At last the holidays are over and we can all return to real life. Thoughts beginning to turn back to the Merse and all the old issues due to get a new airing in'05. A bloggee reports somewhat disturbing news from Houndwood(?) where apparently planning permission has been given for a new group of houses, contrary to the draft local plan and 'outwith an existing building block' This approval was against the advice of planning officials and by elected councillors on the Area Committee which has power to approve projects up to a certain size without resort to the full council. The houses were not 'affordable' ones but nevertheless the decision has ominous implications for Paxton and Knowes Close and will be good news for the indefatigable Farmer C who has a group of four houses up for approval in Fishwick. They were turned down before but the Houndwood precedent will be encouraging.
The Freedom of Information Act came into force on New Years Day. I am informed that the equally indefatigable Mrs O is seeking to use the provisions of the Act to support her campaign to have the decision to close Hutton School overturned. If she can show from the internal correspondence in the Education Dept that the question was not properly considered this would strengthen her hand in dealing with the Scottish Executive.
