I think the highlight of the meeting was when Cllr Mr Richard J Gale (Independent) - OAKHAM NORTH WEST WARD came to the conclusion Mr Edward Baines (Conservative) - MARTINSTHORPE WARD (Chairman of the Council) had described the procedure of planning a bit of an arse and if he felt that way maybe he was not going to vote tonight. Mr Hugh E G Rees (Conservative) - KETTON WARD said Mr Richard J Gale was interesting! certainly more interesting than the good doctor.
Mr Hugh E G Rees likes to be known as Dr. said he would like to distance himself from local GP Dr. Tim Gray and his awful comments at a public meeting held in Langham Village Hall on 31 October 2010
The Development Control & Licensing committee met to decide an outline application:
OUT/2009/1306 - Hawksmead Ltd
the application was for approximately 1096 houses, aiming to provide 35% affordable housing.
shops and sports pitches
A officer presented a long but informative presentation. Afterwards
Mr Peter W Jones (Conservative) - OAKHAM SOUTH WEST WARD said "I don't normally do this, but this time I would like to thank the officer for his work" That surprised me as his concentration level seem very low as he slouched forwards and back during the presentation and often cupping his head in his hands.
All members then spoke.
Mr Trevor Lovell (Independent) - OAKHAM NORTH WEST WARD said he had Highways concerns for both Langham and Oakham. Issues relating to the level crossing. The crossing to the sports field was a recipe for disaster a bridge or underpass should be the preferred option. There was to many children's pitches and no adults. He seem to have some issues of confusion relating to the Councils Core Strategy and there was not enough affordable homes a figure of 50 would be better.
Mr Richard J Gale (Independent) - OAKHAM NORTH WEST WARD pointed this was one of the largest applications Rutland had been asked to consider.
He was concerned about the lack of public involvement and said the public keep telling him the don't get involved because the Council don't listen. (well said)
The development is to big, lack of employment was a concern. House building has become a currency for councils.
He said the development will change Oakham significantly, the number of homes should built should be reduced, but not the affordable ones.
Oakham's road are now becoming so congested, they are reaching levels as they were before the by pass was built.
Any new public transport was to be welcomed.
He was concerned this development was in open countryside.
Mr Marc A Oxley (Lib/Dem) - UPPINGHAM WARD said he shared the two ward councillors views.
Mr Nicholas Mark Wainwright (Conservative) - LANGHAM WARD felt the Local Development Framework needed to be finalised first.
Mr Edward Baines (Conservative) - MARTINSTHORPE WARD (Chairman of the Council) said it was all to much to soon and went on to explain in depth and read a quotation from a old writer, which all gave Mr Gale the impression he felt the whole procedure was a bit of an arse!
He included he was concerned the retail content should be strictly controlled so not to effect Oakham traders. (has he not heard of competition)
Mr Peter W Jones (Conservative) - OAKHAM SOUTH WEST WARD thanked the officer for his presentation and reminded everyone about one of his many hats Portfolio holder for sports? and he regional strategy require 3,000 homes to be built in Rutland.
Mr Hugh E G Rees (Conservative) - KETTON WARD said the development was on frightening scale, although he felt it would be perverse to turn it down.
He mentioned he was concerned about the building of a care home for old folks and the extra burden of cost it would be to Rutland County Council if old people moved to Oakham.
Mrs Janine Rodger (Conservative) - COTTESMORE WARD said it was not a dilemma for her and echoed much of what others said.
Mr Marc A Oxley (Lib/Dem) - UPPINGHAM WARD spoke again about green issues.
Mr Gene Plews (Conservative) - OAKHAM SOUTH EAST WARD said something but as I have forgotten what he said I won't try to report that, I am sure it was something nice that was agreeable with his non political conservative colleagues.
Mr Brian A Montgomery (Independent) - WHISSENDINE WARD same for him sorry I forgot.
At the end of it the Council Committee approved the outline planning application.
