"THIS IS NOT ABOUT MY BACK YARD;
IT IS ABOUT THE NATION'S FRONT GARDEN"
line decor
   
line decor

Subscribe to our newsletter
by entering your email address:

Thursday 21st August 2008: Newsletter from the CALM Chairman.



THE BAD News:

  • Yes it is true that the Draft Regional Spatial Strategy does include a requirement for 2750 New Homes to be built on farmland around Lytchett Minster and Matravers.
  • Yes it is true that the Strategy includes a specific requirement to de-allocate that land as green belt.
  • Yes it is true that this specific provision seems to have entered the Draft RSS at behest of the owner of that land Christopher Lees, his developer Bloor Homes and consultant Terrence oRourke (also involved with the Poole bridge fiasco) and no one else.
  • Yes it is true that Christopher Lees and Bloor homes stand to make hundreds of millions of pound out of the deal.
  • Yes it is true that the Minister Hazel Blears (or any other member of parliamentary government for that matter) has refused to discus the issue with anyone or take questions from our MP Annette Brooke.
  • Yes it is true that the recommendations for the RSS put by our own Purbeck District Council and Bournemouth Town council have simply been ignored by the government department that drafted the original RSS document.
  • Yes it is true that there are no specific provisions in the RSS for advancing the infra-structure in our area or creating any new local jobs.

The GOOD news:

  • We are growing, we are protesting and we are starting to get noticed. The great thing about my job as Chairman is that everyone seems to be on our side. MPs Nick Clegg, Annette Brooke, David Cameron, Eric Pickles, Vince Cable all have met with us personally and pledged their support. David Cameron has agreed to abolish RSS’s completely if he comes to power in the next election.
  • Just over a week ago we staged a workshop to kick off the letter writing process. We were however completely overwhelmed by support (nearly 300 people we estimated).
  • Last night we met with Christopher Lees to hear his side of the story.
  • Next month we have a major demonstration planned at the BIC (to coincide with the Liberal Democrat Party Conference) and which will involve teaming up with the other campaign groups in E Dorset.
  • In October there are plans afoot to take the protest to Westminster. Watch out for news on these items. We need your support.

What can you do now?

We need as many people as possible to join in the government consultation process. Simply write to:

2 Rivergate, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6ED

Alternatively you can use the following information provided by the Government Office for the South West:

HOW TO MAKE REPRESENTATIONS ABOUT THE PROPOSED CHANGES: Representations about the Secretary of State’s Proposed Changes are invited and must be received by GOSW by 5pm on Friday 17th of October. Representations should be made using the Comments Form (available on the GOSW website and by email or post from GOSW). Completed Comments Forms may be submitted online, by email, post or fax.

Copies of the Proposed Changes and associated documents, and further information, are available on the GOSW website or by contacting the GOSW Regional Strategies Team:

If you can spare the time we also urge people to read as much of the document as possible. Its all on the website mentioned above. The bit about us starts in Section 4.1.51. There is plenty of time until October. Remember keep CALM, keep collected.

Best Regards

Andrew Carmichael (Chairman)