Pre-submission document published tomorrow.  Meeting at the Barrington Centre on 1st February where the public can give the council their views.  Get involved, or accept your fate!

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.

Received a letter from a resident in the ward this morning, with regard to 'the Warren' current planning application.  Have looked at the site, checked the YouTube videos, checked the town council recommendation and had a meeting with the EDDC planning officer.  Have now replied to resident.