Wickford North Green Action Group

Up to £20 million "kickback" for Government when developers destroy Barn Hall fields!

rob.worley@systino.net — 2009-06-04T00:00:00-04:00

An important fact has come to WNGAG's attention as a result of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. In the April 2003 contract, when the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) sold the two fields at the end of Station Avenue to the (then) developers, Gleeson Homes Southern Ltd, there were clauses detailing the expectation that planning permission would be sought to build upon them, taken to appeal if permission was refused by the local authority, and pursued as far as the Secretary of State - all of which, of course, is what happened between 2006 and 2008. But there was further clause that, when planning permission was eventually gained, there would be a ‘kickback' to the Government, amounting to 85% of the difference between the £150,000 sale price in 2003 and what the two fields would then be worth with permission to build - which could be up to £20 million!

This contract was previously known about in very general terms but its detail has never been public knowledge - until now. Nor did anyone ever imagine that the Government stood to profit by such a vast amount. Do not forget how they acquired these fields in the first place. They were requisitioned from a local farmer and residents' gardens by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF - DEFRA's predecessor) during the Second World War as part of its initiative to ‘dig for victory'. 60 years later, they're just another asset to be ‘flogged off to make a quick buck' without, they no doubt hoped, local people finding out. Well, thanks to FOI, they now have found out!

John Baron MP has written to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, who made the final decision in October 2008 to allow building to start at Barn Hall, to protest at this "conflict of interest". The local community, the local councillors, the local council, the local MP, the independent Planning Inspector, who held a Public Inquiry - everyone - opposed development. Yet Hazel Blears, and Hazel Blears alone, granted planning permission - without one tiny mention that her Government would profit by up to £20 million as a result! John asked her to reconsider her decision…….something she now, personally, won't now be doing as within days, engulfed with other MPs in revelations relating to their expenses, she resigned. A spokesman from her Department said "The Government has acted properly. The financial interest was not brought up in the inquiry and was not a factor in the Government's decision-making." Does that sound rather familiar? "They can't lie straight in bed" is what one of WNGAG's elderly supporters, who's had dealings with politicians all his life, put it.

You can more about this surprise revelation in John Baron's press release and in the Basildon Evening Echo.

Further investigations are being made into the legal position but, at the end of the day, even if it is all legal, is it morally right? Everyone can make their own mind up about that. And, whatever happens in the future at Barn Hall, everyone will now know the facts that lay behind the sale of the land and the final decision to grant planning permission.

Basildon Council’s appeal to the High Court fails & WNGAG now await the developers’ detailed planning application

rob.worley@systino.net — 2009-03-18T00:00:00-04:00

Unfortunately, Basildon Council’s appeal against the Secretary of State, Hazel Blear’s decision to allow building at Barn Hall was struck out by Robin Purchas QC, Deputy High Court Judge, on 19 February 2009. His judgement was that the Council had no grounds on which to appeal her decision - basically because, in law, she is entitled to do what she did in giving more weight to national planning considerations rather than rely, as the Council and the Planning Inspector had done at the Public Inquiry, on there first to be a review of the Local Plan which had put Barn Hall into its present status as Special Reserve. The Council’s QC argued his points well but, at the end of the day, there was simply no way to overcome the Secretary of State’s case in law - which doesn’t say much for local democracy but does ‘speak volumes’ about the reality of the planning laws in modern Britain.

After a tremendous fight over more than two years - which even saw us win before the Planning Inspector at the Public Inquiry - WNGAG has now sadly concluded that we’ve reached ‘the end of the road’ in fighting this development. Neither us nor the Council can now stop some sort of development at Barn Hall. So what happens now?

It is important to realise that, at present, all that has been gained by the developers, Gleeson Homes Ltd and Gladedale Group Ltd, is the principle that they can build at Barn Hall. They will now have to ‘firm up’ their proposals and replace their outline planning application with a detailed and substantive application for Basildon Council to approve or not. Or, in the current economic climate, now that they’ve gained planning permission, they may decide to sell on the land at a profit, to another developer who would then also need to submit a detailed planning application.

WNGAG’s focus has changed. We will monitor what happens now. We must work to ensure that any development which does take place at Barn Hall is the most suitable type of development for this part of Wickford and for its existing residents. We’ll publish details of the developers’ substantive planning application, when it’s made, on this website and submit our comments to Basildon Council’s planning department. That will also be the time for all residents, who feel adversely affected by the developers’ detailed proposals, to submit their views, objections etc to Basildon Council, following the guidance which will then be available on our Take Action page.

WNGAG wish to place on record their appreciation of the unanimous support given to us by past and present Wickford (and Essex) residents who so desperately wanted to preserve this lovely countryside at Barn Hall for the enjoyment of future generations. In over two years, not one single person has ever said to us that they were in favour of building over these green fields. But central government has dictated that is what will now happen. Sometimes ‘you’ve just got to keep on trying to do what you feel is right’ and we will certainly continue to strive for what we feel is now best for North Wickford. Thank-you for your continued support.

Preliminary High Court hearing date set for 19 February 2009

rob.worley@systino.net — 2009-01-04T22:03:23-05:00

WNGAG have been informed that there will now be a preliminary hearing in the High Court because the developers, Gleeson Homes Ltd and Gladedale Group Ltd, are seeking to have Basildon Council’s appeal (against the Secretary of State’s decision to allow building to start at Barn Hall) struck out. When we have more information, we’ll publish it here.

Basildon Council are appealing the Secretary of State’s decision to the High Court

rob.worley@systino.net — 2008-12-09T10:00:00-05:00

The Council is challenging the Government’s decision on the grounds that it has been made prematurely and without regard to work currently underway to complete its Local Development Framework (LDF) - which, as the Planning Inspector accepted, will be the planning document guiding all future decisions about where homes will, and will not, be built in Wickford and the whole Basildon District. The Council will also argue in the High Court that central Government failed to declare an interest in the land. When it was originally sold to the developers, Gleeson and Gladedale, there was a provision that, if and when any planning permission was granted and its value increased considerably, some of that increase would be paid to central Government.

Councillor Tony Ball, the Basildon Cabinet member for planning, said “This land is highly valued by the community and they don’t want to see it built on. We will do everything we can to try to get the Secretary of State’s decision overturned”. WNGAG applaud this resolute action by Council leaders. We’re equally determined to see local democracy win in the end. It may take up to six months or a year for the High Court to hear the case. We’ll keep you posted.

Planning Inspector supports WNGAG & Basildon Council but Secretary of State over-rules him to allow development at Barn Hall

rob.worley@systino.net — 2008-10-19T15:00:00-04:00

The Planning Inspector recommended in favour of Basildon Council and the Wickford North Green Action Group. In his report dated 23 July 2008, he considered that the most important factor was not to build on the former Green Belt land, now in Special Reserve, at Barn Hall until the Basildon Local Development Plan 1998 had been reviewed; and until the suitability for housing of Barn Hall and all other sites had been tested through the Local Development Framework (LDF) process - in short, accepting the Council’s main argument to the public inquiry last June.

BUT, sadly (for democracy and fair play), the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Hazel Blears, over-ruled the Planning Inspector’s recommendation and made the decision dated 16 October 2008 to allow building at Barn Hall, subject to certain conditions. It appears that her sole reason was to meet central government’s desire to build more houses nationally.

Basildon councillors are meeting immediately to consider this decision and whether a further appeal to the High Court is possible. A further News Update will be posted soon on this website.

You can read the Planning Inspector’s recommendation and the Secretary of State’s decision in full here.

WNGAG & Basildon Council strongly oppose Barn Hall development at Public Inquiry

rob.worley@systino.net — 2008-06-27T07:00:00-04:00

Following the appeal by Gleeson Homes Ltd and Gladedale Group Ltd against Basildon Council’s rejection of their planning application to build at Barn Hall, the Planning Inspector conducted a public inquiry lasting four days at the end of June in the Council’s offices in the Basildon Centre. He also made a site visit to the two fields that Gleesons and Gladedale wish to build on first, plus the other land that they own up to and beyond Waverley Crescent; and saw urban regeneration projects underway in Wickford town centre under the Masterplan and in Basildon town centre. Evidence was given to the public inquiry by the consultants acting for the appellants (Gleesons & Gladedale) and by Basildon Council, defending their refusal of planning permission - both of whom were represented by barristers; and, also, by WNGAG and other local residents - all of whom spoke strongly against allowing any development on the green fields of Barn Hall.

The appellants’ main arguments for development were:

housing delivery in Basildon district is falling short of housing needs - in particular, an up-to-date 5-year supply of deliverable sites cannot be demonstrated;
a steady supply of housing needs a steady supply of land and this cannot be met without using some greenfield sites;
Barn Hall is not good quality agricultural land;
neither are there any special traffic, ecological, flooding or drainage reasons to save it;
the development will supply sustainable, family homes - including 35% affordable housing - which will not compete with the apartments being built in Wickford town centre, and whose residents will use nearby train and bus services to work, and cycle or walk to the shops, rather than use cars;
financial contributions, which the developers will make, will lead to improvements to the Station Avenue/High Street junction and ease traffic congestion in Station Avenue and Wickford town centre;
too much weight should not be attached to the Council’s legal argument that, before development at Barn Hall can take place, a review of saved policy BAS 3 in the Basildon Local Plan 1998 is required - particularly given the delay in reviewing that Plan - and that the Council’s argument is outweighed by National Planning Policy in PPS 3.

The Council’s main arguments against any development at Barn Hall were:

it would be in breach of saved policy BAS 3 in the Basildon Local Development Plan 1998 in that, as an area of Special Reserve, it should not be brought forward for development until that Plan has been reviewed and Barn Hall (and other sites) have had their suitability for housing tested through the Local Development Framework (LDF) process - a position which is re-inforced by national policy advice in PPG 2;
until that happens, policy BAS 3 means that “there will be a presumption against development other than that normally allowed in the Green Belt”;
the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government has recently confirmed that it is appropriate to test the suitability of areas of Special Reserve for future housing as part of the Local Development Framework process;
the Council is not solely to blame for the delay in reviewing its 1998 Local Development Plan. The Planning Inspectorate could not supply an Inspector for the necessary inquiry in 2006; policy and regulatory requirements have changed; and 80% of local authorities - not just Basildon Council - have not met the LDF timescale;
there is a shortfall of something less than a year in the 5-year housing supply as Basildon Council has an identified supply of 4.17 years - more than ample to allow house builders to bring forward completions at the reduced rates that they themselves are choosing to do in the light of the downturn in the housing market and the economy generally;
allowing this appeal would only increase supply from 4.17 to 4.36 years - effectively about 3 months - and does not justify over-riding the legal requirements in the above policies and it would also set a precedent that other developers could exploit to, again, overcome those planning policies;
the main engine for the delivery of increased housing in the district is via urban renewal/regeneration, eg. Wickford and Basildon town centres;
expanding Wickford into the surrounding countryside on a greenfield site at Barn Hall will not support urban regeneration;
Barn Hall is an area of accessible countryside, enjoyed by local residents, and has a potential food production role as agricultural land; and should not be built upon until there has been a full comparison of all alternative sites and full community involvement under the LDF process.

That’s it! There are strong, legal arguments on both sides and it would not be sensible to give a view on the likely outcome. WNGAG and Basildon Council have both done all they can to defend Barn Hall from development by Gleeson Homes Ltd and Gladedale Group Ltd (or whoever they sell the land on to, at considerable profit, if they win). We must now all wait for the Planning Inspector’s recommendation and Hazel Blear’s decision as the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government - expected by the end of October 2008.

WNGAG present 3,521 signature petition to Secretary of State, Hazel Blears

rob.worley@systino.net — 2008-06-23T07:00:00-04:00

On 23 June 2008 - the day before the public inquiry being conducted by the Planning Inspector in the Council’s offices in the Basildon Centre - members of the Wickford North Green Action Group and their supporters travelled to Westminster in London and, together with John Baron MP, presented the petition containing 3,521 signatures to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Hazel Blears. She will receive the Planning Inspector’s recommendation and make the final decision which will determine the fate of Barn Hall - expected to be by the end of October 2008.

The event was filmed and shown by GMTV, reported in the local papers, and John Baron MP issued a press release which said:

“Local democracy must prevail. Residents, local councillors and I are united in our wish to preserve this countryside for the benefit of local people. Let us now hope the Government listens, for the petition clearly illustrates the strength of local opinion which should override the wishes of politicians and bureaucrats sitting in London.”

WNGAG take the opportunity to thank all those who signed our petition and, indeed, all those who have supported us so enthusiastically in our fight to save Barn Hall over the last two years.

WNGAG take petition to shoppers in Wickford High Street

rob.worley@systino.net — 2008-05-19T13:15:25-04:00

Members of the Wickford North Green Action Group spent the Saturday morning of 03 May 2008 in Wickford High Street asking shoppers to support our opposition of the development of Barn Hall by signing our petition before it is presented to Hazel Blears on 23 June 2008. A successful morning's work achieved in excess of 800 new signatures on the petition - our thanks to those who supported us! WNGAG are also taking the petition to all houses in the roads around Barn Hall and will be collecting more signatures in the High Street again on Saturday, 31 May 2008.

If you haven't yet signed our new petition, you can do so by clicking here - please encourage others to sign too.

New traffic survey required to take account of peak traffic flows?

rob.worley@systino.net — 2008-05-19T13:07:22-04:00

The traffic survey done by the developers as part of their Barn Hall planning application found that there was an average of only one vehicle waiting on Station Avenue at the junction with the High Street. Many local residents have made it clear that their own experience is very different to this, as at peak times this junction is gridlocked with traffic trying to exit the station and pass through the High Street and The Broadway. Photos taken by a WNGAG member on Friday, 2nd May 2008 between 17:00 and 18:30 show a very different story to the traffic survey - up to 20 cars queuing down Station Avenue with more cars waiting to exit the Station entrance - and it wasn't even raining!

Please Sign our New Petition

rob.worley@systino.net — 2008-04-24T14:45:00-04:00

It is vitally important that everyone who is against building at Barn Hall signs our new petition, which WNGAG and our MP, John Baron, will present to Hazel Blears on the day before the Public Inquiry opens. Even if you signed our old petition, please sign our new petition here and encourage all your family and friends to sign too.

Planning Inspectorate Announce Date for Public Inquiry

rob.worley@systino.net — 2008-04-24T15:00:00-04:00

The Planning Inspectorate have announced the date of their Public Inquiry into Gleesons Homes Ltd and Gladedale Group Ltd’s appeal against Basildon Council’s rejection of their Outline Planning Application Ref. 07/00801/OUT to build at Barn Hall. It will be held on 24 June 2008, beginning at 10.00am, in Meeting Room 1 at the Council’s offices in the Basildon Centre in St. Martin’s Square, Basildon. It may last more than one day. WNGAG encourage as many residents as possible to attend the inquiry and make their views known - loud and clear! For more information on what happens at a public inquiry and how the decision will be made afterwards by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Hazel Blears, see Leaflet 7 - April 2008.

Help Wanted

rob.worley@systino.net — 2008-03-31T07:00:00-04:00

Can you help WNGAG during the vital next stage when the developers have appealed to central government’s Planning Inspectorate against Basildon Council’s rejection of their application to build at Barn Hall?

Wickford North Green Action Group (WNGAG) is led by an executive committee of nine people. None of us are politicians or councillors. We are all just ordinary residents and householders who care for the countryside and don’t wish to see Barn Hall ruined. We meet approximately once a month and are supported by a large group of volunteers who deliver our leaflets to houses in the roads surrounding the proposed development. WNGAG is now seeking a new, tenth committee member - preferably someone with organisational or professional skills and/or legal experience to help during the next stage of our fight. If you feel that you are able to help, do please e-mail us and volunteer.

Feburary 2008 Planning Hearing

rob.worley@systino.net — 2008-03-11T08:00:00-04:00

On 12 February 2008, at a Hearing held in public in the Main Hall at Bromfords School, Grange Avenue, Wickford, Basildon Council’s Planning Committee rejected the Outline Planning Application Ref. 07/00801/OUT by Gleeson Homes Ltd and Gladedale Group Ltd to build up to 200 flats and houses in the two fields at the end of Station Avenue in North Wickford. The main reasons were that this is open countryside, outside the urban area of Wickford, and that the development would result in urban sprawl.

You can view the papers prepared by the Council’s planning officers for this Hearing, together with the minutes of the Hearing and the reasons for the decision, on Basildon Council’s website here.

This was a significant victory BUT the fight to save Barn Hall permanently from development continues. The developers have appealed to the Planning Inspectorate (central government), who will make the final decision. Their inquiry will be held on 24 June at the Basildon Centre. Basildon Council will defend their rejection of this planning application 100% at the appeal. So will Wickford North Green Action Group (WNGAG).

Although letters opposing this development, already submitted to Basildon Council, were forwarded to the Planning Inspectorate, local residents had until 10 March 2008 to submit further comments direct to:- The Planning Inspectorate, 3/16 Eagle Wing, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6PN. You were asked to give your full name and address, send 3 copies of your letter; and quote the appeal reference no. APP/V1505/A/08/2063131/NWF, the Appellant’s Name, Gleeson Homes Ltd and Gladedale Ltd, and the address of the proposed development, which is Land at North of Station Avenue, Wickford, Essex, SS11 7AY. Comments could also be made on-line and by e-mail; and, as the appeal progresses, it should be possible to see relevant documents on the Planning Inspectorate’s website here.

Planning Hearing Scheduled for 12th February 2008

rob.worley@systino.net — 2008-01-29T07:00:00-05:00

Basildon Council’s Planning Committee will consider the building application for Barn Hall at a Hearing, being held in public in the Main Hall at Bromfords School, Grange Avenue, Wickford on Tuesday, 12 February 2008 at 7.30pm. Wickford North Green Action Group (WNGAG) considers that it is vitally important that the people of Wickford continue to demonstrate their strong objections to any building and their determination to see Barn Hall returned permanently to Green Belt. You can do this by attending the Planning Hearing.

What happens at a Planning Hearing? It’s a council meeting held in public, not a public meeting. Normally it’s at the Council’s headquarters in Basildon but this application is so important to Wickford people that it’s being held at Bromfords School. It will begin with a presentation by the planning officer. There will then be an opportunity for WNGAG and members of the public to give their views - limited to 3 minutes each! If you wish to speak, you should arrive about 10 minutes before the start and make yourself known to a council officer. Committee members - that is, councillors - will then give their opinions and discuss the issues; after which, the chairperson will sum up and a vote will be taken. The options are to allow, allow with conditions, defer, or reject.

Community Forum and Wickford Carnival

rob.worley@systino.net — 2007-09-15T07:00:00-04:00

Over 200 residents attended the second Community Forum on 13 August 2007 in the Barn Hall Community Centre. They heard WNGAG members and councillors from both Basildon and Chelmsford Councils re-affirm their opposition to plans to build on Barn Hall - based on two main arguments. It is contrary to Green Belt policy, harmful to the environment, and will destroy countryside. It is also simply not needed, as both Councils have plans to build new houses and apartments elsewhere - primarily in town centres and on ‘brownfield’ sites - to meet their housing needs and central government targets. The Forum, like the earlier Petition (see the 10 January 2007 news item below) and the numerous people who have made their views known on this website under Your Comments, was further evidence of the strength of community feeling against development.

The period allowed for formal objections against the planning application has now ended and over 300 people have written to Basildon Council - a magnificent response! We now wait for the Council’s Planning Committee to make its decision. Councillors have advised that the Committee will meet in public and the meeting may be held in Wickford. WNGAG has sent a comprehensive, 40-page statement of their objections to the Committee and will make further representations at its public meeting.

WNGAG had a stall at today’s Wickford Carnival to publicise the continued threat to Barn Hall - see Leaflet 4 - September 2007 . A raffle was held to boost our ‘fighting fund’ with the winning tickets drawn by the Carnival Queen. If you would like to make a donation to our ‘fighting fund’, we would very much appreciate your support. You can send cheques made payable to Wickford North Green Action Group to Wickford North Green Action Group, c/o Hamilton Brading, Chartered Accountants, 1 Sopwith Crescent, Wickford, Essex, SS11 8YU.

We would also very much like to hear from you if you would like to join our group of volunteers who help us, mainly by delivering our leaflets to residents. We particularly need additional help for the following roads:- Arundel Road, Beccles Court, Berne Hall Court, Brock Hill, Carlton Road, Elm Road, Guernsey Gardens, Jersey Gardens, Jubilee Drive, Moreland Road, Pullman Court, Station Road, Swallow Road, Swan Lane and the Greenway. Help would also be appreciated for other roads in Runwell:- Alfred Gardens, Athelstan Gardens, Birrs Close, Canewdon Gardens, Carruthers Close, Church End Avenue, Clare Avenue, David Avenue, Edward Gardens, Egbert Gardens, Ethelred Gardens, Harold Gardens, The Hastings, Hengist Gardens, Hereward Gardens, Keith Avenue, Locarno Avenue, Merlin Way, Pearmain Close, Regency Close, Rettendon Gardens, Runwell Gardens, Saxon Close, South Hanningfield Way, Tidworth Avenue, Viking Way, Whitelands Close and Windsor Gardens. Do, please, get in touch if you can help us, either by e-mail or by writing to us at our above c/o Hamilton Brading address.

John Baron MP Objects to Barn Hall Development

rob.worley@systino.net — 2007-08-07T07:00:00-04:00

Among the many fierce objections received so far by Basildon Council has been one from our local MP, John Baron. John also issued a press release in which he said:

"Although I have always made public my opposition to Barn Hall being developed, now that a planning application has been submitted I have written a formal letter of objection to the Council. I have stressed the importance of ensuring that local residents' views must decide what happens to this site, and the majority view is against development. I have reminded the Council of my long held view that decisions affecting our local greenbelt need to be made by local residents, and not by politicians sitting in London or elsewhere - for it is local residents who have to live with the consequences of these decisions. It is simply undemocratic to do anything else."

Well said, John! You can read the full text of his press release here.

New Leaflet & Thank You

rob.worley@systino.net — 2007-07-16T07:00:00-04:00

Wickford North Green Action Group (WNGAG) is helped by a willing and enthusiastic group of people who have volunteered to assist us - mainly by delivering leaflets to houses in the roads adjoining the proposed development. Communication is so important in campaigns like ours as it is vital that residents are kept up-to-date with the latest news and advised on how best they can make their contributions to the fight to preserve the lovely countryside at Barn Hall. In the last few days, 4,500 copies of our Leaflet 2 - July 2007 have been delivered. WNGAG would like to say a big "thank-you" to all our volunteers who are helping us; and, also, to the many people in Wickford who've contacted us to say they support us and have written to Basildon Council to oppose the planning application. Please keep those letters of objection going in and, if you too would like to help WNGAG, e-mail us to volunteer your services. Together we can win this fight.

Outline Planning Application Submitted to Basildon Council

rob.worley@systino.net — 2007-06-01T07:00:00-04:00

An Outline Planning Application, Ref. 07/00801/OUT, was submitted to Basildon District Council on 26 June 2007 by Andrew Martin Associates, acting for Gleeson Homes Ltd and Gladedale Group Ltd. For more information, see Development Threat. WNGAG is urging as many people as possible to object to the planning application by writing to Basildon Council before the deadline of 31 August 2007 (extended from the previous 25 July deadline).

Tree Preservation Orders

rob.worley@systino.net — 2007-06-06T07:00:00-04:00

While we wait for the planning application, WNGAG has been successful in having Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) made in respect of a total of 50 individual trees on the Barn Hall fields, plus the mixed woodland at the end of Jubilee Drive and the triangular woodland area between Clovelly Gardens and Station Avenue.

Public Meeting at Barn Hall

rob.worley@systino.net — 2007-01-10T07:00:00-05:00

A public meeting was held by Basildon Council in the Barnhall Community Centre, Alderney Gardens, Wickford and was attended by over 300 concerned residents. Malcolm Buckley (Leader of the Council), Tony Ball (Deputy Leader), and Councillors Carole Morris and Michael Mowe addressed the meeting, as did Councillor Don Morris from Essex County Council and Councillor John Little from Chelmsford Borough Council plus members of the Wickford North Green Action Group (WNGAG). All emphasised their opposition to any development on Barn Hall and their desire to return the land to Green Belt - a policy strongly supported also by John Baron MP whose letter was read to the meeting. Councillors explained the History of the land and its current status as Special Reserve - which will probably mean that any planning application will be refused on the grounds that there are sufficient other sites within Basildon District to ensure that the Council's housing target of 10,700 new homes by 2011, agreed with central government, is met without the use of the Barn Hall land. However, a refusal of planning application will be appealed against by the developers, Gleeson Homes Ltd and The Glendale Group - which would mean that there would be a Planning Appeal Hearing and a report by the Planning Inspectorate to the Secretary of State, who would make the final decision regarding the future use of the land. Remember that, when the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) sold the land to Gleeson Homes Ltd, there was an agreement that, in the event that the land was subsequently developed, a further sum of money would be paid to central government.

Councillors clarified that the proposed development was NOT part of the Wickford Masterplan, which had been mentioned by Andrew Martin Associates at their 14 December 2006 exhibition (see below) on behalf of Gleeson Homes Ltd and The Gladedale Group. The Wickford Masterplan is part of Basildon Council's own plans to regenerate the town centre and incorporate 600 plus new homes alongside new shops, restaurants and amenities for the whole community. This is 'brown-field' development and is necessary for the Council to meet its housing target without building on land in Special Reserve like Barn Hall.

WNGAG presented their initial petition from canvassing all the streets adjoining the proposed development. It contained 679 letters of protest and a total of 1,297 signatures on these and the petition.

The fight continues when the planning application is made - expected to be in mid-2007.

Public Exhibition by Andrew Martin Associates

rob.worley@systino.net — 2006-12-14T07:00:00-05:00

Andrew Martin Associates, the planning consultants acting for developers, Gleeson Homes Ltd and Gladedale Group Ltd, held three public exhibitions on 09, 13 and 14 December in the Wickford Centre, Alderney Gardens. They presented two options for development - one reflecting previous development plans which they proposed in the 1990s and an alternative configuration with development concentrated towards the southern end of the area. Details were initially published on their website but have now been removed:

http://www.amaplanning.com/publicconsultation/introduction.htm

Andrew Martin Associates claimed that the district was failing to provide the new homes required by central government - a claim they were not entitled to make because it is the responsibility of Basildon Council to meet government housing targets for the district and they are currently doing just that, primarily by allowing developments on 'brown-field' sites. They asked for feedback from those attending the exhibitions, including which architectural styles would people prefer to see on the development and what additional neighbourhood, leisure or sporting facilities did people think the area needed. The overwhelming majority of those attending were not interested in architectural styles nor did they feel they needed additional facilities. They simply wanted.......no development at all on Barn Hall and the beautiful countryside to remain exactly as it is now!