12105 people have now signed the petition....
Latest from the Wealden District Council website:
9 February 2009
Joe Townsend Planning Application Statement
We have always recognised the huge sacrifice that Joe has made and have been wholly committed to working with Joe, his family and their planning agent to ensure that he gets the home he needs and deserves.
Immediately following the planning decision, we approached Joe's Grandfather and wish to work with him to reach a solution which is acceptable to everyone. We have agreed with the family that we will meet at their earliest convenience and that meeting will take place this week.
"With a successful outcome from that meeting, we will do everything possible to make sure his application is determined without delay, " said Councillor Roy Galley, Cabinet member for Strategic Planning & Housing Delivery.
"Working within legal timescales, this could mean a decision in principle as early as the end of next week.
"Whilst our immediate priority is resolving this issue for Joe, we are also deeply concerned that there is no specific Government planning guidance in the matter of special arrangements for injured servicemen," he added.
" We will therefore be urging the Prime Minister to reduce the chances of any other council being caught in a situation where there is a heart-rending pressure created by a badly-injured service man or woman needing special accommodation in an area where planning policy directs it to be inappropriate."
The Fat Lady* has yet to sing........
*This is not a slanderous reference to any particular councillor!