Roles
Chairman of Witham Local Committee.
Member of those Committees/Groups listed on the right
Constituency Work
I will try to help any constituent seeking advice or assistance
over planning, housing or any other matter where Braintree District
Council is involved.
Involvement with Organisations within Braintree District
and Elsewhere
I am the Council's representative on the Campaign to
Protect Rural Essex. I am a member of Kelvedon Parish Council
and Feering Parochial Church Council.
Training and Development Undertaken
Since becoming a Councillor in May 2003, I have attended courses
on planning, the Licensing Act 2003 and sustainable energy.
Key Personal Highlights/Contributions During the
Year.
I voted in favour of transferring the Council's housing stock to
a registered social landlord but I consider this option has been
forced upon the Council by the Government.
As a Member of the District Development Committee, I am involved
in the preparation of the Council's Local Development Framework
which will replace its Local Plan Review [a requirement under the
Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004]. In the Council's
District of Tomorrow Debate, I argued that as Braintree's Local
Plan Review was only adopted in July 2005, the Government's
requirement for its replacement is wasteful. I also criticised the
2004 Act's provision for Regional Spatial Strategies which I
consider to be an unwarranted transfer of power from County Council
to the Secretary of State.
Braintree District Council is a consultee on the proposed route
of the A120 between Braintree and Marks Tey and also on the
proposed expansion at Stansted Airport. My contribution in both
these matters has been based on consideration for the environment
rather than on temporary expediency.