Last weeks full council has hit the local press in My Wokingham.
The Lib Dems claimed that the local plan that was drafted by the previous Conservative administration MORE THAN TWO YEARS AGO was almost unchangeable saying they had legal advice saying that.
“we have very little leeway to alter the draft.
The draft is the point at which the key decisions are made, and which cannot, except in the most unusual circumstances, be unmade.“
When I asked if that advice was in writing and to see it officers confirmed that it wasn't in writing.
I had also been given advice from council officers as follows:
"Looking at a plan level, the evolution of a plan from draft proposals to proposed submission is expected, given the role of consultation is to seek views and further evidence is gathered.
The evolution of a draft plan to the point where you are selecting an alternative strategy would likely require further consultation under Reg 18 (the current draft plan) before proceeding to Reg 19."
In summary, the plan CAN be changed.
Why is this important?
- You will already have seen in our manifesto that we. the Conservatives on WBC are opposed to development on the countryside and the eye-watering top-down housing targets introduced by Labour.
- We must listen to residents, what is the point of consultation if changes are almost impossible? The Conservative group intended to use feedback from the consultation (REG18) to amend the proposals, why didnt't the Liberals do that?
- if the plan can't be changed as the Liberals claim, why have they waited 2 years to progress it. In that time they have lost appeals because of inadequate land supply.
Were the Liberals delaying the publication of their plan, which they knew would be unpopular, until after the election?
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