination on site and viewing arrangements for alternative waste management facilities.

In relation to your contamination concerns this matter was addressed at the planning application stage and will be further examined as part of the necessary environmental permit process. The planning application included a stage 1 risk assessment and the Council’s committee report covered contamination and ground water details in some detail. A copy of the Committee report and application documents is available on the Council’s website. The Environment Agency, as the Council’s technical advisors on this issue were satisfied with the information submitted. As part of the Environmental Permit process, the Environment Agency will look at contamination and pollution control aspects in greater detail than is required at the planning application stage.

I note your comments about viewing alternative waste sites as part of the planning process. There is no requirement for such viewing and applications have to be determined on the basis of the submitted information.

Yours sincerely

Bryan Sweetland

From: Horton, Debbie - BSS GL
Sent: Thu 02/06/2011 9:45 AM
To: Mavis Turton
Cc: Thompson, Sharon - EE PE; Sweetland, Bryan - MEM
Subject: RE: RE: Attachment to Defra Email

Dear Mrs Turton,

Thank you for your e-mail of 28 May addressed to Paul Carter. Mr Carter is currently away from the office and I have therefore copied your letter to Bryan Sweetland requesting that he responds to you on behalf of Mr Cater .

Kind regards

Debbie

Mrs Debbie Horton

PA to the Leader of Kent County Council

__________________________________________

Room 1.75, Sessions House, County Hall, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1XQ

Tel: 01622 694283 Fax: 01622 694085

debbie.horton@kent.gov.uk

Please help to save paper by NOT printing this email unless absolutely necessary. P

From: Mavis Turton [mailto:mavis.turton@btinternet.com]
Sent: 28 May 2011 17:28
To: Carter, Paul - LEADER
Subject: Fw: RE: Attachment to Defra Email

Dear Mr Carter,

As you can see from the attached file, I have been in touch with DEFRA, as well as the Environment Department, and they tell us that it is your responsibility to see that the site at Otterpool Quarry is cleaned up, because it is KCC who granted planning permission.

As there was considerable amounts of waste oil dumped at the site, I am sure you would want to oversee that the developer bears this in mind before construction is begun.

One of the documents I read stated that the soil should be clear of any contamination from the previous use of the site, namely quarrying, but the contamination as I understand it, was from unauthorised and possibly illegal disposal of diesel oil and creosote etc. This is obviously not within the use of a quarrying business. I would not like to think that the developer would not be required to clean the soil itself.

However, I know that the Environment Agency requires any contamination of soil to be treated at the expense of the person causing it, as my friend had a visit from the Environment people when a farmer noticed a smell of oil near to her boundary. She was told that if her oil tank had been leaking, she would be liable for any costs incurred in the removal and clean up of the offending soil. Fortunately, it was not her oil tank which had leaked.

Mr Sweetland has now given me the measurements of lorries and road width I have been asking for, but I was a little surprised to see that Countrystyle were the ones who undertook the traffic survey. I would have thought it should be Highways or some other independent party who did this. I am also glad that Mr Barratt's questions will be answered, and I thank you for bringing this about.

Kind regards,

Mavis Turton

--- On Thu, 26/5/11, Griffiths, Anthony (SEG) <Anthony.Griffiths@defra.gsi.gov.uk> wrote:

From: Griffiths, Anthony (SEG) <Anthony.Griffiths@defra.gsi.gov.uk>
Subject: RE: Attachment to Defra Email
To: "Mavis Turton" <mavis.turton@btinternet.com>
Date: Thursday, 26 May, 2011, 16:26

Dear Ms Turton,

Thank you for your reply.

My colleagues in the Environment Agency remind us that, within the planning conditions to be met by the operator, is the requirement to safeguard the environment, including remediation of potential land contamination.

As it is Kent County Council who granted the planning permission, please direct any Planning enquiries to them.

I hope you find this helpful.

Yours sincerely,

Anthony Griffiths

Customer Contact Unit

Defra

From: Mavis Turton [mailto:mavis.turton@btinternet.com]
Sent: 26 May 2011 15:12
To: Griffiths, Anthony (SEG)
Subject: Re: Attachment to Defra Email

Dear Mr Griffiths,

Thank you for your e mail and attachments.

I have read through the information carefully, and I would like to point out something important

The report says that the site should be cleared of contaminants associated with the previous use of the site, namely quarrying. It does not seem to require Countrystyle to remove pollutants which were dumped there since , which have no association with quarrying, namely that the site was used to dump considerable amounts of waste diesel and creosote, and that this was not discovered by the Sellindge Residents' Association until some hours before planning was granted. The Chairman of the Sellindge Residents' Association Ronald Lello, was shown onto the site by someone who knew about this dumping, and in Mr Lello's words, "A handful of soil from the surface still had the smell of diesel." This, even though the site has not been used for any other purpose for many years. It seems to demonstrate the level of contamination.

A friend of mine had a visit from the Environment Department when a farmer noticed a smell of home heating fuel in a field at the back of her house, and she was told that if the fuel had leaked from her oil tank, she would have to pay the cost of removal of the contaminated soil, and the cleaning of it. Fortunately, it was not her tank which was faulty.

I think that now the oil dumping at the Otterpool Quarry,

which appears to be considerable, has been discovered, it should be Countrystyle's responsibility to completely remove the contaminated soil, and have it cleaned, at their expense, and well before work on the site has begun. I am sure you would agree. There did not seem to be any importance placed on this at the KCC meeting.

I do hope, most sincerely, that you will enforce this rule, which should apply not only to private individuals, but to businesses which must be held responsible as well.
I really do not think that KCC is aware of the level of contamination, as I understand they only visited to site once, and briefly.

Could you tell me how I can make sure that all the authorities involved in granting the necessary permits to begin construction have proof that the contaminated soil has been removed and cleaned up.

Thank you once again for your help, it is very much appreciated.

Kindest regards,

Mavis Turton

Shepway LDF Core Strategy - Sellindge - Documentation - How to Access

2011-01-06T09:38:00.002Z

Below is an email received by a Sellindge resident after a request for the above from Shepway. This email provides information as to how to access the information.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Dave.Shore@shepway.gov.uk [mailto:Dave.Shore@shepway.gov.uk]
Sent: 05 August 2011 14:40
To: dave@davemotley.co.uk
Subject: RE: Copies please - Shepway Core Strategy etc.

Dear Motley

In terms of accessing, electronically, the Shepway LDF Core Strategy documentation I suggest that you try the following web link.

http://consult.shepway.gov.uk/portal/core_strategy/cspropsubdocconsult

Clicking on the blue 'Read and comment on document' tab will take you through to the document itself. I suggest you then click on the Policy CSD9 link - Sellindge Strategy.

To access the supporting evidence base, including the documents that you have listed below, click on the tab marked 'Supporting document' that is located directly under the 'Read and comment on' tab. Please let me know if you need any further assistance.

Regards

Dave

David Shore
Planning Policy and Economic Development Manager
Shepway District Council
Tel: 01303 853459

Proposal for 30mph limit in villages

2011-01-06T06:35:00.000Z

The Kentish Express published an article on 18th August 2011 on the above topic. To read the article (enlarge the print) click on the image below. Once finished, click on the back-arrow at the top left of the screen twice to return to the 'Home' page.

Planning for our district's future - Folkestone Herald 28 July 2011

2011-01-05T14:48:00.002Z

The Folkestone Herald published an article on 28th July 2011 on the above topic. To read the article (enlarge the print) first click on the first image, then click on the back-arrow at the top left of the screen once, then click on the second image, then once finished reading click on the back arrow again to return to here.

District's future is going to plan - Folkestone Herald 28th July 2011

2011-01-05T14:38:00.000Z

The Folkestone Herald published an article on 28th July 2011 on the above topic. To read the article (enlarge the print) click on the link below. Once finished, click on the back-arrow at the top left of the screen once or twice to return to here.

Stack forum books ministerial meeting - Folkestone Herald 14 July 2011

2011-01-05T14:34:00.003Z

The Folkestone Herald published an article on 14th July 2011 on the above topic. To read the article (enlarge the print) click on the image below. Once finished, click on the back-arrow at the top left of the screen twice to return to the 'Home' page.

General waste article - Making good use of your waste - Folkestone Herald 21 July 2011

2011-01-05T14:24:00.004Z

The Folkestone Herald published an article on 21st July on the above topic. To read the article (enlarge the print) click on the image below. Once finished, click on the back-arrow at the top left of the screen twice to return to the 'Home' page.

The Wind Turbine Backlash - Daily Mail 11th July 2011

2011-01-05T14:15:00.003Z

The Daily Mail published an article on 11th July 2011 on the above topic. To read the article (enlarge the print) click on the image below. Once finished, click on the back-arrow at the top left of the screen twice to return to the 'Home' page.

Water supplies inadequate - Kentish Express 1 September 2011

2011-01-05T07:35:00.002Z

The Kentish Express published an article on 1st September 2011 on the above. To read the article (enlarge the print) click on the image below. Once finished, click on the back-arrow at the top left of the screen twice to return to the 'Home' page.

Lorry park plans spark debate + Risk factors - Kentish Express 1 September 2011

2011-01-05T07:31:00.001Z

Shepway LDF strategy - 2nd Wind farm on land adjoining Somerfield Court Farm

2011-01-05T07:29:00.003Z

From: Philip Holt [mailto:phil@holt11.fsnet.co.uk]
Sent: 28 July 2011 18:45
To: "mailto:dave"@davemotley.co.uk
Subject: Wind farm

For information, please find below the objection and comments I have sent by email to Shepway planning,

Regards

Philip Holt

With reference to your letter of 18 July giving details of application Y11/0670/SH, I wish to record my objection to this application.

In this connection, may I make the following comments:

Correspondence between the applicant and Shepway DC refers to “cumulative impact” on the current application for wind monitoring masts at nearby Harringe Brook Wood (Y11/0270/SH). In view of the similarity of the two applications, one by an established electricity supplier and this latest by a local landowner, no doubt investigations will take place as to the background of this new application.

A wind monitoring mast (and any subsequent wind farm) would cause serious visual and noise blight to surrounding areas and particularly to the significant number of dwellings in Barrow Hill and on the south side of the M20.

The rural village of Sellindge is already suffering from various intrusive developments including the M20, HS1, National Grid pylons, the Otterpool Lane anaerobic digester and recycling plant and a potential lorry park. A wind farm or farms – and their trial masts – would just add to the detrimental effect of these projects on community life.

An extensive master planning exercise has just been completed which now forms part of the Shepway Core Strategy Submission Document July 2111. This recommends a development incorporating 250 houses, mainly to the south of the A20. The potential of this project could be severely damaged by any wind turbine machinery (test or final) in full view.

The grant by KCC of planning permission for the Otterpool recycling site has already sabotaged the attractiveness of the ‘village green’ project. The Head of Planning’s succinct submission to KCC objecting to Otterpool comprehensively illustrated the potential dangers to housing development. Many of his comments could equally apply to nearby wind farms.

Lorry park plan could prove 'unmanageable' - Kentish Express 1 September 2011

2011-01-05T07:26:00.001Z

concern - how the developer will be made to clean up contaminated soil at Otterpool

2011-01-04T14:26:00.003Z

From: COLLINS, Damian <damian.collins.mp@parliament.uk>
Subject: RE: RE: Otterpool
To: "Mavis Turton" <mavis.turton@btinternet.com>
Date: Monday, 13 June, 2011, 15:39

Thank you. You might like to know that following receipt of your copy email to Niall Connolly I wrote to Caroline Spelman. I am currently awaiting her reply but when it arrives I shall make sure you have a copy.

Sincerely

Damian Collins

From: Mavis Turton [mailto:mavis.turton@btinternet.com]
Sent: 13 June 2011 15:02
To: ronald@millenniumtrust.co.uk; dave@davemotley.co.uk; Margaret Ludlow; leslie barratt; COLLINS, Damian
Subject: Fw: RE: Otterpool

Please find attacched my letter to Andrew Pearce of the Environment Agency

Regards,Mavis Turton

From: Mavis Turton <mavis.turton@btinternet.com>

Subject: Fw: RE: Otterpool
To: andrew.pearce@environment-agency.gov.uk
Date: Monday, 13 June, 2011, 15:00

Dear Mr Pearce,

I am sending you a copy of an e mail I sent to Niall Connolly, regarding the construction if a waste site and anaerobic digester facility at Otterpool Quarry, Sellindge, Kent.

My e mail is largely self explanatory. We are deeply concerned that the developers, Countrystyle Developments, will not be made to clean up the great amount of soil pollution we found at the site shortly before planning permission was granted by KCC.

The Environmental Permission, which would have been sent before the KCC Planning was granted, stated that the site should be cleared of pollution accumulated from the previous use of the site (quarrying), but it does not seem to address the problem of the 30,000 or so gallons of waste oil and creosote was dumped at the site, and I would have thought that this was unauthorised, illegal, and not necessarily put as a cost on the Bills of Quantities of the developer. In other words, I do not think that KCC were aware of the scale of pollution.

The clean up would involve the removal and clean up of the offending soil, and this would of course cost thousands of pounds. I know that the onus of cleaning the soil falls upon the owner of the land, and that this must be done prior to construction work commencing. The pollution has been there for some considerable time, and the surface soil still smells of the waste oil dumped there.

I have been given your name by another member of the Sellindge Residents Association, as being someone who is approachable and knowledgeable. This is very important to us.

I feel that we have been very badly treated by KCC for a number of unrelated reasons. I do not trust the developer to behave properly in the matter, and I feel we need someone who realises the importance of the clean up operation, and who will oversee that it is done to the letter of the Law. I would hope that either yourself, or some other independent agent would help us in this very serious matter.

My kindest regards,

Mavis Turton

--- On Mon, 6/6/11, Mavis Turton <mavis.turton@btinternet.com> wrote:

From: Mavis Turton <mavis.turton@btinternet.com>
Subject: RE: Otterpool
To: "NiallConnolly" <niall.connolly@environment-agency.gov.uk>
Date: Monday, 6 June, 2011, 14:30

Dear Niall,

I thought you might like to know that a delegation from The Sellindge Residents' Association were invited to a meeting with Kent County Council's Planning Officers last week, and Mr Les Barratt, who is a qualified surveyor on our team, reported that there did not appear to be anyone representative of KCC who had any technical expertise.

I am very worried about how the developer will be made to clean up contaminated soil at the Otterpool Quarry site, before construction commences. It is reported that subsequent to the quarrying work finishing, approximately 30,000 gallons of waste diesel and creosote were dumped at the site, this being several years ago. The soil still smells of it. It obviously contravenes everything DEFRA stands for, and I know that when a site is contaminated, or there is any overspill from the site into other land, the owner of the land has to pay for the taking away and cleaning up of the offending soil. It may be that the oil was dumped there illegally and without authorisation. My friend had the Environment Agency come to her house a while ago, (not near the Otterpool Quarry), because a farmer reported a smell of home heating fuel in his field. My friend was told that if her fuel tank had leaked, she would have to pay for the clean-up. Fortunately, it was not her tank causing the problem.

Reading the Environment Agency's permission for work to go ahead, it states that the developer, Countrystyle, has to clean up spoil relating to the previous use of the site, namely quarrying. It does not state that the developer has to completely clean the site of all contamination, from whatever source.

I personally do not trust the developer to do this, as at the first meeting they attended at the Village Hall, they stated that there were only two other such waste sites, one in the Outer Hebrides, and the other in Northern Europe somewhere. They really did not want us to be able to visit one of these facilities to see what was involved. Greenfinch, another company dealing with waste, has at least one other in Nottingham, which we would happily have gone to see.

I am very anxious that Defra and the Environment Agency should oversee the cleaning up properly. It appears that KCC is the one to enforce your rules, but I do not think they truly know how to monitor this. We really need someone from a government office to help us in this.

I would be very glad of your help and advice on this matter. The villagers are absolutely distraught that planning was granted, especially as there will be pollution from an extra 43,000 lorry movements per year through our village.

KCC lost us forty million pounds in investing in the Icelandic Bank fiasco, and they seem petrified of refusing any development plan which could go to appeal. Sharon Thompson, Head of Planning, stated that if the application was refused and went to appeal, it could cost KCC a "lot of money". Recently, they allowed a planning application to a company allowing it to quarry for stone in an ancient woodland. I doubt whether ANY application that could go to appeal will be refused, even though in our case, the Parish Council, the local District Council, the Kent County Councillor for Shepway, and our Member of Parliament, Folkestone Racecourse, and many other businesses objected to the waste facility being allowed. There was a petition signed by 96% of the local people as well.

This seems to me to breach our human rights, and any vestige of Democracy is thrown out of the window. It also seems very wrong that we, as a "third party" have no right of appeal.

I was very sad to see that a member of our Residents' Association has put their house up for sale, and we have considered doing likewise, after living here for forty six years. I myself have vowed never to vote again in any election, as it counts for nothing. I came to this decision after witnessing what went on at the metting at County Hall, when planning was passed for something nobody wanted, at least not in a village setting. At 73 years of age, I have voted in every election since I came of age.

With kindest regards,

Mavis

--- On Fri, 13/5/11, Connolly, Niall <niall.connolly@environment-agency.gov.uk> wrote:

From: Connolly, Niall <niall.connolly@environment-agency.gov.uk>
Subject: RE: Otterpool
To: "Mavis Turton" <mavis.turton@btinternet.com>
Date: Friday, 13 May, 2011, 10:05

Dear Ms Turton

Sorry to hear that! I'm sure it's fine to open, however if you have any difficulties just let me know

Kind Regards

Niall Connolly

From: Mavis Turton [mailto:mavis.turton@btinternet.com]
Sent: 12 May 2011 18:04
To: Connolly, Niall
Subject: Re: Otterpool

Click here to report this email as spam.

Dear Mr Connolly,

Thank you for your letter. However, as I was about to download it, a virus notice came up, so I was not prepared to open it.

I shall forward this to someone who may know how to avaid the virus detected notice, but if not, I hope I amy come back to you

Regards,

Mavis Turton

--- On Thu, 12/5/11, Connolly, Niall <niall.connolly@environment-agency.gov.uk> wrote:

From: Connolly, Niall <niall.connolly@environment-agency.gov.uk>
Subject: Otterpool
To: mavis.turton@btinternet.com
Cc: "Rigg, Karen" <KRIGG@environment-agency.gov.uk>
Date: Thursday, 12 May, 2011, 11:17

Dear Ms Turton

Further to your freedom of information request, please find attached correspondence on the Otterpool application.

Kind Regards

Niall Connolly

Planning Liaison Officer

01732 223 111

Environment Agency, Orchard House, Endeavour Park, London Road, Addington, Kent ME19 5SH

Information in this message may be confidential and may be legally privileged. If you have received this message by mistake, please notify the sender immediately, delete it and do not copy it to anyone else.

We have checked this email and its attachments for viruses. But you should still check any attachment before opening it.

We may have to make this message and any reply to it public if asked to under the Freedom of Information Act, Data Protection Act or for litigation. Email messages and attachments sent to or from any Environment Agency address may also be accessed by someone other than the sender or recipient, for business purposes.

If we have sent you information and you wish to use it please read our terms and conditions which you can get by calling us on 08708 506 506. Find out more about the Environment Agency at www.environment-agency.gov.uk

From: Mavis Turton <mavis.turton@btinternet.com>

Subject: RE: Otterpool
To: "NiallConnolly" <niall.connolly@environment-agency.gov.uk>
Date: Monday, 6 June, 2011, 14:30

Dear Niall,

This seems to me to breach our human rights, and any vestige of Democracy is thrown out of the window. It also seems very wrong that we, as a "third party" have no right of appeal.

With kindest regards,

Mavis

Question to Paul Carter - Otterpool Quarry clean-up - KCC responsible to see its done - updated

2011-01-04T11:36:00.001Z

From: EHWPriority.Enquiries@kent.gov.uk <EHWPriority.Enquiries@kent.gov.uk>
Subject: 12275 - Otterpool, Letter to Defra
To: mavis.turton@btinternet.com
Date: Wednesday, 22 June, 2011, 16:22

Sent on behalf of Bryan Sweetland

Dear Mrs Turton

Yours sincerely

Bryan Sweetland

From: Horton, Debbie - BSS GL
Sent: Thu 02/06/2011 9:45 AM
To: Mavis Turton
Cc: Thompson, Sharon - EE PE; Sweetland, Bryan - MEM
Subject: RE: RE: Attachment to Defra Email

Dear Mrs Turton,

Kind regards

Debbie

Mrs Debbie Horton

PA to the Leader of Kent County Council

__________________________________________

Room 1.75, Sessions House, County Hall, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1XQ

Tel: 01622 694283 Fax: 01622 694085

debbie.horton@kent.gov.uk

Please help to save paper by NOT printing this email unless absolutely necessary. P

From: Mavis Turton [mailto:mavis.turton@btinternet.com]
Sent: 28 May 2011 17:28
To: Carter, Paul - LEADER
Subject: Fw: RE: Attachment to Defra Email

Dear Mr Carter,

As there was considerable amounts of waste oil dumped at the site, I am sure you would want to oversee that the developer bears this in mind before construction is begun.

Kind regards,

Mavis Turton

--- On Thu, 26/5/11, Griffiths, Anthony (SEG) <Anthony.Griffiths@defra.gsi.gov.uk> wrote:

From: Griffiths, Anthony (SEG) <Anthony.Griffiths@defra.gsi.gov.uk>
Subject: RE: Attachment to Defra Email
To: "Mavis Turton" <mavis.turton@btinternet.com>
Date: Thursday, 26 May, 2011, 16:26

Dear Ms Turton,

Thank you for your reply.

As it is Kent County Council who granted the planning permission, please direct any Planning enquiries to them.

I hope you find this helpful.

Yours sincerely,

Anthony Griffiths

Customer Contact Unit

Defra

From: Mavis Turton [mailto:mavis.turton@btinternet.com]
Sent: 26 May 2011 15:12
To: Griffiths, Anthony (SEG)
Subject: Re: Attachment to Defra Email

Dear Mr Griffiths,

Thank you for your e mail and attachments.

I have read through the information carefully, and I would like to point out something important

I think that now the oil dumping at the Otterpool Quarry,

Could you tell me how I can make sure that all the authorities involved in granting the necessary permits to begin construction have proof that the contaminated soil has been removed and cleaned up.

Thank you once again for your help, it is very much appreciated.

Kindest regards,

Mavis Turton

Hollingbourne Application - Covenant - Richborough planning application information

2011-01-04T11:28:00.001Z

From: Susan.Carey@kent.gov.uk <Susan.Carey@kent.gov.uk>
Subject: RE: KCC Planning
To: mavis.turton@btinternet.com
Date: Wednesday, 22 June, 2011, 10:31

Mavis - I have no information about the Hollingbourne application but if you want to see the other waste application that went through recently then look on the KCC website under the section for the Planning Applications Committee. The link to the right section is here. It's item 38.

http://democracy.kent.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=138&MId=3394&Ver=4

Kind Regards,

Susan

From: Mavis Turton [mailto:mavis.turton@btinternet.com]
Sent: 21 June 2011 08:37
To: Carey, Susan - MEM
Subject: Re: KCC Planning

Dear Susan,

Just one other thing, was the Richborough application made by Countrystyle???

I am trying to find out when the covenant was put on the land at Hollingbourne, which caused Countrystyle to withdraw their plan for a green waste site near where Sandy Bruce Lockhart and Paul Carter lived. Is there any chance you could find this out for me, or let me know where the best place to find this information is?

I thought it might be registered with the Land Registry Office, but if there are any shortcuts, I will use them.

It is widely thought here that Countrystyle withdrew their application because they were worried that with the senior councillors' objections, any future applications by them might be jeopardised. They do seem to have been very successful since.

Thank you again, in anticipation that you will help us.

Kind regards,

Mavis

--- On Mon, 20/6/11, Susan.Carey@kent.gov.uk <Susan.Carey@kent.gov.uk> wrote:

From: Susan.Carey@kent.gov.uk <Susan.Carey@kent.gov.uk>
Subject: Re: KCC PlaSandy Bruce Lockhart and Paul Carter livenning
To: mavis.turton@btinternet.com
Date: Monday, 20 June, 2011, 16:30

Dear Mavis,
Ii was not involved in the Hollingbourne application some years ago and have no papers on it. The planning officers tell me that it was for a different type of operation (open wind row) to the one that now has planning permission at Otterpool Quarry.
I wanted to see how a similar application was dealt with and attended the May meeting of the Planning Applications Committee. An anaerobic digester was unanimously approved for a site in Richborough. (Nr Sandwich) I shall be getting a copy of the conditions for this site to compare them with the Otterpool ones.
I'll also be writing a piece for Sellindge News with any news I have.
Kind Regards,
Susan
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld

From: Mavis Turton <mavis.turton@btinternet.com>
To: Carey, Susan - MEM
Sent: Sat Jun 18 21:41:33 2011
Subject: KCC Planning

Dear Susan,

I wonder if you could help me. I am one of the members of the Sellindge Residents Association, and I have been writing for some time regarding the development of Otterpool Quarry by Countrystyle.

Some time ago, this company put in a planning application, to KCC, for a green waste facility in Hollingbourne, about 2004-6, I believe.

Hugh Robertson MP put in an objection to the application, as did the then Leader of KCC, Sandy Bruce Lockhart,and the present Leader, Paul Carter. I have seen a copy of the letter of objection that Hugh Robertson sent to the KCC, and it states in no uncertain terms that Kent, the erstwhile Garden of Kent, has suffered enough at the hands of developers, with the rail link etc. Even the proposed lorry park at Bearstead was refused, yet this is now one of Mr Carter's plans for the edge of Sellindge.

All the things Mr Robertson mentioned in his letter, apply to our village, yet we have been subjected over time to the most horrendous despoliation. The high speed rail link, the converter station, the M20 motorway are just examples. Now we are facing the possible erection of wind turbines, large housing expansion, the waste site at Otterpool, the expansion of the electricity converter station and goodness knows what else, including the proposed lorry park on the edge of our village.

I note that although Countrystyle's solicitors had all the searches done (presumably) at the Hollingbourne green waste site, they failed to notice that there was a covenant on the land before it reached the consideration of the KCC, and before the Leader, Deputy Leader, and the MP, Hugh Robertson got to the stage of submitting their own objections!!!

Countrystyle withdrew their application, and one cannot be blamed for thinking that rather strange. One might form the opinion that it is rather opportune for the covenant to be "discovered" at that last stage in the application.

It would be very helpful if you could let me know the address of the plot that Countrystyle wanted to develop in Hollingbourne, so that I could find out exactly when the covenant was put in the deeds of the land. My house has a covenant which states that I cannot raise chickens on my plot, and this is clearly stated and dated on my deeds. It would be the same for the Hollingbourne land, if indeed there had been a covenant on it.

One might think that if planning had been granted without a fuss, as it was in the case of Otterpool Quarry, then any future applications by Countrystyle might be unfavourably considered. If that were the case, then any developer would be unwise to submit the application.

I was at the meeting at County Hall in March, when you presented our petition to KCC and supported our objection as a village, and felt that the petition was not regarded as that important, even though it was signed by 96% of the residents. We were disappointed to see that a couple of the Planning Committee sitting on the floor of the Chamber were actually dozing off, and we were shocked at the lack of the democratic process.

If you can aid me in finding out when the covenant was put on the Hollingbourne land, I would be very grateful,

Kind regards,

Mavis Turton