Following on from my post on Wind Turbines, pleased to see the Solar Panel Farm at Slepe Farm open, more at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-14717123.

I received a letter from Dorset CPRE recently, on the subject of objecting to Wind Turbines.  That led me to the following thoughts:

1.  I'm not on the planning committee.
2.  I'm not predetermined in this [or any other] matter. 

But I would put forward three observations.  One is whatever decisions we do make, the country does need a more balanced portfolio of energy sources, in which renewable energy should play a part.  The second is that I deeply dislike the hypocrisy of 'NIMBYs'.  The third is that in my view the green-belt should not be sacrosanct every time.  It was a piece of legislation that was made in a particular time, place and circumstance - things move on - the majority of the country does not have green belt.  and some green belt is very ugly.  I would prefer an emphasis on high grade environments whether they be urban, suburban or rural.  And long-term joined up planning on preserving our unique biodiversity, rather than the desperate clinging to 'the view from my back yard'. 

The new raft of planning legislation arriving with the Localism Bill is definitely not a charter for NIMBYs, but a structure to aid growth and building.  Anyone doubting this should listen to the relavent comments made in the budget speeches this year.

I remain fiercely proud of my own Dorset birth, upbringing and background.  My paternal grandmother was born in Bere Regis, and grandfather in Sherborne, as was I.  That doesn't mean we can preserve our almost completely manmade landscapes in aspic, across England.  I would welcome views from Ferndown Central residents to understand what is important to you.

Delighted to see the interpretation boards now hung in Harmont Wood.  Having secured the funding, it has taken some time to get them into place, but they are there now.  I'm pleased to have led now two major town improvements over my three years as a town councillor.  Now starting on a little heritage project to restore the milestones on Wimborne and Ringwood Road.  These small improvements are part of a virtuous circle of community work which despite what some say, sees Ferndown improving.  It was good to see the Concerts in the Park this summer, and watch out for the Halloween event coming up!  Why not challenge all FTC councillors to list the changes they have led/engineered across our town and keep us all on our toes!

I usually buy the Big Issue in Chandler's Ford where I work, but sometimes i'll buy it from the smiley lady outside Tesco in Penny's Walk.  I'd decided not to today, but the elderly man in front of me was so rude to her, I changed my mind out of 'corporate guilt'!  I was a little shocked how someone could be so rude for no [reasonable] reason.  I got into buying it regularly after hearing John Bird speak - the guy is a legend!

Quiz coming up next Saturday, with team entries having to be in by next Wednesday.  Why not enter a team in this fun quiz.  It's a cheap and fun night out.  7-10pm at the Heatherlands Centre, Ferndown Saturday 10th September.  Contact me if interested.

Conservative Future is the movement for all under 30s, including all members of the Conservative party of this age.  Conservative Future is the largest youth political organisation in the UK.  If you'd like to learn more, visit www.conservativefuture.com or email their Chairman Ben Howlett at [email protected].

You can find it  at http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/localgovernment/localismplainenglishguide.  The town council should be communicating its contents to residents.  The town plan group might be important in this work, if involved?

A31 queuing back to Ferndown/West Moors junction already at 10am this morning.  Will the 'hamburger' junction solve/mitigate the problem?  Or is it a waste of money, with added problems for residents and businesses? 

What do I think Localism means?  Short answer....................  Well, it's been around for ages.  It is about encouraging social relationships, devolving decisions and resources to the most local organisation or group of individuals possible, and about glueing society back together through empowering and enabling actions.  The intention is to re-engage with the socially, economically and politically estranged? 

What do you think?

Saturday 10th September at the Heatherlands Centre.  Fancy a fun Quiz Night?  £5 a head includes fish and chips supper.  Teams of four, limited numbers.  Let me know if you want to put in a team.  Will be a great night!