News on the possibility of the Sustainable Communities Act being opted into in Bromley. I received a letter this morning from Cllr Anne Manning on behalf of all the Coney Hall councillors, with the following info:
"You will be aware that local authorities have until 31st July 2009 to reach a decision and forward proposals, if and where appropriate.
I have discussed the Act's intent with Senior Officers.
I am advised that a report will be presented to the next meeting of the Council's Executive on Wednesday 14th January. Copies of the Agenda will be available for inspection shortly before the meeting on the Council's website and all Borough Libraries.
If you would like to attend the meeting, you are free to do so. At this stage I am unsure of the start time - 7pm or 7.30pm - but a phone call to the Council will help."
Friday, 19 December 2008
Wednesday, 17 December 2008
Biggin Hill Airport discussion
Following my meeting with Councillor Carr I came away with mixed feelings about the local councillors attitude towards Biggin Hill.
It's clear that Councillor Carr sees Biggin Hill Airport as an important economic resource for the area. This being the case he appears to be fairly sympathetic to any proposals that the airport may put forward to expand it's infrastructure, including the proposed hotel.
Councillor Carr was quite open to the idea of revisiting the lease and perhaps updating it. This would involve the inevitable give and take. For instance, increased flights in return for less polluting aircraft. In some ways this seems to reflect the current plans at Crystal Palace park where we are likely to see a loss of green space to development in return for an improvement in the parks facilities.
Perhaps I'm an idealist but I would rather see more take than give. I'm in favour of less polluting aircraft but not in increased flights.
However, he did reiterate on a number of occasions his firm belief that fare paying passengers will not be allowed on his watch. For me that is the main cause for concern. If fare paying passengers are allowed then how long before it becomes the next Stansted? Biggin Hill may put themselves in a position of being a serious alternative if Heathrow's third runway is rejected.
As Flightpath have said - the hotel has been turned down for design reasons by the council whereas ministers and appeal inspectors have turned it down on the grounds that there is not enough business to justify one.
What happens when the proposed hotel finds it is failing due to lack of custom? Will they turn to Bromley council and blame them for it's failure due to the fact that fare paying passengers are banned from the airport...?
It's clear that Councillor Carr sees Biggin Hill Airport as an important economic resource for the area. This being the case he appears to be fairly sympathetic to any proposals that the airport may put forward to expand it's infrastructure, including the proposed hotel.
Councillor Carr was quite open to the idea of revisiting the lease and perhaps updating it. This would involve the inevitable give and take. For instance, increased flights in return for less polluting aircraft. In some ways this seems to reflect the current plans at Crystal Palace park where we are likely to see a loss of green space to development in return for an improvement in the parks facilities.
Perhaps I'm an idealist but I would rather see more take than give. I'm in favour of less polluting aircraft but not in increased flights.
However, he did reiterate on a number of occasions his firm belief that fare paying passengers will not be allowed on his watch. For me that is the main cause for concern. If fare paying passengers are allowed then how long before it becomes the next Stansted? Biggin Hill may put themselves in a position of being a serious alternative if Heathrow's third runway is rejected.
As Flightpath have said - the hotel has been turned down for design reasons by the council whereas ministers and appeal inspectors have turned it down on the grounds that there is not enough business to justify one.
What happens when the proposed hotel finds it is failing due to lack of custom? Will they turn to Bromley council and blame them for it's failure due to the fact that fare paying passengers are banned from the airport...?
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