Residents vs Developers = David vs Goliath?
Over the last few weeks I have been covering the Hastings and Bexhill Link Road inquiry at the White Rock Theatre and, although undecided as to whether or not I think the scheme is a good idea, one thing has impressed me.
The dignified way in which the objectors have fought their corner should be an example to anyone locally who is faced with having to mount a similar anti-development campaign.
No smear tactics, no sniping, just an honest and at times imaginative opposition. And, despite the obvious need to help open up parts of Hastings for future development, I have to admit to being slightly swayed by their argument. 100million does seem a lot to spend on what is essentially three miles of road. Ring fenced the cash may be, but I can't help thinking the money would be better spent improving the rail links to London.
I imagine the road will eventually be built - no doubt late and over-budget. And I dare say it WILL help the two towns.
But one thing I think the dispute has shown is how difficult it can be for local people to take on developers.
The sceptical among us would perhaps suggest that however strong the opposition to the scheme it would not be able to overcome the combined powers of East Sussex County Council AND the Government.
And by no means are the anti-road lobbyists alone.
Over the last few months the Observer has been covering the plight of residents near the old Hastings College site in Archery Road.
Developers Gladedale - an internationally renowned firm - wants to squeeze 160 plus new homes onto the site. The residents, quite understandably, don't want it to. The result? A band of determined locals galvanising neighbours and friends into taking up the fight. But realistically what chance do they have? Most have full time jobs, families and other worries demanding their time. Developers have legal teams, highly paid consultants and inexhaustive funds.
And when they do come before the council's planning board, the members often have their hands tied by guidelines and quotas. They may well sympathise with the residents, they may even dislike the plans, but unless they can find proper reasons to reject proposals they have to grant permission.
To make matters worse councillors often find themselves facing retrospective planning applications for work already done, leaving them little choice but to green tick it.
In other examples, like the roof of the new station plaza college, councillors admit to having been misled over plans.
Having covered planning meetings for the last four years the recurring theme is one of frustration on the part of the objectors. Very rarely do plans get turned down and even less often are they rejected purely because local residents don't like them.
Whether this is because the council is pro development or is bound to meet national quotas is open to debate. What can't be though is the difficult and often emotionally draining process of objecting.
If politicians want people to become more involved in politics, they need to start by making it easier for those who do and not just paying them five minutes of lip-service before rubber stamping the plans of greedy developers.
Do you think developers have the upper hand? Should it be made easier for residents to object? Leave your comments below.
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Weather for Hastings
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 11 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 12 C to 18 C
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