Oakham Town Council had a private meeting with Sainsbury.
Why? Because at a later
meeting 5th August they will consider a
planning application.
Why are large companies given this extra time to consult councillors?
(image Tesco Poland)
A private individual can not command this time, 5 minutes during public deputations.
Despite the town council duty to remain impartial it is is very clear this is not the case when it comes to the development of supermarkets.
Anti Tesco feeling was evident during Oakham Town Council handling of Tesco's planning application.
The plans were displayed in the foyer and a public consultation was held and Cllr Dewis and Lucas clearly pointed out their objections to the public. This is not the purpose of a consultation.
The appears to be some confusion as to whether there should or will be a public consultation this time for the Sainsbury application.
Why have the plans not been displayed?
Dare I mention the Tory connection with Sainsbury?
Sainsbury has a good relationship with Tory Councils .
Just take a look at Welwyn Garden City The worlds second garden city Tory Controlled for years and now work starts on the demolition of Sainsbury and surrounding shops to create a even bigger superstore infact 4 times the size in the centre of a Garden City! What would Ebenezer say? It's ok because they will be planting a few extra trees in the new car park I don't think so.
To be honest it does not really matter what Oakham Town Council decide because as the town Clerk explained last night none of them are trained in planning, and he reminded the public of the following.
Planning Applications are received by the Town Council
The final decision on all planning maters affecting Rutland rests with the local planning authority which is Rutland County Council. However, in it's role as statutory consultee Oakham Town Council is asked for recommendations and observations on all planning applications affecting Oakham.
A member of the public commented what is the point of Oakham Town Council in this role?
I tend to agree views expressed by Cllrs are personal views, and we all have them, It would be good if Cllrs consulted the public and Cllrs could truly reflect the views of the people they serve.
I feel Oakham Town Council could be a stronger tool if members of the public gave Cllrs their views. As it stands I sense a group of people are just rubber stamping applications. Maybe they sense the planning authority know often the view expressed by the Town Council does not reflect the view of residents.
The councillors don't even get to see any letters of objections that may have been sent to the planning authority?
I will finish by saying I look forward to shopping in the New Sainbury store and earning lots of Nectar Points.
