Oakham Tesco Planning Application Oakham Town Council

ImageTesco in Poland

Oakham Town Council tried to save themselves face tonight, they did not want the voters of Oakham to think they were stupid. Now why would they think that?

Oakham Town Council originally objected in a farcical meeting chaired by Cllr Joyce Lucas to reject the plans proposed by Tesco this included the demolition of the dwelling in Penn Street.

Last week the Council  voted to accept revised plans from Tesco that clearly stated these were intended to be implemented after the demolition of the dwelling.

This meant it would be correct for the Town Council to object to these plans how can it accept them when they have refused the demolition.

So at this evenings council meeting, the council suspended a standing order and revisited the original application.

After some limited debate they approved the original plan. This is a huge U turn for the council and I am sure won't be popular with residents.

Of course the Town Council will stick to its script the final decision rests with Rutland County Council.

Once again I find myself asking the question what is the point of the Town Council. It has not supported the views of local trader or residents.

At the last meeting Cllr Maureen Dodds did express a concern for residents but stated she had no concern for local traders.

Very early on in the debate Cllr Charles Haworth stood to propose the council approves the demolition of the dwelling.

Cllr Alan Walters stood to object because there had been no debate and this was followed by the Clerk waving his folder stating a standing order something to do with if no one seconded the proposal members could not debate or return to the item, personally I think that was a waste of time the rules can be revoked at any time at Oakham Town Council so why bother with them.

It is clear to me although councillors made a error last week either the Chairman or the Clerk are responsible for this farce as they should have reminded Councillors of their original vote and the effect it had on considering the revised plan.

Cllr Haworth said he was absent last week and was amazed at what had happened. Of course this is coming form a Councillor who astonished us by suggesting the roof was removed from the bandstand and flower baskets and banner were hung from the roof supports to save money.

He and Cllr Lucas also found it amusing I did not see who had voted for against.

I had to visit the Clerk after the meeting to confirm the result. He had also had trouble recording the vote
and had to ask for a second show of hands.