Hello
We have now reached the final milestone in the planning application. The deadline for a judicial review has passed and we haven’t seen any court documents. This should now mean that this planning application has finally failed and we are safe, for now at least, to celebrate a fantastic community victory.
There were many people who said we couldn’t do this, there were moments when it seemed really difficult, honestly, there were times when I thought we wouldn’t pull this off too. But just goes to show that perseverance and belief in achieving our goal can and does pay off.
This has been a massive community effort both in terms of time given and money pledged. We have raised and spent over £50,000 in protecting this land. People have tirelessly put up banners, delivered leaflet after leaflet, planned and replanned, written in excess of 3,000 letters, spoken at 2 inquiries when public speaking filled them with dread. Local businesses and schools have been there too some overtly and some behind the scenes. Our politicians, particularly our MP Mark Garnier who came to committee meeting to help and advise, have also been there (with the one obvious exception but he has resigned now anyway!). The Wolverley and Cookley Parish Council donated over £4,500 over the two inquiries. It also shows that Wolverley and Cookley can work well together and we are better united than divided!
As always a word of caution. They can apply again if they want, whenever they like. I suspect they have spent at least 10 fold what we spent so throwing more good money after bad will be difficult to justify. Also WCC just voted to remove the preferred sites list from the Minerals Local Plan. Overall I think this helps us as they can’t now get preferred status from WCC and are just left with a planning application. It looks unlikely but we should be aware.
We will be having one final general meeting to present the accounts and a celebration too so watch out for details.
This is great demonstration of how the little guys can win and makes me for one very proud to be a part of this community. It’s a great reminder that we are dependant on each other, and that together we can do good things. And most of all enjoy your walks across the Lea Castle Estate, I suspect that the air will smell that much sweeter and the view look even better now…..
A massive well done to everyone! WE WON!
Mike
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