Latest from CPRE Lincs

25 January 2011
- extract from a report to CPRE East Midlands Regional Group

The Executive Committee met on 9 November 2010. Items considered included:

• The issue of a potential replacement for Ted Banks (ex Planning Advisor). I advised the Committee that in view of the heavy workload involved, I was unable to take on Mr Banks's role.

• Branch development was discussed and members were advised to visit a useful web site. Access to restricted information can be gained by CPRE members using an access code.

• Members were advised of the Best Kept Village awards ceremony. 128 villages entered and dignitaries from each local authority were invited to the award ceremony to present the awards. It proved to be an xcellent PR opportunity.

The Committee met again on 11 January 2011. The items discussed included:

• Details of the Localism Bill were discussed. A cautious welcome was given to some of the proposals although concerns were expressed as to how neighbourhood plans would be achieved in practice. Additional enforcement measures were welcomed.
  
• Members resolved to award a further CPRE Mark to a conservation project on the Lincolnshire coast at Croft, near Skegness.
  
• A proposed wind farm at Baumber close to the Lincolnshire Wolds AONB had been dismissed at appeal by the inspector. It was rejected because of the impact on the wider landscape, a direct impact on several local residents and impact on views to important local buildings.
  
• The proposed "super dairy" at Nocton had now been amended to 3,770 cows instead of 8,100 with a reduction in the number of some of the buildings. The latest application had produced a petition against the development signed by over 60,000 people and 1,000 individual objections. It is anticipated that the application will be considered by the District Council in March 2011. It was noted in addition that the local MP is proposing a bill which would potentially outlaw such developments in close proximity to villages. The ‘Anti' campaign has gone national with a 38 Degrees online petition - hence the 60,000 signatures to the petition.

Edited by Fiona Cowan
31 January 2011