Cllr Michael Wyatt has today demanded the County Council take urgent action to demolish the old school building on Waterworks Road and sell the site for development, which would help to ease the pressure on the council to allow building on green field site. Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “This old school building must be demolished and cleared. It’s a blot on the landscape and becoming a potential place for criminal activity. This brown field site would not only provide additional housing to local people but it would also help the council to find places where the additional housing need can be met without destroying our open countryside, which some greedy developers want to destroy. I am writing once again to the Officers asking them to take urgent action to dispose of the site.”

Cllr Michael Wyatt is continuing to highlight the concerns of local residents on Bardon Road and the surrounding area to Officers of the Highway Forum, urging action to be taken to help alleviate the growing traffic and pollution concerns along Bardon Road. Michael had asked the Offiicers to push for the construction of the Bardon By-Pass sooner rather than later. Michael said, “I will continue to highlight the need for the By-Pass to be construction. Residents have had to live with the increased traffic and pollution problems for far to long. Action is now needed or the health of local people will be affected.”

Your local Liberal Democrat Councillors would like to thank everyone for their support in helping to stop the destruction of our open countryside. Davidsons and persimmon Homes want to see 300 new houses being built on prime agricultural land off Broom Leys Road.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “We have had a wonderful show of support from local residents. I urge everyone to respond to our call for help. The deadline for comments to the County Council Highways Officer is the 8th November. Please make sure you do not leave it to your neighbour to respond, they may be leaving it up to you!”

To send your objections to the planning application (2009/1042/07 please send your comments to jay.kassim@leics.gov.uk with your name and address.

Below are the details realting to a planning application, which has been submitted to the Leicestershire County Council for consideration. The application relates to 300 additional houses being built on our open Countryside.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “Once again the developers have shown their complete contempt by going ahead with submitting a planning application which no one supports. The building of 300 new houses on Broom Leys Road will add in the region of 800 extra vehicles on our already busy roads. I urge everyone to write, phone or e-mail the County Council objecting to this application, which will have a devastating affect on our local environment.”

Application No.: 2009/1042/07 -
Applicant: DAVIDSONS GROUP & PERSIMMON HOMES NORTH MIDLANDS
Site Location: Land at Broom Leys Farm, 59, Broom Leys Road, Coalville
Details: Outline - Residential development including vehicular access, Pedestrian and cyle links, Public open space, Children’s play area, Structural landscaping, Sustainable urban drainage and woodland planting
Highways Case Officer: Jay Kassim - Jay.Kassim@leics.gov.uk

Deadline for Highway Authority representations 08/11/2009

Below is the list of committee members voting record for the Asda and Tesco planning applications. This information was supplied by North West Leics District Council Democratic Services.

Councillor Wyatt,

As requested, please see below details of the recorded vote regarding the Tesco and Asda applications:

Motion to permit Tesco

For the motion:

A Bridges
J Bridges
J G Coxon
T Gillard
J Hoult
N Smith
D J Stevenson

Against the motion:

D B Everitt
P Holland
D Howe
I Meller
E J Purver

Abstentions:
C Timmis

Motion to permit Asda

For the motion:

D B Everitt
P Holland
D Howe
I Meller
C Timmis

Against the motion:

A Bridges
J Bridges
J G Coxon
T Gillard
J Hoult
E J Purver
N Smith
D J Stevenson

Cllr Michael Wyatt is urging local residents to write to the Secretary of State for local Government concerning the decision, which was made yesterday, giving the Tesco site outline planning permission. Many local people feel angry that the Conservative Councillors voted against the wishes of the local residents.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “It’s important local people use this opportunity to show the Secretary of State that this site is not the preferred site, and clearly gives Tesco a huge advantage over other food retailers due to another store being less than 2 miles away from Coalville. Local people want a choice, a choice which the Tories have failed to deliver. Its obvious to everyone the Tories are no longer listening to what the people want. I urge everyone to make their voice heard.”

The address to send your views concerning this issue is :
Government Office for the East Midlands
The Belgrave Centre
Stanley Place
Talbot Street
Nottingham
NG1 5GG

At last nights meeting of the planning committee Conservative members voted against the wishes of the majority of people in Coalville by voting against Asda coming to Coalville.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “The meeting was attended by a vast number of local people who supported Asda for Coaville. The Tories made it clear one by one that they were not going to listen to the local people. They blatantly ignored their wishes and showed their complete contempt for local people by supporting the Tesco proposal on Whitwick Road. The Tories have signed their own suicide note for the 2011 local election. The people of Coalville will never forgive, or forget this blatant and arrogant Conservative administration who have shown everyone they cannot be trusted.

One local said, “We kicked out the last arrogant lot for not listening, now we have this lot who have done exactly the same. When are they ever going to learn.”

Cllr Michael Wyatt has today attacked any plans to develop on land off Broom Leys Road in Coalville, which a developer is hoping to secure planning permission for 300 new homes on our greenbelt. This in turn will mean an additional 800 vehicles on our all ready over crowded roads.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “On Saturday I received a letter asking me to go to a public display for potential plans to destroy even more of our green wedge off Broom Leys Road. I think its nothing but a deliberate attempt to rush through public views on this issue by only giving a few days notice. This is nothing more than a planning exercise scam.

I along with many local residents will once again rise to the fight and take on anyone who wishes to destroy our green wedge, and put hundreds of additional vehicles on our already over crowded and busy road. Any public display or exercise must be conducted properly and above board.”

Cllr Michael Wyatt on Saturday gave local people a chance to sign an open letter urging the planning members to vote YES to ASDA in Coalville. In one hour over 120 local people signed the letter.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “The people of Coalville have made their views clear time and time again. They want ASDA. They want the council to stop messing around and vote yes to ASDA. Most importnatly they want the 400 jobs for the people of Coalville. Its time the council listened to the people and deliver what they want and not ignore their wishes for the Town. The Tories need to realise that come 2011 at the local elections they will lose a lot of support over this one issue, which people so desperately want”.

The decision will be taken on the 6th October at 4-30pm. The meeting will be held at Christ Church Hall due to public interest.

If you are interested in showing your support for ASDA then please be at the council car park at 3pm.

Cllr Michael Wyatt has today once again called on the Conservative controlled council to make a decision and allow ASDA to come to Coalville. Its now been over 18 months since the ASDA proposal for Coalville was first put forward.

Over 80% of local residents in a recent poll backed the ASDA plan for Coalville. Cllr Michael Wyatt is now asking local residents to sign his open letter to the Council asking them to stop messing around and get a grip, and support ASDA for Coalville.

Michael said “The council have made themselves look like they are completely unable to make a decision one way or another. Coalville needs strong leadership. Someone who will take the decision’s that are needed to help improve the area, and bring additional jobs for local people. I only hope in the next few months this complete mess can be resolved before ASDA decide to pack their bags and move on, which would be a complete disaster for Coalville.”

Michael has already managed to collect over 1600 signatures supporting ASDA’s planning application for Coalville he is now trying to get over 2000 signatures to sign his open letter, which can be signed by clicking on the below link.

Supporting asda in Coalville

At the Environment Scrutiny committee last Tuesday the Core Strategy was discussed. Labour and Conservative Councillors voted to support Cllr Michael Wyatt’s motion to urge the Officers and Cabinet members to take note of Councillors concerns over the potential destruction of our green wedge, and consider the impact any additional housing will have on our village boundaries in North West Leicestershire.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “At the meeting it was clear we all had grave concerns over the impact any additional housing will have on our villages and green wedge. I moved the motion so cabinet members and officers can see that our concerns are genuine and on this issue we speak as one. The impact on our villages and their boundaries must be carefully considered.”

County Councillor Michael Wyatt has today been informed that the old Forest Way School site will be put forward as surplus to requirement, meaning the site will be up for sale for possible residential use.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “I have been urging the County Council to dispose of this site for some time. It needs to be sold as soon as possible. I have also informed them that any sale of the land for additional residential dwellings must include a condition on the developer to install road calming measures along Waterworks Road, which is becoming an ever increasing concern to local residents.”

Any new information relating to this issue will be updated on this website.

Cllr Michael Wyatt has expressed his disappointment at the council’s failure to have the CCTV camera’s installed on the Greenhill Estate as promised. Michael has been told the reason for the delay is due to the need to gain planning permission for such structures in the area.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “I am absolutely amazed that the Council did not gain the relevant permission before informing the public that CCTV would be installed. They promised it would be up and running in May, it’s now the end of July and we are still waiting. It’s nothing but a complete mess. Surely the Tory Bosses can see this is making them look completely incompetent.”

Cllr Michael Wyatt has attacked the Conservative Controlled District Council over the shambolic mess being created by their lack of leadership after they once again failed to allow the ASDA planning application to be considered on the 21st July, which over 1500 local people have signed a petition backing ASDA’s plans for Coalville.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “I am absolutely astounded by the total incompetent way the Conservative Bosses at the council have handled this whole affair. Over 1500 local people are backing ASDA yet the council are seemingly ignoring what local people want for Coalville. I think I speak for many local people when I say this whole affair stinks from start to finish. If ASDA decide to abandon their plans, which will help our local economy and bring new jobs for local people then the Tories have only themselves to blame. This issue has become a shambolic Tory mess”

Cllr Michael Wyatt has reported back on his meeting with senior officers at County Hall where he discussed the concerns of local residents over the lack of action of the construction of the Bardon By-pass, which is desperately needed to help tackle the ever increasing traffic problems, and concerns expressed about the air quality.

County Councillor Michael Wyatt said, “I made it perfectly clear to officers that doing nothing is unacceptable. Many local residents want action to finally see the construction of the Bardon By-pass. Officers reassured me that they are expecting some progress over the next few years due to the possible expansion plans for the Bardon area. I came away from the meeting with a guarantee that a number of steps will be taken to help in the short term, which I hope will go some way to start tackling the concerns of local residents.”

Short term measures agreed

1. More frequent speed checks along bardon Road
2. Air quality checks
3. Site visit with senior officers to look at crossing Bardon Road near Bardon Close

Cllr Michael Wyatt hand delivered the ASDA petition to the council this week, which was signed by 1400 local people. The council initially refused to accept it but Cllr Wyatt was determined to make sure that the voice of local residents would not be ignored. The council then changed their mind and agreed to allow the petition to be submitted to the planning committee after Cllr Wyatt protested at their decision to snub the petition.

Michael said, “I think its an absolute disgrace that the Conservative Bosses at the council have tried to stop this petition being submitted supporting ASDA’s planning application. Once again the council have made a complete mess of allowing local people a say in local matters. Surely they must realise by now that they cannot ignore the wishes of the local residents. I only hope for their sake they pass this application, which will bring local jobs for local people to Coalville.”

On 23rd June the Asda petition was to be submitted to the District Council. Unfortunately the Tory Bosses have refused to allow this to happen. Over 1400 local residents have signed the petition calling on the Council to support Asda’s planning application, which will bring local jobs for local people to Coalville.

Michael said, “It’s a disgrace, trying to dictate and censor so many local people is the wrong way to go about showing they are listening to the concerns of local people. I can assure everyone this petition will be submitted come what may, and their voice will be heard. I have demanded that the petition must be accepted otherwise this will be seen as a massive snub to the local residents who wish to express their support for ASDA in Coalville. I am still hopeful that the council will climb down and allow the petition to be submitted to the planning commitee.”

If anyone would like to make an official complaint about the refusal of allowing the petition to be accepted then please send your complaint to the Chief Executive of the Council Christine Fisher, North West Leics District Council, Whitwick Road Coalville Leics or e-mail: christine.fisher@nwleicestershire.gov.uk

This continuing battle to bring ASDA to Coalville is a fight worth fighting. The Tories think they know best but clearly they don’t, the people know best, so why are they not listening? Not accepting this petition is a slap in the face to people’s democratic right to express their views and wishes. The Tories would be wise to listen to the people, give them what they want or suffer the consequences of becoming a Party labelled for their arrogance.

Cllr Michael Wyatt will be having a meeting with Highway Officers at County Hall on Wednesday to discuss how they can progress with the construction of the Bardon By-pass. Michael is keen to start pushing hard to have the Bardon By-pass constructed before the thousands of additional houses are built in the local area.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “I promised the local residents of Bardon that I will be doing my upmost to push for the construction of the By-pass as soon as possible. If there was ever a need for the By-pass its now. The ever increasing traffic flow on Bardon Road is making it impossible for many to cross the road at peak time, and the ever increasing vehicle fumes from the traffic using the road is now becoming a major health issue. On Wednesday I will be making sure the Officers understand once and for all that only the construction of the By-pass is what the people of Bardon want and deserve.”

The District Council have today published a report on their website concerning the allocation of housing in the local area. This report will be discusssed at the next Cabinet meeting next week.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “It’s important we monitor everything that is being said. We need to make sure we continue to pile on the pressure to preserve our Greenfield sites, especially land off Greenhill Road.”

Below is a link to the report.

http://minutes.nwleics.gov.uk:81/aksnwleicester/images/att4253.pdf

Today local cllrs have received notification that another retrospective application for the erection of a covered observation station has been received for consideration.

The planning number is 09/00498/RET.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “I am very conerned that once again another retrospective application has been received for consideration. This blatant disregard for the planning process must be stopped. Installing anything before being granted should not be allowed. This is clearly not the first time this as happened. If anyone would like to comment on this latest application please visit the council’s website where you can view all planning applications.”

Thank you to everyone who contacted us today concerning the signs around the junctions of Cropston Drive, Meadow Lane Cross Roads and Waterworks Road advertising a carpet sale this Thursday. The Council’s planning enforcement team contacted the organisers who were instructed to remove all signs in the local area.

Permission must be obtained by any organisation or business who wishes to display any signs on our highways, or face a possible fine.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “This evening the signs were removed. It’s not acceptable for anyone to install signs at any junction, especially Meadow Lane Cross Road, which is an accident waiting to happen. The last things drivers need is another distraction.”

Cllr Michael Wyatt has today announced that over 1400 signatures have now been collected supporting ASDA in Coalville.

Michael leading the campaign to convince the Council planning members to support ASDA’s planning application for Coalville said, “I am delighted that we have managed to collect over 1400 signatures for the petition support ASDA in Coalville. My thanks go to everyone who has helped collect this massive number of signatures from local people. What local residents can now do is up the pressure by contacting members of the planning committee by letter, e-mail and even by phone urging them to support ASDA planning application. ASDA in Coalville will have a positive affect on the area, bringing local jobs for local people, and clean up one of the most dirtiest areas left in Coalville, which desperately needs upgrading. I only hope the planning members do not commit political suicide by not listening to the people of Coalville.”

The ASDA planning application will be discussed and voted on at the Planning meeting in early July. Members of the public are allowed to attend the meeting.

To access members of the planning committee’s addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses please visit www.nwleics.gov.uk

Cllr Michael Wyatt today organised a photo shoot for local people to show their support for ASDA in Coalville. Over 50 local residents turned out to send a strong message to the Council’s planning members and planning Officers that we want ASDA in Coalville.

Michael said, “I would like to thank everyone for their support. I can now report that after today’s event we have collected over 1000 signatures supporting ASDA in Coalville. I only hope that the Councillors on the planning committee listen to the local people, and do not ignore the local residents support for ASDA, which will bring local jobs for local people to Coalville.”

If you have not yet signed the petition please visit www.campaigns.libdems.org.uk/asdaincoalville or you can go into alisons cafe on the High Street in Coalville, opposite Coalville Library.

Since launching the ASDA petition two weeks ago Michael has received nearly 1000 signatures supporting ASDA in Coalville. Michael said, “It’s a very powerful message the people of Coalville are sending the Tory Controlled Council. Many people are very angry at the inability of the Tory planning bosses to give ASDA the green light. Coalville needs an ASDA, Coalville needs the 400 jobs, which will come with ASDA. It’s time the council listened to the people and put Coalville first.”

If you have not already signed the petiton and would like to, then visit: campaigns.libdems.org.uk/asdaincoalville

The New proposed Tesco being put forward for Coalville has been branded an eye sore by Cllr Michael Wyatt who said it looks more like a prison than an eye catching pleasant building.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “Looking at the Tesco proposal I cannot see how this building will in anyway help to improve the image of Coalville. The design of the building is not in keeping with the character of Coalville, it looks like a prison. The Tesco proposal will have a bigger impact on the traffic problems in Coalville than the ASDA proposal.

All that needs to be done, is re-open the two way system at the clock Tower, which should not of been closed off in the first place. Thousands of taxpayers money was wasted closing the road for no reason. Re-opening it would be a sensible move, and im sure would be welcomed by the vast majority of local people.”

What do you think? Do you think we need a Tesco in Coalville? Do you think the leaflet being distributed by Tesco consulting residents, after they have submitted the planning application looks like a prison, with high walls and two towers at each end? You decide.

Cllr Michael Wyatt has today been interviewed by Oak FM concerning his campaign to allow local people a say over the planning issue of ASDA coming to Coalville.

Michael told listeners that the site for ASDA is one of the ugliest sites left in Coalville needing development. Michael said, “The reason why I am backing the ASDA plan for Coalville is because it will not only clean up one of the ugliest places left in Coalville, but it will also provide an extra 400 new jobs.”

There are two ways you can sign Michael’s petition. Click on the link below or call into Alison’s Cafe on the High Street in Coalville, opposite Coalville Library.

http://campaigns.libdems.org.uk/asdaincoalville

Cllr Michael Wyatt has asked the council to look into implimenting a ‘Local Labour Policy’, which would give local people priority to new local jobs being created in the area.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “Any large development that takes place in Coalville must have a Local Labour Policy attached to it’s planning application. Firms like ASDA, Tesco and Sainburys who are looking to open new stores in Coalville must give priority to local people when hiring new staff. The Council has a golden opportunity to really make a difference to the local labour market, especially in this current economic recession, where many people are losing their jobs.”

Officers have already indicated they are willing to look at the idea being put forward by Councillor Michael Wyatt. We will keep you updated with any further progress.

Cllr Michael Wyatt has today launched an online petition calling upon the District Council planning officers, and elected members to back ASDA’s planning application in Coalville. Michael said, “I have spoken to many local residents who have voiced their anger at the council for not allowing ASDA to build in Coalville. It’s time the people were given the chance to send a clear message to the Conservative Bosses that we support ASDA coming to Coalville, and we want them to stop delaying this planning application, which will clean up one of dirtiest areas left in Coalville, and bring an additional 400 jobs to the area.”

To sign Michael’s petition click on the below link.

http://campaigns.libdems.org.uk/asdaincoalville

Cllr Michael Wyatt has written a letter to the local press in support of the ASDA planning application (below)

Dear Editor,

I urge members of the planning committee to do your bit for Coalville, and like many have said, vote yes to Asda, vote yes for more jobs, and finally vote yes to inward investment, which will help to clean up our town.

What are your views? Let us know or even better contact your local councillor and let them know your opinion on this important issue.

Once again the owners of Greenhill Farm have submitted a planning application for the change of use of land from agricultural to domestic. The planning application reference number is 09/00371/CLE.

If anyone objects to the application please send in your objections to :Development control North West leics District Council. Alternatively you can send an e-mail to: development.control@nwleicestershire.gov.uk

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “It’s important local residents once again looks very carefully at this application. Any change of use can lead to other things in the future. If like me you object to this application please make sure your objections are sent in as soon as possible.”

Your local Cllrs have today received notification of a planning application for a phone mast and associated equipment for the Blackwood Cricket Grounds. The planning application number is 09/00350/T56, which can be viewed on the District Councils Website.

Cllr Julie Roberts said, “Once again we have another planning application for a phone mast. There is already a phone mast on the cricket ground. The question local residents need to consider is, are we happy for them to have another phone mast?

If you object to another phone mast being installed on the Blackwood Cricket Grounds then you must send in your objections to the below address. Please make sure any letter or e-mail you send clearly states the planning application number, which is 09/00350/T56.”

Development Control
North West Leics District Council Planning Department
Whitwick Road
Coalville
Leics LE67 3FJ

E-mails objecting to the planning application can also be sent to : development.control@nwleicestershire.gov.uk.

Bardon Aggregates will be holding another round of exhibitions for their expansion plans to the quarry. The next set of dates are as followed, which will be taking place at the main office complex off Bardon Road Coalville.

4th April 10am-5pm
5th April 10am-5pm
6th April 2pm-8pm

Members of their project team will be on hand to answer any questions concerning the proposed new site. Please go along and see for yourself the proposals.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “If anyone cannot get along to the exhibition but would still like to ask a question or questions concerning the proposed expansion plans, then there are a number of ways you can send in your concerns. You can e-mail bardonhill@aggregate.com or you can send me your concerns and I will make sure your questions or concerns are passed on directly to the project team so they can contact you directly with the appropriate response.”

Thousands more new homes may have to be built in the county if plans for an eco-town on the edge of Leicester are rejected. Housing Minister Margaret Beckett has admitted the Government would consider land around Coalville for extra homes to ensure its housing targets are hit during the next 20 years.

Plans to build a series of eco-towns across the country were announced in 2007 as a solution to reduce housing shortages. However, Mrs Beckett says other options cannot be ruled out if they are to tackle the issue.

Cllr Michael Wyatt a leading campaigner against the additional housing in Coalville is outraged at the Ministers suggestion that Coalville should take the extra housing if the eco town is not allowed to go ahead. Cllr Michael Wyatt is also angry at a Conservative Councillors comments that Coalville should be the location for the bulk of the additional housing for Leicestershire due to the road network in the area.

Michael said, “Is the Labour Goverment going to punish the people of Coalville with an extra 15,000 houses on top of what we already have to provide? I think the people of Coalville deserve urgent answers to these concerns. This is nothing but an absolute disgrace.”

Over 400 local people have signed a petition against plans to include land off Greenhill Road for housing. Monday 23rd March is the deadline for any objections or comments concerning the development plan. Local Councillors along with local residents have campaigned against the inclusion of land off Greenhill Farm being included in the final draft, which will be put forward by the officers in the coming months for a further consultation exercise.

Cllr Julie Roberts said, “The support we have had has been amazing. Over 400 have signed the petition, and over 200 sent letters to the Leader of the council urging him to support our campaign to stop this proposal, which would destroy large parts of our open countryside. Please make sure your views are known, the deadline is 5pm 23rd March.”

Liberal Democrats in Newhaven have been fighting very hard for the past 5 years to stop an incinerator being built in their local area. Today its been reported that the Environment Agency has given the green light for the incinerator to be built, even though thousands of local residents have opposed such a facility being developed in the local area.

Cllr Michael Wyatt who is leading the fight against the Conservative plans for a similiar waste disposal facility in Bardon said, “Its very important we do not take our eye of the ball. Up and down the country more and more incinerators are being given the green light to burn our waste. Its outrageous that such schemes are being considered when clearly they have not exhausted all avenues of recycling. Local residents in Bardon and Greenhill need to be concerned that more and more incinerators are being given the go ahead. I can give everyone my assurance that I will continue to fight very hard to convince the Tory Controlled County Council to drop their plans for an incinerator in Bardon. What we want is more investment into recycling our waste, not burning it and polluting our local environment with toxic waste.”

North West Leicestershire is issuing a reminder that consultation on the Core Strategy for the future development of North West Leicestershire will close at 5pm on Monday 23rd March 2009. This follows four months of public consultation.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “Its very important people send in their comments on the proposed plans for North West Leicestershire. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has so far sent in their views, especially those who have joined our campaign to stop the proposed development off Greenhill Road, which would be a disaster to the area. At least an extra 500 vehicles would be forced onto our roads, and the site in question would also see large area’s of our countryside destroyed for ever. Please make sure you have your say.”

New exhibition dates have now been published by Bardon Aggregates to display and consult local residents on the proposed extension of Bardon Quarry.

The new dates are : 4th, 5th April at Bardon Quarry from 10am - 5pm
6th April at Bardon Quarry from 2pm - 8pm.

If anyone would like a one to one visit to go through the proposals then you contact Bardon Aggregates on 01530 512323 or e-mail bardonhill@aggregate.com with your request for a home visit.

Please make sure you have your say on this very important planning issue, which will have an affect on the local area.

Hundreds of local residents turned out last night at the LDF meeting held at King Edward VII Community College, to express their objections to the potential allocation of over 9000 new houses being built in the Coalville area. Many local residents voiced their anger at the proposed sites, which would see many of new houses being built on our greenfield sites.

Both Labour and the Tories tried to hand out leaflets blaming each other, but when residents started to express their anger both Labour and Tory activists realised that the crowd was not prepared to listen to the blame game. All they wanted was the officers to go back to the drawing board and come up with an alternative scheme, which will safe our green wedges, and stop the doubling of Coalville, which would clearly destroy the identity of many local communities.

Cllr Michael Wyatt who attended the meeting said, “It was a fantastic show of people power. The people of Coalville have finally snapped. The last time I have ever seen such a show of force was when I attended a meeting many many years ago when we was campaigning against the Poll Tax. Yesterday evening made me proud to be a coalvillian. I only hope the officers and Tory councillors at the meeting take on board what was said by the local residents. I along with my colleagues will certainly be voting against any recommendation, which proposes the destruction of our greenfield sites, and destroys the already fragile community identities, which many cherish.”

Cllr Michael Wyatt told officers at last nights meeting of the environment scrutiny meeting that the local development framework is becoming an embarrassment. Cllr Wyatt also asked for the maps to be updated due to area’s being highlighted for development, which is not supposed to be highlighted, but officers said it would be more confusing if this was done.

Cllr Wyatt said, “I cannot believe the officers are reluctant to change the maps when clearly the area’s highlighted like the Sharpley Ave playing fields and the Rugby club are not supposively up for discussion. How can anyone have any confidence in the process if officers are not prepared to publish the correct maps.”

Cllr Wyatt would like to urge residents to write to the Council chief planning officer Steve Bambrick objecting to the current published maps.

The Conservative controlled District Council have now agreed to extend the deadline of the consultation for the development plan after Cllr Michael Wyatt demanded it be extended after many residents complained about not being able to have a proper say on the potential sites being earmarked for housing in the local area.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “I am delighted the officers have taken the decision to extend the deadline. I only hope they can get their act together and make sure the plans are updated, and proper venues are booked, which will allow local residents an opportunity to express their concerns.”

A meeting organised by the council concerning the development framework will be taking place at King Edward VII Community College on March 4th from 6.30pm - 9pm.

Liberal Democrats in North West Leicestershire have launched a petition calling on the Government and Regional Assembly to reduce the number of Houses and Travellers site being imposed on North West Leicestershire.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said “North West Leicestershire is being asked to build far more houses than many other local councils. North West Leicestershire is also being expected to find more sites for Travellers.

“The Government and Conservative dominated Regional Assembly are treating people in North West Leicestershire with utter contempt. Such large amounts of housing will destroy any identity our local communities have. I urge local people to sign the petition for a fairer deal for North West Leicestershire.”

North West Leicestershire is being asked by the government and Regional Assembly to allocate enough land for an extra 12,000+ new houses, and find permanent Travellers sites.

click here to sign our petition for a fairer deal: http://campaigns.libdems.org.uk/fairerdealfornwleics

The drop-in session being organised by the council regarding the Local Development Framework’s Core Strategy, due to be held at the Hermitage Leisure Centre in Whitwick tonight, has been cancelled due to the bad weather.

Thank you to everyone who turned up this morning at one of the proposed area’s being considered for the development plan, which could see over 250 houses being built on open countryside, right next to the Charnwood Forest. Over 50 people turned out in the bitter cold to show their support in trying to stop officers allowing any development on land off Greenhill Road.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “I am delighted that so many local residents came out to support us in trying to convince the District Council planning officers that the site off Greenhill Road should not be considered for housing, or any other development. The impact on our countryside, and the additional traffic would be hugely damaging. We are determined to make sure that this site is removed from the list of potential sites. By standing together I believe we can put forward a good argument against this site being developed.”

Cllr Michael Wyatt has today called on the Tory Leader of the Council to get a grip over the development framework plan for North West Leicestershire. On Monday the Council officers cancelled a meeting due to large numbers of people wanting to take part in the consultation process, which made the council look incompetent and stupid.

Cllr Michael Wyatt has today called on the council to get a grip, and Michael has demanded they extend to deadline for the public consultation so more people can have a proper say over the future of the location of 12,000 additional houses in the area.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “It’s a total embarrassment. The Tory Bosses need to get a grip and allow local people a proper say on this development plan. If they are not up to the job then they need to say so. The Tory administration has made themselves the laughing stock of North West Leicestershire. Many people feel angry and frustrated that they are not being properly consulted.”

Thank you to everyone who attended the meeting concerning the potential inclusion of land off Greenhill Road into the development plan, which is currently being considered by the District Council.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “I was delighted to see so many local residents turn up to discuss the potential sites. It clear that people are very angry that the Tory Bosses are forcing the majority of new houses into the Coalville area. They are also very angry that the council’s own consultation process is becoming a total farce.”

Cllr Wyatt gave assurance to everyone at the meeting that he will continue to fight to have the Greenhill Farm development removed from the plans being considered.

Online Petition against Greenhill Farm Proposed Development. If you have not already signed Cllr Michael Wyatt’s petition then please click on the below link, which will allow you to sign a online petition against the proposed development off Greenhill Road. 

http://campaigns.libdems.org.uk/Greenhillfarmpetition

Cllr Michael Wyatt has today announced he will be holding a further meeting on Wednesday 28th January from 7pm at the Hall Lane Methodist Chruch near to the Rugby Club entrance, for residents of the local area to discuss the potential plans for additional housing in the Greenhill Ward. Invites to local residents have already started to be delivered.

The Council are looking to allow a Greenfield site off Greenhill Road to be included in the development plan, which if passed would allow over 250 new houses to be built. So far over 300 local residents have signed Cllr Michael Wyatt’s petition urging the Tory Bosses at the District Council not to include Greenhill Farm in any plans for additional housing in the area.

Please make sure you bring along your invitation due to limited space. Only local residents with their invites will be permitted to attend, and you will be asked to give your name and address on entry.

Your local Liberal Democrat Councillors will soon be inviting local residents affected by the Greenhill Farm proposal to a further meeting to discuss the latest developments, and how we can continue to highlight your concerns over any development of this site.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “We will be writing to all affected area’s inviting local residents to a meeting to discuss further what we need to do to convince the Tory controlled council not to include this proposed site in the development plan.”

At the last meeting organised by Cllr Michael Wyatt over 50 local residents attended. Please make sure your voice is heard by attending the next meeting. Further details of the meeting will be posted on this website.

The planning committee agreed to defer the decision of the planning application for the lagoon until a engineers reports has been completed and submitted. We will inform you when the next planning meeting will be taking place to discuss this item.

Over 300 local residents have signed a petition organised by local Lib Dem Cllrs calling on the District Council planners not to include Greenhill Farm in the new development plan being considered at the moment by the Council. The Council must find additional land for 12000 new houses to be built in North West Leicestershire.

Cllr Julie Roberts said, “The support we have had from local residents has been fantastic. We are all opposed to any development on the Greenhill Road site. Such developments would have a devastating affect on our local environment and local infrastructure. We need to show the Officers that we will not tolerate any new housing development taking place on our open countryside.”

Thank you to everyone who has signed the petition. The petition will be delivered to the council by the end of the week.

Finally the Cocked Hat Public House has been demolished. Your Local Liberal Democrat Councillors will continue to make sure the site is made secure and the land put to good use as soon as possible.

Many local residents have taken the time to object to  a drainage lagoon being installed at Greenhill Farm, off Greenhill Road. The application will be discussed at the the next planning meeting on the 9th December at 5pm in the council Offices.

If you have objected and would like to speak at the meeting please contact the council on 01530 454665 and inform them that you would like to voice your concerns on planning application 08/01310/ret.

Please make sure if you do wish to speak at the meeting you notify the council before 12 noon on Monday 8th December.

More than 30 companies are interested in building a county waste treatment facility, which could include a controversial incinerator. They will now bid for the contract to divert about half Leicestershire’s rubbish away from landfill sites from 2015.

Leicestershire County Council has been courting companies for the past year to encourage them to bid for the contract. It has culminated in a bidders’ event at Loughborough University in October, attended by 48 companies.

A planning application for a site and the technology used will be submitted in April 2011, and, if approved, work would start in April 2012. Land in Bardon, which was bought by the council this year, would be offered to private companies for development. However, waste businesses would also have the choice of using Whetstone tip, or to come up with their own location.

The Conservative Bosses at County Hall found that the best option to reduce the rubbish it buries would be to incinerate it.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “The Conservative run County Council needs to realise that the local residents of Bardon DO NOT want a waste treatment site near to them. Any waste treatment site must be well away from residential area’s, and must NOT be an incinerator, which is one option being put forward by the Tory County Council. They need to invest in better recycling, not burn our waste and create toxic waste.”

Many thanks to everyone who has joined our campaign to convince the Tory Bosses to scrap any plans for an incinerator at Bardon. Please click on the link at the side to sign our petition.

Cllr Michael Wyatt has today spoken at length with Officers at the council about the current map showing the potential proposed housing sites, which includes the Rugby Club and Sharpley Avenue Playing Fields.

Cllr Wyatt has had assurance that both of these area’s WILL NOT  be included. The Officers say they simply just highlighted the area not realising they had included both the Rugby Club and the Playing Field.

Cllr Michael Wyatt will be keeping a close eye of the details of the final recommendations to make sure these area’s are not included.

Cllrs Michael Wyatt, Julie Roberts and Dominic McGill would like to thank everyone who took the time to come along to the open meeting at Castle Rock High School. Over 50 local residents turned out to discuss the potential development.

Cllr Julie Roberts said, “It was so nice to meet so many local residents who are concerned like us about the potential development at the Greenhill Farm site off Greenhill Road. I would like to thank everyone who attended. I would also like to thank everyone for their kind words of support. ”

If you have not already signed our petition and would like your name added, please just drop us an e-mail or phone Michael Wyatt on 07773341531 and he will arrange for a petition form to be send directly to you.

 Once again your local Liberal Democrat Councillors are working all year round and not just at election time like other Parties!

Your local Councillors will be holding an open meeting on Wednesday 26th November from 6pm - 8pm at Castle Rock High School.

The reasons for the meeting is to allow local residents in the area to come along and have an opportunity to have your say on the potential housing sites identified by the council. Greenhill Farm is one of the area’s currently being considered by the officers at the Council.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “We have decided to hold this meeting so local residents can come along to talk to us about their concerns, and see for themselves the potential sites being considered for housing. I would urge anyone who is concerned to come along and talk to us about the possible sites being considered like Greenhill Farm, which could see an additional 254 new houses being built on our countryside.”

This meeting has been organised by your local Councillors to give YOU the chance to have your say.

New dates have been set for a number of exhibitions to be held to allow local people a say on the proposed extension of Bardon Quarry.

Thursday 27th November 2pm-8pm at Billa Barra and Battleflat Working mens club

Saturday 29th November 10am-1pm at Bardon Hill Quarry

Sunday 30th November 1.30pm-4.30pm at Bardon Hill Quarry

Wednesday 3rd December 2pm-8pm at Copt Oak Village Hall

Cllr Julie Roberts said, “I would urge everyone to go along on one of the dates. See for yourself what is being proposed and have your say. We need you to judge for yourself if you support or do not support the proposed extension. Bardon Aggregates are giving you this opportunity to see how this new extension will affect the area in which we all live.”

Cllr Michael Wyatt and his colleagues have delivered over 2000 letters to local residents informing them of the possible development on green wedge land off Greenhill Road in Coalville.

Michael said, “We are determined to make sure everyone is given the opportunity to have their say on this very important issue. Many local residents have already signed our petition, but given the impact this potential development could have on the local area we have written to every house urging them to support our campaign.”

Please remember to send back your petition form by the 8th December deadline.

If you would like to speak to one of your local councillors concerning this issue, or any other issue please do not hesitate to contact us.

Your Liberal Democrat Councillors would like to thank everyone who has written to the council objecting to Land off Greenhill Road being considered for potential housing land. Many of you have also signed our petition, objecting to our countryside being destroyed by such development.

Cllr Julie Roberts said, “Time is slowly running out for any objections to this piece of land being put in any future plans for housing in North West Leicestershire. We will be making sure any objection we have received will be submitted to the council. The land in question is part of the Charnwood Forest and should never be built on. We will be fighting very hard to make sure this development does not happen.”

Remember, there is still time for you to send back your petition forms. Please return them to: Cllr  Michael Wyatt 51 Sharpley Avenue Coalville Leics LE67 4DU. You can also write to Steve Bambrick at the District Council asking for your objections to be logged. The address for Steve Bambrick is: North West Leic District Council, Whitwick Road Coalville Leics.

This week the District Council Officers announced they need to identify additional land for housing in North West Leicestershire. The amount of houses the Government have said we need is around 12000. 2000 of this could be built on land off Green Lane/Hall Lane, which is currently farmed.

Cllr Michael Wyatt expressed his concern over the possibility of an additional 2000 houses being built on land, which is clearly green wedge, which stops Whitwick and Greenhill becoming one huge built up area.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said at the meeting “I’m very concerned about the proposed site. The Council have always had a policy of maintaining the green wedge on the A50. I am also very concerned that by building on this land we will not only lose vital green wedge land but also it will cause Whitwick and Greenhill to lose their identity.”

 Cllr Wyatt and the Lib Dem Team have made it perfectly clear they will be opposing any plans, which will see the green wedge between Greenhill and Whitwick being destroyed by developers who clearly do not give a damn about the environment.

Please let us know what you think….