Grrrr Words fail me..........Happy ending for Joe Townsend
 

:mad:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/news...ed-Marine.html

Perhaps we take up a collection to sent the council to Afghanistan for an extended "fam visit".:mad:

Disgrace!!!!:mad::mad::mad:

Tell you what, if he painted himself black, spoke with a foreign accent.....Watch them come round & fit pretty much anything he wanted.

This is disappointing and a desperate situation for this young guy and his family. However, emotive though the matter is, it will have been decided purely in line with the Council’s policies on land use.

Although the press report doesn’t make this too clear, it looks like the situation is fairly rural and the Council’s policies will exist to try and preserve this as far as possible.

Whilst not wishing to minimise the sacrifice this guy and his family have made, and will continue to make, it should be borne in mind that planning regulations must treat everyone fairly. There are many situations where families might like to make a special case for building a house where otherwise one would not be considered. We may think of the parents of a special needs child who wish to provide for an independent life as it grows older. Alternatively we may think of children with elderly parents who may feel better if they lived closer as their years advanced. Furthermore, there are many people incapacitated by road or industrial accidents, all of whom would love to make a special case for homes where ones would otherwise not be permitted. Added to that there are just simple chancers, and I say that mindful of the original subject of this post, Marine Townsend, whom I mean absolutely no ill will towards by that comment. Unfortunately planning history is littered is littered with just such chancers who, having been able to make a plausible case for a dream home in the countryside, promptly sell it on, sometimes without even having built it, just merely selling the plot of land with its planning consent.

Anyway, that’s my tuppence worth. As I say, a desperately sad situation and my comments in no way are intended to detract for the situation the Marine and his family are in. I speak also as someone who from my early teens to late twenties had a large responsibility (along with my widowed Mother) for a kid brother left paraplegic due to medical negligence.

Feel free to flame me if you wish

Says it all, doesn't it? (:*!)

The refusal of planning permission is stated in this document:

http://www.wealden.gov.uk/moderngov/Published/C00000303/M00002500/AI00022812/$082516.docA.ps.pdf

Para 6 only lists the telephone numbers of the 'team leader' and 'case officer' involved. Uniquely amongst the posted list of councillors, Councillor Ms Barby Dashwood-Hall, the chairman of the development control south sub-committee, declines to provide any contact details....... Although it would appear to be [email protected] from a cached source.

The Sun today reports:

Perhaps e-mails in support of Hazel Blears should be sent to Ms B Dashwood-Hall at the e-mail address listed for her in the Hellingly Parish Council website - with an apology for using a private e-mail address, since her official Wealden District Council e-mail address is, curiously, currently missing?

Or you could write:

Ms,Dashwood-Hall,Barby,,The Priest House,Church Lane,,,BN274HA,Hellingly,Hailsham,East Sussex

Gents,

I rather think this has gone beyond the good Councillors now. In essence they have made their decision and that is that.

The applicants now have two possible courses of action open to them. The most feasible is to Appeal the Council's decision to the Planning Inspectorate.

The second is to generate a bit of a head of steam and simply re-submit their application, hoping for a more favourable decision from the Councillors second time around. North of the Border, where I write, an applicant can re-submit any time within twelve months without having to pay another application fee but I wouldn't know if that's the same in England & Wales.

I feel another campaign coming on, anyone remember Mole Valley District Council & Headley Court in July 2006?

Regards to one and all.

PN, the disadvantage of writing is that you cannot copy your letter to your local MP and to the Communities Secretary [email protected] quite so easily.

The Sun seems to have got a good head of steam up over this issue - and quite rightly so too!

Please get off your high horses and write to the Mail - not here. Your wailing and hand-wringing is tedious. I bet you NIMBYs would have objected if it threatened the ambience of your country residences. Other options that are equally suitable have not yet been explored.

I have every sympathy for the injured RM, but you lot getting all in a tizz about a single planning application is just sad.

I think it's called 'being supportive'? If the Communities Secretary feels moved to comment that “Heroes deserve much better than this”, I feel it far from unreasonable that servicemen and ex-servicemen should also feel moved to comment. Hardly 'sad', I would suggest.

Anyway, my e-mail to Cllr Dashwood-Hall addresses hasn't been bounced, so I guess that both addresses were correct.

Thanks Mr C, that was kind of my point, put somewhat more directly if I may say!

Refused Application
 

From a mere colonial lad from Down under. Those responsible for the welfare of the injured Royal Marine should be supporting him in his endeavours to have a suitable place to reside, in fact, they should bloody well provide it for him. Sometimes the rules can and should be bent, especially in this case where it is reported that none of the neighbors raised any objection to the proposed construction. Again, shiny arsed pen pushers rule it seems. :ugh:

alwayslookingup & Mr C

Agree that writing here is going to change, but um, is that pretty much like every other post on the internet.

As for you guys, heres hoping you life a long, without ever having to live in a government run home catering for younger people with such issues. I have had a mate in a similar situation, and he was placing in a nursing home, becuase those sorts of facilities just don't exist in any great number for younger people.The fact that he has family willing to build him a place and look after him, is an exception.

Farkin councils and public servants, I think a David Brent quote sums them all up best,

"Process and Procedure are the last hiding place of people without the wit and wisdom to do their job properly."

Chineheap & co, I live in one of the most expensive little villages in the country; I would be happy to see this Marine move in nearby ( 'next door' doesn't really exist in our case, but same applies if it did ).

I would regard the presence of real people like him and his supporters a distinct improvement over chinless property developers etc.

It seems despite being a listed area, one can add extensions etc to the back of one's house, mostly circa 1600's, as long as one knows the right member of the council / golf course / hunt ( pass me that gatling gun ).

They say a society may be judged by the way it treats its' elders ( UK fails miserably on that too ) - same applies to how it treats those who have given their all for their country.

The Ghurkas are another point which springs to mind.

'Shiny arsed pen-pushers' like to think they rule; it's up to us to convince them otherwise - am mailing the council address given.

I have the misfortune to live in the Wealden District Council area and have had dealings with both the Planning and Conservation Departments and without doubt they are the most awkward unreasonable people to deal with. God help you if you have a Listed house in this area as the Conservation Dept have to be seen to be believed.

The planning application is WD/2008/2516 which will come up with full details if you google it.

Wealden website is Wealden District Council homepage

Thegypsy ( God I hope you're not one, they're the only group I would happily exclude from this planet, let alone a county ! )...

I wonder if the council would treat you the same if you knew the right person socially, don't know about Wealden - but am getting the idea - I lived in Somerset for a while and it is fair to say it is run by the masons - members I knew could get away with anything short of being caught at a murder scene...

I was unfortunately with some at a meal one evening, some of the guests had travelled over 20 miles in thick fog to get there, then drank away to their fill.

When I expressed my concern over what if they A, crashed, B, were stopped by the police, the answer was " Oh, we needn't worry about that one "...

I have mailed Ms Dashwood-Hall and Parliament, not holding my breath for a reply.

I hope Joe Townsend is reading all this...

The thing that gets to more than anything is that we can allow enormous great mosques and God-knows what else (pardon the pun) for 'the minorites, and yet when it comes to looking after one of our own, we're faced with beaurocatric rubbish from the likes of Ms Dashwood-Hall, or Barbie to her friends.
Just about sums things up really, a council run by a Barbie (doll)

Shame on you and shame on the whole council at Wealdon. Your decision is nothing short of a national disgrace.

Mr Townsend, you have my utmost sympathy. If you ever want to move up to the great land of Geordies, we will welcome you with open arms Sir, and I guarantee you won't ever have to buy another beer for yourself!!

Best wishes to you.
The Winco

Winco

Just for the record this application went to committee with a refusal recommendation by the planning officers of Wealden. Councillors could have overturned this and approved it if they were so minded to do so and the DCS have in the past gone against planning officer's views but on this occasion failed to do so.Cllr Dashwood could have given some leadership here but clearly failed to see the merits of the application.

Double Zero Wealden do not like gypsy applications on fields and always refuse them but more often than not are overruled on appeal by the Planning Inspectorate due to the PC attitude here these days.No I am not one but have felt like one over the years and share your views.:D

Double Zero,

Not only slander of every honest person who works in Local Government planning but Racism as well. I suggest you be careful of your outrageous comments on a public forum. My wife works in planning and is scrupulously honest and does her job without fear or favour.

And just for the record, disability is not a planning issue. Getting p*ssed off at planners for not doing what you want because they just can't is like asking your plumber to give an opinion on a problem with your electrics and getting mad at him because he can't.


MODS: Please do something about this.

Doc C.

I was so incensed when I read this story that I decided to phone Ms Barby Dashwood-Hall on 01323 844374 (Number given to me by Alex White of the council if anyone wants to know) and ask her why she was not able to help this guy out. I gave her my name and address and politely told her that both she and her council should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves for this outrageous decision.

I pointed out to her that this chap had given everything barr his life for this country, and that IMHO her council had a duty and responsibility to help him out in his hour of need. She said little other than that she appreciated my call!

Now I'm not suggesting for a minute that people should phone her up and give her grief, clearly that won't achieve anything, but perhaps a few of you more 'better educated' type chaps on here (BEagle maybe?) might like to have a chat with her, use your charms and try to get her and the council to reconsider their decision?

To RM Townsend, my best wishes to you, I'm saddened and annoyed that you are being treated this way, it's a disgrace.

TKR

Winco,

In Crawley, a truly awful town about 9 miles from
here, there are actually main road signs directing one to the mosques...

:mad:

"there are actually main road signs directing one to the mosques..."


Just what the hell is wrong with that?

The racist undertones on some of these posts are a disgrace and will NOT contribute one jot to the Marines case.

What's wrong with that, Double Z?

In Norwich, a truly delightful place some twenty miles or so from where I live, there are signpost all over the place to churches. I don't believe in their god either but I'm not offended.

I would suggest you have no place posting on this forum if you can not keep your racism and biggotry to yourself and hope the mods ban you for life.

Doc C: ugh::ugh::mad::mad:

Doc C, I agree with you on your posts #20 and #24.

Real Romany gypsies were a familiar presence in the countryside when I were a lad down Zumazett way. Also in Lincolnshire; I was driving cautiously past a roadside gypsy camp once when a youngster ran out into the narrow road. I stopped in time, his 'somewhat large' mother called "Thank you", before giving him such a wallop that I could almost feel the impact. They certainly knew how to control their children - I'll bet he didn't do it again!

Unfortunately various ne'er do wells and sundry low life are often incorrectly termed 'gypsy' these days by the ignorant.

Back on topic, in fact the decision was far from unanimous and other councillors pleaded in favour of the application. So don't criticise them unfairly.

The report indicates that the proposed bungalow would be 'visually intrusive'. GOOD! I prefer to think of that as 'visually significant' - and it would remind all those who saw it of the sacrifice made by this Royal Marine on their behalf.

All I wrote to Ms Dashwood-Hall was:

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...rnet/zxzxz.jpg
And pr00ne, make that 4 times now I've agreed with you!

See what I mean BEagle?

"I refer to the matter of your refusal to grant planning permission for WD/2008/2516/F - the proposed disabled chalet bungalow intended to support the needs of disabled Royal Marine Joe Townsend.

I wish to state my full support for the Communities Secretary's demand that you should reconsider this application and request that your Development Control South Sub-committee takes immediate action to do so in response to the public outrage which has resulted from your decision."

I could never have found such words like that!!!
TKR

Doc C,

Thanks very much for your misguided input.

If you had direct experience, as I have at several locations, of 'Gypsies' - - I do not use the term in ignorance, the inhabitantsof such places which cause so much trouble in various ways find it convenient to call themselves that - then you may appreciate what I mean; maybe at some dim time in the past there was a genuine core of Romanies, but that is not the case nowadays.

I could give you plenty of personal and close friends' examples.

I have not committed slander or racism ( inhabitants of gypsy camps are unfortunately British, unless it suits them to claim something else when the tax man or officials try to call).

I have offered my support for someone crippled serving his country, and feel councillors and planning rules are a very distant second - it's a shame you prefer being fluffy PC rather than feeling like helping someone who needs it.

I mentioned mosques in reply to Winco's post, which I completely agree with; a large percentage of Muslims are obviously decent people, but such places have also been proven fermenting grounds of the type responsible for Mr.Townsend's legs...the gist of it is, ' charity begins at home', and if planners can allow mosques for whole neighborhoods, they should be able & willing to assist rather than hinder British servicemen who have paid such a price.

If anyone needs banning, it's you with your priorities.

I have mailed 'Barbie' and Hazel Blears.

Double Zero

Would you have taken a similar viewpoint on Catholic Churches ( which also have signs directing people to them in Crawley) 30 years ago with reference to Northern Ireland ?

I have just sent a firm but polite email to Pam Doodes the Leader of Wealden District Council. Address is on their website under Ask The Leader!!

Well, the council has posted a statement on their website..

Joe Townsend Planning Application Statement

Too little too late I'm afraid......

Racedo,

Re. Catholics & N.Ireland, no I wouldn't object to signs, as all sides were at it, with our unfortunate servicemen stuck in the middle as usual.

Now instead of trying to be PC, let's get on with helping RM Townsend, shall we ? I take it you do actually support him, or if fighting the planners' corner I fear you're in the wrong place.

Double Zero

I have it in my mind from previous posts of yours that you have never served in Her Majesties Forces.

In fact I seem to recall a couple of weeks ago you stated that although you had not flown in the military, you knew people who had and therefore that gave you the knowledge to post certain points of view.

These are public forums, and no one can stop you from posting... but please refrain from posting bigoted, pompous statements unless you make it very clear you are not of the military when you do so.

Journos do lurk these forums - I'd hate to think that they might get the impression that your verbal diarrhoea was indicitave of the thoughts of the fine people who are serving today.

Anotherthing, I do not suffer from verbal diarrhoea just because you disagree with my views.

I am not part of the military per se, but spent 14 years WITH all 3 services, and indeed some of our allies, in aircraft and equipment development, including live trials.

I am still in regular contact with people doing that, and with people who have relatives in Afghanistan; sending out parcels to try and improve their lot is also true, not diarrhoea.

As far as certain segments of society are concerned I am stating my views based on direct experience, and there is a direct correlation re.planning rulings and actual results.

If they don't suit your PC agenda then tough, say so by all means but don't bother stooping to insults - I haven't replied in kind to you, have I?
--------------

Now, as far as I recall, there's a chap by the name of Joe Townsend who could do with solid support.

I have just found that the Wealden P.R. address one is directed to will not take any messages without a password - presumably they can only mail each other saying how wonderful they are.

Feedback not wanted - funny, that.

Gentlemen of the forum, my youngest son was with Joe on the day he was injured, he was actually following Joe as they moved forward, he will be going to see Joe tomorrow and I will make sure Joe is made aware of this thread and the support he is receiving from one and all.

Are the proposd plans available on the web?

Look at post 16 Edsett, they are all available for perusal.

Have I stumbled about the Daily Mail website by accident? I believe the phrase on ARRSE is "all aboard the outrage bus!"

:hmm:

To my fellow PPRuners.

I too, am saddened by the actions of Wealden Council, and hope a re-consideration can be brokered and a solution resolved.

However, I have this awful feeling of 'Mob Rule' and 'Racism' has crept into this thread.

My feelings are my own, and are gained from weighing up facts and opinions. I think long and hard before picking up the 'cudgel'.

The vast majority of us are civilised and democratic individuals. Together, we can make a significant pressure group.

Let us not turn into a 'baying crowd'.

As to those who see The Sun newspaper as a standard bearer, look to their website to view the story as they 'present' it. Furthermore, look to comment on the story.

You are presented with a small questionaire.

Basically,

Where are you from? (Town/Place)
Which Country do you live in? (Country)
Which Football Team do you support? !!!!!!!!!!!What!!!!!!!!!!!!

Only then are you allowed to 'comment'.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and this a serious Newspaper!!!!!!!

Meaning... "stick the crippled sod in a shed where we don't have to notice him".


They deserve more than a verbal beating.

Sgt, USMC 1981-1989.