Lucy has written to Telford & Wrekin Council to raise concerns about the consultation process relating to a proposed housing development for The Hem, Nedge Lane, Telford, which would see an additional 350 new homes built on existing green spaces.
The Government has emphasised that local authorities should ensure public participation in the planning process is maintained during the pandemic. Lucy has raised her concerns around the short duration of the public consultation period (3 August to 11 August), which will limit the ability of residents to raise comments or objections. Unusually, the consultation papers are not available on the Telford & Wrekin Council website and residents are required to obtain a password to view the proposals. This means residents are unable to comment in the usual way and may find it difficult to view the plans.
Given the challenges in finding out more about the proposals, Lucy is urging constituents to contact the Chief Executive of Telford and Wrekin Council, David Sidaway, with their comments or to contact their local councillor, who will be able to raise their concerns with the Council on their behalf.
Commenting, Lucy Allan said:
“Public consultations should be public and accessible to residents. This is particularly important when normal working practices are disrupted, as with the COVID–19 outbreak. The first two weeks in August are well-known to be the two weeks of year when residents are most likely to be on holiday and least likely to comment on plans.
These are very significant proposals for the wider area and for the local community. Our community deserves to have a say. Normally, there would be some attempt to communicate with local representatives and steps taken to help residents engage. I am really surprised that in addition to the hurdles in place which discourage residents from informing themselves and commenting, there has not even been an attempt to communicate the proposal to the local MPs, which is usual practice.
Residents have contacted me to express concerns about the proposal and the way in which the consultation is being conducted. This is not good enough.”
Residents of Hollinswood and Randlay said:
“We don’t understand why Telford and Wrekin Council are discouraging consultation on a major development like this.
Without giving us the opportunity to see consultation papers, we have no way of contributing to the planning process which seems totally unacceptable.
These new homes could disrupt local businesses and destroy our green spaces, when there are plenty of brownfield sites that would be more suited to a project like this.”
To contact David Sidaway, Chief Executive: [email protected]
To comment on the public consultation: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/335P9S3
To access the password to view the proposals: http://www.estatesandinvestments.co.uk/land-property-search/land-reside…
