The Ambler Online

A second meeting concerning the supermarket on the Braid was held on Wednesday 28th October. Again it was well attended, although a different selection of people spoke up this time.

There was disappointment that none of the 28 officials invited to speak at the meeting had turned up, all had made their excuses. Northumberland Estates had said they were not interested in attending. ‘This was utterly reprehensible’ said Roger Armsden.

cartoon: Amble Dog by Sophie De La Touche

Above: Amble Dog by R.Galvin

The organisers said there had been some adverse publicity in the local press and they didn’t like the fact that some people made unfair comments and would not put their name to them.

The questions posed at the last meeting were answered in full in writing by the County Council and printed copies were available at the meeting.

The assembly hoped for sufficient notice of any forthcoming planning meeting. Helen Lewis (town councillor) pointed out that there is only 21 days in which to reply to a planning application. Any objections can only be made once the plans are made public, they cannot be made in advance. Ian Hinson (town councillor) said that with large applications such as this there was the possibility of more time being available.

The land that the proposed road will be built on belongs to NCC but there is a covenant on it, the land must be used for recreation. However, they claimed the covenant was put there by Northumberland Estates and they can rescind it if they wish. It is thought NCC could benefit to the tune of £2½ million through this development.

The meeting organisers believe this is all about money, all about housing. They say “the land has been earmarked in the ‘strategic housing land availability assessment’ suggesting that any housing planning application put in for this patch will get approval.” They believe this is the backup plan. Some elements of the development could be started, but the whole plan may not be completed.

What’s next? Some were calling for a public enquiry, but many people had already left the meeting because they said they felt it was going nowhere, and their voices were not being heard. As a consequence the majority of those left were in favour of such a proposal.

Another speaker demanded that the Council should refuse to accept full planning until such an enquiry is held, this was similarly accepted by the meeting.

Vivienne Dalgliesh

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