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First published Friday 12 September 2014 in Hereford Times News by Adam Knight Full result for 2010 Herefordshire North General Election WD Wiggin (Conservative Party) 24,631 votes - 51.8% votes won LA Hurds (Liberal Democrat) 14,744 votes - 31.0% votes won N Sabharwal (Labour Party) 3,373 votes - 7.1% votes won JP Oakton (United Kingdom Independence Party) 2,701 votes - 5.7% votes won FM Norman (Green Party) 1,533 votes - 3.2% votes won EJ King (Independent) 586 votes - 1.2% votes won Looks like a tall order with all the votes split between other parties.

Councillor replies to Fire Station e-mail (post 40): Received 12th September 2014 1. Robertson, Sally (Cllr) Independent I am away until the 15th September and will deal with my emails on my return. If you have any urgent issues, please contact members support on Hereford 260201. 2. Preece, Robert (Cllr) Independent Thanks for your email Martin, I believe that the council have the right to do what they are doing regarding this application. But I support your comments and I have spoken to other Councillors that a more suitable site be found but the ruling group seem to want it in Bath Street. Councillor Bob Preece. St. Martins & Hinton Ward. 3. Harry Bramer Conservative Thank you for your email This application is now before the planning committee and I therefore am advised not to express my opinions at this time prior to the meeting. Thank you for your interest Cllr H Bramer Cabinet Member Contracts and Assets 4. Durkin, Barry (Cllr) Conservative I acknowledge receipt of your email. I do not believe that there is any conflict with another party applying to build on the site of a council owned building. Nothing is hidden and all should be transparent with regard to any application and matters of planning are decided on under national guidance. The building is of local interest due to its historical significance and the council planning committee will probably decide the outcome of the application. As you are probably aware, the planning committee is served by cross party representatives. Further as I do not know, at present, what the building proposal is I am unable to comment further. Regards Barry Durkin Councillor - Member Old Gore Ward - Herefordshire Council Vice Chairman - General Overview and Scrutiny Committee 5. Bridges, Adrian (Cllr) Independent Thank you for your email, I note the concerns but will also be asking some pertinent questions that you have raised. This now puts in to doubt why we are having to pay to move. There is also the cost for which I will be very interested to find out what this is as we as a Council certainly cannot afford this. There is also the issue of loosing a pump to which this money looks like it could well be diverted and spent on retaining this. I am also concerned this is not the most suitable location for the fire station. Regards Councillor Adrian Bridges 6. Seldon, Alan (Cllr) IOC Thank you for your email. Kind regards Alan Seldon

I sent this email to all Councillors yesterday and their replies are coming in.

. . . and E numbers!

Totally agree. It's a shame considering the last Mayor's Charity Project was to get the Venn Arch restored in Commercial Road.

I am getting feed back from our councillors to an email that I sent them all today. Will publish replies, as and if, they come in. It's the nearest we will get them to making a public statement on where they stand on this issue.

Excuse me officer can you tell me how to get to the Old Market.

Just read this in The Guardian: Another example of being ripped off, following on from PFI (Private Finance Intiative). These politicians are only looking after themselves when in and outside government, and nobody can do anything about it - so we are getting milked twice by political parties in power and those in opposition. Everyone wins except the voter who keeps this system rattling along. Also the MPs are claiming more expenses now than at the height of 2009 scandal. Everybody happy?

They are not raiding the takeaways and restaurants for illegal immigrants?

I don't think it got that far. How can you enter a plea if a crime has not been commited? There has been no evidence provided by the CPS. It looks as if the ordinary policeman does not understand the law and carries out instructions as told by their superiors who may be instructed by others above them with no regard for the law?

The UDP has the status of a Development Plan Document. It is operative as part of the Local Development Framework and most of its policies have now been 'saved' until they are superseded by other emerging Development Plan Documents in the Local Plan. The notice of adoption was published on 4 April 2007. The Direction of the Secretary of State to save the policies of the UDP was issued on 24 February 2010. The Direction lists all the saved policies. I don't think the fire station fits any of these policies.

Not to me.

Guy Taylor interview on his court appearance yesterday on UK Column Live News. The interview starts at 29:30. After 24 hours the programme is put into the archives here. Plenty of other points raised not mentioned above.

Went along to the Magistrate's Court ten thirty this morning and found myself in a group of around 60 people who were there to support Guy Taylor regarding the possession of Bodenham Manor and his subsequent arrest with another for trepass and burglary. Some supporters had come from Wigan, Notttingham, Portsmouth and Stoke, all with an interest in the use of fraudalant documents being used against them by bailiffs, banks and local authorities. There was a member of the press from Portsmouth who was also interested in the hearing. The proceedings were held in Court No 2 and much against public protest, only twelve members of the public were allowed in to see justice done, or in this case, not done. After 30 minutes the Crown Prosecution Service could not provide any evidence against Guy Taylor so the magistrates ajourned the proceedings giving the CPS 42 days to come with some evidence. Guy Taylor has asked to see documents: 1 Proving James David Davies acquired the title legimately in 2014. 2 The sale of transfer/completion statement 3 The full land registry documents 4 The title showing James David Davies name. 5 Evidence of who purchased the property/land from Guy Taylor. 6 Any documents to prove that the previous occupiers were evicted. Guy Taylor also has drawn attention to the terms "possesion" and "ownership" regarding property rights. An interesting, but short day with the courts unable to proceed to a final verdict. Supporters of Guy Taylor retired to Wetherspoons for an analysis of the morning's proceedings. It appears that Guy Taylor had to go to court to establish, that although the police acted on a complaint, there is no evidence provided to say that he has broken the law. I wonder how many people would have acted as he has done to prove his point.

I feel that the objection to the relocation of the existing fire station to Bath Street can only be challenged on two points. The first and most obvious is the proposed location in a Conservation Area. Secondly the involvement of Herefordshire Council officers and councillors in developing this application in conjunction with the Hereford & Worcester Fire Service where Herefordshire Council are the authority who determine the submitted plan. The consultation carried out and reports submitted by H&WFR in this application are mere expensive padding and would apply to any location the service wanted to relocate to. They are a diversion to distract the public and planning councillors in accepting the Bath Road site, because it suits a deal that has been done behind closed doors. Prince Charles who has his own views on the impact of architecture on society made the following comments in a speech he made on 31st January 2008 regarding New Buildings in Old Places: The present plan to locate the fire station to Bath Street fails on all the above accounts. Maybe if the Planning Committee took this advice when considering the relocation of the fire station the outcome for the citizens of Hereford would be more worthy.

Hereford & Worcester Fire Authority Policy and Resources Committee 10 September 2014 see page 18 of June 2nd minutes. 13. Capital expenditure remains lower than expected in the budget for two main reasons: a) The vehicle replacement programme continues to be on hold until the outcome of the CRMP is known. b) Work was delayed on capital projects within the major building section for the following reasons: • Worcester – contractual issues surrounding the building specification. • Hereford – requirement for additional works at the planning stage due to sensitivity of selected site being within conservation area. Not sure what this means? This is all the information concerning the fire station relocation in the minutes.

Time to contact the Planning Committee and find out where they stand on this application. I believe these councillors to be Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Authority Members Jim Kenyon, Bob Matthews, Peter Jones, David Taylor, Dereck Prodger, Peter Sinclair-Kipe, Kema Guthrie - although the H&WFR website says there are only 6 members from Herefordshire Council. Bob Matthews and Kema Guthrie are on the Herefordshire Council Planning Committee. Mark Hubbard is the Central Ward Councillor.

The Fire Station topic has been covered under four different headings on Hereford Voice. A lot of information posted in the past may be of interest regarding the present planning application. County Offices Bath Street Not Worth Listing Saving the Working Boys Home-Update Fire Station Public Meeting However any comment needs to be posted under one heading so we know where we can find it. Can I suggest any information concerning the planning application is posted under Fire Station Planning Application Over 22,500 views on all the above topics.

Swift Conservation website.

Belmont & Newton Farm SNT Newsletter September 2014 West Mercia Police Belmont & Newton Farm Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) SEPTEMBER 2014 Newsletter

The Planning Notice has been published dated 4th September 2014. This is an application for full planning permission and affects a Conservation Area. Is this application in accordance with the provisions of the Development plan? P - Planning permission AC - Conservation Area Consent AC - Affecting a Conservation Area D - Not in accordance with the provisions of the Development Plan RW - Affecting a public right of way T - For a telecommunications mast

List of planning public notices affecting the city It is a legal requirement for the council to give public notice of certain types of planning application and other planning matters by the display of an advert in a local newspaper. If you wish to comment, please follow the advice contained in the notice. The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2010 Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, Sections 67 & 73 Application Types: P - Planning permission L - Listed Building Consent SL - Affecting the setting of a Listed Building AC - Affecting a Conservation Area D - Not in accordance with the provisions of the Development Plan RW - Affecting a public right of way T - For a telecommunications mast 4th September 2014 P142467/F – AC SL New ATM and replacement of existing ATMs. 35 High Town, Hereford P142468/A – AC SL 2 fascia signs, 2 hanging sign and 7 other signs. 35 High Town, Hereford, Herefordshire, HR1 2AQ P142554/F – AC P Demolition of existing buildings and construction of a new fire station and training facility with associated access and landscaping works. Herefordshire County Council Offices, Bath Street, Hereford Link to Hereford Voice - Fire Station Planning Topic If you wish to make representations or comments you can during the period of 21 days beginning with the date of the publication of this notice quoting the relevant number: By the Website: Using the online comment form By e-mail to: planning_enquiries@herefordshire.gov.uk By post to: - Planning Services, PO Box 230, Hereford, HR1 2ZB ANDREW ASHCROFT (Assistant Director)

STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.3 As part of the pre-application process, the Applicant held an exhibition to engage local residents and key stakeholders on the emerging proposals. This document provides an overview of the consultation, engagement and communications undertaken by Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Authority. (A limted consultation - no background information) 1.5 An application was made by members of the local community to English Heritage to list the former Working Boys' Home. English Heritage's assessment concluded that the building was not of sufficient architectural quality to merit listed status and in February 2014 decided not to list the site. (No other investigations/evidence as to how the buildings could be used - no need to demolish just because they are not listed) 1.8 A detailed description of the proposal Is provided In the accompanying Planning Statement and Design and Access Statement. In summary. The Applicant proposes a land swap with Herefordshire Council whereby the Applicant would redevelopment the Council's offices at Bath Street for use as a fire station and the Council would in turn use the existing fire station site, located on St Owen Street, for an alternative use. (What are the alternative uses?) (Prejudicial interest Section 12 - The Planning Code This code covers the conduct of both Councillors and Officers. It relates to the whole of the planning process, including policy formulation and development control, and all Councillors and Officers who come into contact with it. The code is designed to promote greater mutual support and understanding between Councillors and Officers to the benefit of all involved in the planning process. It is also designed to give the public greater confidence that Herefordshire Council discharges its planning responsibilities fairly and openly.) 1.9 The proposal Is driven by the need for a new fire station in Hereford as the existing station is in poor condition and fails to comply with a number of current legislative requirements. The unconventional layout results in a congested and inefficient use of space. (What are these current legislative requirements?) 1.10 A survey has been undertaken on the current station to ascertain whether it is viable to refurbish the existing station or to build a new station on the site. Both options have proved that the costs involved would be prohibitive to undertake either of these options and that it is more economical to secure a new site and build a purpose built and modern facility. (What are the figures?) 1.11 In addition, the existing site is unsuited to the development of a new modern fire station as there is insufficient space on site for training facilities, which are considered to be essential to the operation of the station. Therefore a larger site is needed for the new station. (And maybe a larger site than this. "The need for further spending cuts will necessitate the future integration of the police, fire and ambulance emergency services and the widespread use of body-worn cameras and smartphone apps by officers to save time, the home secretary, Theresa May, has forecast". If this is the case this site will not be suitable and may involve the fire station moving again. 1.12 The proposed development would incorporate a fire station together with associated administrative accommodation and a training facility. An extensive technical assessment of available sites in Hereford has been undertaken and the proposed site has been found to be the most suitable for the provision of fire service facilities that will benefit the City. (Do not agree.) End of Introduction - Will add further comments to this and other documents.

Covering letter dated 15th August 2014 Submitted by CgMs Consulting - contact Catherine Stephens Looks as if H&WFR are prepared to pay highly for the advice given to support the application. I assume H&WFR are paying for all the report costs incurred for this application?

Time to start reading the documents and raise questions, comments and concerns: Application for Planning Permission 15th August 2014 11. Vehicle Parking Cars existing 21 Proposed 34 (12 visitors) 29% increase No motorcycles/cycling spaces None indicated on form although area shown on plan 12 Foul Sewage Are you proposing to connect to the existing drainage system? Unknown 14. Biodiversity and Geological Conservation Having referred to the guidance notes, is there a reason able likelihood of the following being affected adversely or conserved and enhanced within the application site, OR on land adjacent to or near the application site: a) Protected and priority species. Yes, on the development site 16. Trees and Hedges Are there trees or hedges on the proposed development site? Yes And/or: Are there trees or hedges on land adjacent to the proposed development site that could influence the development or might be important as part of the local landscape character? Yes If Yes to either or both of the above, you may need to provide a full Tree Survey, at the discretion of your local planning authority. If a Tree Survey is required, this and the accompanying plan should be submitted alongside your application. Your local planning authority should make clear on its website what the survey should contain, in accordance with the current BS5837: Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction - Recommendations (Loss of trees on site: 4.8 Mature trees on site would be lost as part of the development proposal. 4.9 Whilst a number of significant trees will be removed as part of the development, this loss is essential for highways safety and the operational requirements of the fire station. For instance one group of trees will be removed for sight-line purposes for fire tenders existing the proposed station. However, mitigation measures will be put in place in order to protect the remaining trees on site over the course of the construction period. 4.10 It is proposed to maintain as many of the existing trees on the site as possible. Grass and low planting are proposed to the front and Southern border in order to soften the landscape while still providing a clear line of sight around the perimeter.) Trade Effluent Does the proposal involve the need to dispose of trade effluents or waste? No 20. Employment If known, please complete the following information regarding employees: Existing employees 0 Full time Proposed employees 81Full time Any increase or just existing personnel tranferred? 22. Site area 0.53 hectares What size is the existing site?