The Society continues to press SDC to use all means available to the Council including the threat of compulsory purchase to get the Farmers site into development. The President has written to the Leaders of the Conservative and Liberal-democrat parties on the District and Town Councils, and to the Chief Executive and Chief Planning officer of the District Council, with a detailed Proposal for the making of a Compulsory Purchase Order. The aim is to achieve a better-designed building with a substantial affordable housing element.
At the full District Council meeting on 18th July 2023 a Lib Dem motion that the council should make a compulsory purchase order to acquire the site was rejected following opposition from new Leader of the Council.
The Society is often approached by local residents or their Associations and other concerned bodies and persons regarding proposed developments affecting private residences. The Society monitors the weekly list of planning applications and whilst in general we try to keep out of neighbour disputes, we may well become involved in commenting upon or objecting to, a proposal where we believe there is a public interest concern. This may arise where a proposal involves inappropriate development, the alteration or demolition of a listed or locally listed building or where a proposal creates an adverse impact on the setting of such a building or conservation area. As with all schemes, we will also consider whether the proposed design is consistent with the character of the area, notable trees and open spaces may be affected, or there are significant traffic implications.
