Coombes Farm to be re-determined

Copy of email sent to Coombes Farm supporters today, click on the heading for a copy of the letter from the Secretary of State;

Dear All,

In case you haven't received directly, I attach a letter, received today, confirming the Government's intention to redetermine the Coombes Farm planning application, following the original decision being quashed last year.

Key points are;

Submissions are invited only on the points which led to the Quashing in the first place - ie not issues relating to green belt and other matters raised in the Inquiry - these should still be valid, but issues relating to this Government's intention to abolish Regional Strategies, and any other significant changes since the original Planning Appeal.

Submissions are in writing only, but there is a chance that there will be a re-run of the Planning Inquiry.

What people really want to know is, does this mean the development at Coombes Farm could take place? My view, and that of key Councillors, is that the arguments heard by the Planning Inspector have not changed, but sadly until, or if, we receive the document that confirms refusal, nothing is certain I'm afraid.

How long will it take? No definite answer on this - it could be 3 months, or longer than a year, depending on various different, but related, pieces of legislation making their way through the Courts and Parliament.

What can we do? I will respond to the letter, stating that the Planning Inspector came to the right decision, and that it is a pity that her letter was covered by a letter from the Secretary of State saying that Planning Inspectors could take into account future legislation ("The Localism Bill") The letter stated that, in determining planning applications, Councils would no longer be bound by housing targets and other matters defined in existing Regional Strategies (in Rochford's case, the East of England plan), and that a rewording of his letter is all that is required. The legal standing of this letter has been the subject of a number of High Court challenges, still ongoing. If people wish to respond as well - in a similar vein, or with their own points, it can only help - the address, etc, is on the attached letter.

Our Councillors are aware of the strength of feeling on this matter, but it would do no harm to raise any concerns you have with them directly.

Regards,

James