Dear Friends and Residents of Sellindge,
We last held a village meeting in September 2011 when the
Quarry, the Lorry Park and the Shepway plan for Sellindge were high on the
agenda. Since that time significant developments have taken place while other
issues have disappeared from view – if only for the time being.
So far as we can ascertain, Lorry Park activity is dormant.
We await developments.
Again there is no movement regarding the Countrystyle
application for Otterpool Quarry. Last week KCC Planning Department said they
had not heard anything since the application was granted subject to conditions
way back in Spring 2011.
However, the same cannot be said about the Ecotricity and
farmer Richard Price applications for wind turbines. These are now in process
or immanent. People in the village differ in their views. Some certainly
support wind turbines and even find them beautiful. Some people think that
there is a moral reason – ‘the wind that blowest is free and clean’ – which
should override any disadvantage they may have.
Many others find them an uneconomic aberration totally
dependent on subsidies that the poorest in the community pay and that they
cause great distress to those nearby and can greatly damage the life of a
community. Certainly a village discussion in which all viewpoints can be made
would be helpful in determining a forward strategy for wind turbines. And if we
can persuade an independent person to provide a balanced view (such people are
not easy to find) this should be helpful for us all.
Hearings are now to begin in Folkestone regarding the
Shepway Core Strategy for this area. In response to the Strategic Plan for
Sellindge the Residents Association proposed a development of a village green
surrounded by new houses designed by Bob Edden. This proposal excited Shepway
planners who engaged Urban Initiatives to develop it – not as we would wish -
but the opportunity to amend and shape Sellindge village remains. Details of
the hearings can be found on our web site and the Sellindge and District
Residents Association will endeavour to report back to you.
So we have arranged a Village Meeting to discuss turbines,
wind factories and housing developments in the future development of
Sellindge. It will take place in the Sellindge School Hall on Thursday 10th May
at 7 30 pm.
We have had some important meetings in Sellindge and this
meeting is as important if not more so. Our village could become a centre for
turbulent youth with nothing to do each and every evening or our village could
be improved and developed in a way we would all like.
We hope you come and participate. It is important and
especially important to show the planners that we are a strong and committed
village..
Ronald Lello Chairman Sellindge and District Residents
Association
