Key objection to pumping station was missed at planning meeting
A SENIOR planning officer has come under fire after a key objection to a proposed new pumping station in Kingswood was "forgotten".
Lord Mayor Councillor Danny Brown submitted a written objection to Hull City Council before the planning committee met last week.
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controversial plans: From left, Mandy Beecroft, Danny Brown, Derek Brook, and Clare Griffin, on Selset Way, Kingswood. Picture: Kate Woolhouse
Councillor John Fareham, who sits on the committee, said the application was a "major planning item" and that the views of Cllr Brown would have been considered.
"I am still appalled that his views were not put to us and I do know I would have listened with an open mind," he said.
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"As a former chairman I am shocked an officer can just 'forget'.
"What is vexatious about this matter is both Councillor Dave McCobb and I explored at the meeting whether Cllr Brown had objected.
"I also checked the file there and then.
"Both of us, and therefore the committee, were told no such objections were there.
"It does call into question how matters are handled, yet Labour seem to want to impose cuts on the service."
Cllr Brown, ward councillor for Kings Park, received confirmation the objection had been received and expected his concerns to be aired during the hearing.
"I have been working closely with the residents who objected to the application and I submitted a written objection of my own," he said.
"I got a receipt saying it had been received so I thought that was going to be included in the meeting.
"When I questioned why it had not been included I was told it had been forgotten."
Cllr Brown was out of the country when the meeting took place and the application was approved by ten votes to three.
Like any planning application, all objections that are sent to the council should form part of the decision- making process.
Although Cllr Fareham acknowledged the objection would have been considered, he was sceptical as to whether it would have made a significant difference on the outcome of the decision.
The Tory group leader said: "With the greatest respect to Cllr Brown, who is a personal friend, he would have been hard pressed to have found planning reasons for refusal stronger than reasons to accept.
"I can't speak for others but it would be amazing if Cllr Brown, with no deep track-record on planning, found something experienced members had not.
"Members do place weight on local member views although we will still vote against if they don't give us strong planning reasons.
"At all times, adherence to planning policies is expected, not loyalty to our peers."
Residents in Selset Way where the facility is due to be built, have been campaigning against the proposals since they were first outlined and informed Cllr Brown of the absence of his objection.
A council statement said: "Because of an administrative error Cllr Brown's letter was not referenced at the meeting.
"However, the issues that he raised and all the salient points from all those who objected were considered and addressed in the report and at the meeting."
14 Comments
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by yorkyblue2
Thursday, March 14 2013, 8:54PM
“Just to point out, we were NOT told there would be an upgrade of the pumping station and we wern't that stupid that we didn't ask about flooding before buying our homes. We were assured by Barretts this wouldn't happen because the houses were built on a slope so we wouldn't flood. We moved in before the floods Ann236 and were lucky enough not to be affected. Credit us with some common sense. Have you seen the size of the new pumping station against the old one? If I had known I wouldn't of bought a house here in the first place. At NO point have we said DON'T build it , we just asked for it to be built on the other side of the lagoon, where it wouldn't effect the community living here. It's not just about the value of our homes, it's about consideration on how imposing and over bearing this building will be to the houses closest to it! Planning wont let you build an extention that may overlook your neighbour but they will let you build a whopping big pumping station!!! Where is the logic? The first thing you will see when coming on the Estate is this building!
And by the way Yorkshire Water are uping their rates come April....”
by Domestic Bliss Cleaning Services
Thursday, March 14 2013, 4:09PM
“I wish people would listen to what we are trying to say, we are not saying we dont want the new pumping station we are just asking they put it at the other side of the lagoon”
by Rox19
Thursday, March 14 2013, 3:56PM
“That area actually did not flood in 2007 and that's with the station as. It is Awaiting your next comment”
by VicMay
Thursday, March 14 2013, 3:53PM
“It does beg the question, how much would the houses be worth if they were subject to regular flooding? I would bet it would be a lot less than having a pumping station near by.”
by Rox19
Thursday, March 14 2013, 3:39PM
“Have you not done your research Ann236 there is no Guarantee it will stop flooding even if built also if you have followed the story fully you will know it can be built a few meters away then all will be happy it's the cost implement that YWA don't like. I just hope that if it does go ahead no injury will be caused to a small child playing near the proposed build as if any of you knew the area you will know a kiddies play area is directly opposite the site where large lorries etc demolition will be. This objection is not just about money it's also about the safety aspect of it and its proximity to the play area what's more important life of a child or flooding???”
by Ann236
Thursday, March 14 2013, 3:24PM
“But Rox19 there was already a pumping station on the site with a possibilty that it would be upgraded. Why on earth buy a house so near if you don't want it? Unfortunately, this upgrade is desperately needed to protect Bransholme and Kingswood from flooding. What else are they supposed to do?”
by Rox19
Thursday, March 14 2013, 3:01PM
“From a relative of an an idiotic objector!! Obviously you probably don't take pride in where you live or probably have not worked all your life for your home like the residents have so you won't see if from their point of view , may i suggest all you FOR the buiid put your hand in your pockets and raise enough money for the residents in what they stand to lose in value of their properties!! No don't think you all will be in a rush to do that, youre all quick enough to comment on how apparantly residents knew YWA plans prior to purchase etc but if you actually new the facts it was all done underhanded maybe we ought to suggest to YWA that the residents get compensation via your water rates?? Lets see how many would then be for it then!”
by Foxache
Thursday, March 14 2013, 1:17PM
“HDM,
How about interviewing some of these idiotic objectors and asking them why they are hell-bent on reducing the value of their houses to zero whilst also ensuring they have no chance of obtaining any insurance.”
by Foxache
Thursday, March 14 2013, 1:14PM
“The planning application should be withdrawn and those idiots who are objecting left to fend for themselves.”
by Ann236
Thursday, March 14 2013, 11:22AM
“I can't believe that the residents are complaining about an upgrade to the pumping station when they chose to live there when they knew that it had to be done after the 2007 floods. Unbelievable!”