On the evening of November 24, I attended a meeting of Holland Residents’ Association, where a packed hall was presented with an explanation of the plan for development over the next 20 years.

Residents were, quite rightly, outraged at the district council’s proposal to allocate land for the future development of at least 700 dwellings off Sladbury’s Lane.

I have great sympathy with the residents and much admiration for their association’s organisation of the meeting, so that people’s views could be properly understood by the council.

It was clearly stated by the council’s portfolio holder that as they had raised such concerns, there is a possibility the council would have to rethink.

It also emerged the document had not generated much response from the Clacton area, where off St John’s Road, opposite Jaywick Lane, a bypass is proposed leading to Brook Park shopping precinct.

This road is clearly unnecessary, but makes it possible for Clacton to bear the brunt of the development of some 3,100 dwellings.

I challenged the portfolio holder for planning, Carlo Guglielmi, to do more.

It is suggested the Government is forcing us to have 6,000 new homes in our area, but the plan has taken 18 months to draw up – so which Government does it refer to?

Obviously, these plans reflect the aspirations of the previous Labour Government.

The new coalition Government speaks about localism, where local people’s views are paramount, so I have asked that the council does more to be sure all residents of Tendring have a clear understanding of the severe impact this plan will have on their lives.

I have suggested a simple leaflet, or postcard, be sent to every dwelling in Tendring, so we get a clear understanding of people’s views across the whole of the district.

This request was denied at the Holland public meeting and the excuse of cost was brought up by the portfolio holder.

It would appear this administration is not willing to go the extra mile for the plan to be properly accepted and understood by all.

To bring the cost into it is outrageous on something so profound. Whose money is it anyway?

If you do have a view, you only have until December 6 to make it known to Tendring Council’s planning department.

Harry Shearing
Councillor for
Bockings Elm
Turpins Lane
Kirby Cross