Latest letter to the KM on the KIG application:
Dear Editor,
I am finding it increasingly hard to believe any of the claims made by the Tories about their Core Strategy and KIG.
Firstly they claimed that the KIG site was not in an area of search for housing in the Core Strategy, but it was.
Then they claimed that the core strategy had unanimous approval and that the Lib Dems were equally to blame, but the facts suggest otherwise such as the Lib Dem objections during the consultation and their their withdrawal of the Core Strategy when they regained control.
Finally, Cllr Ash's attempts to twist my words in the KM last week. I hadn't stated that his previous letter had said that the KIG land could be used for housing, just that the draft Core Strategy did.
The Lib Dems were, however, wrong to suggest that Maidstone Green Party opposes all housing growth, we desperately need social housing and affordable housing in Maidstone. What we oppose is the rampant expansion required by the Growth Point Status, expansion which now comes with a double whammy as the promised money from government has dried up.
Stuart Jeffery
Green Party campaigner in Kent. Also a nurse, academic, former manager, writer, Druid, husband and father...
Friday, 29 February 2008
Saturday, 23 February 2008
Allington Incinerator - expensive folly
Maidstone Green's have reacted with frustration at the reopening of Allington Incinerator. The Green Party has consistently opposed the incinerator, which broke down last year and called for it to stay shut last Autumn. The restarting of the incinerator will also increase the tax burden by around £5 million each year.
Stuart Jeffery, Coordinator for Maidstone Green Party: "This is a sad moment for Kent. We have opposed the incinerator from the outset and last year's break down provided a great opportunity to find better alternatives to incineration - frustratingly this opportunity was not seized. The lack of political will to really tackle the waste problem is storing up more and more problems for the future.
"This is not just a waste problem, the incinerator will also cost taxpayers in Kent an extra £5 million each year to run. When you consider that incinerator doesn't make the waste disappear - matter can't be destroyed - it makes the use of the incinerator even more bizarre. Some of the waste from the incinerator is simply sent into the atmosphere and the rest is landfilled.
"The incinerator is bound to go wrong again - let us hope that next time Kent County Council finds better ways of dealing with our waste and leaves it closed."
Notes:
The current cost per month to KCC for waste that has been incinerated at the Allington incinerator until it closed? The average cost per month to KCC, during 2007/08, for waste incinerated at the Allington Energy from Waste plant, whilst operating, was £1.8million
The current cost per month to KCC for the waste that is currently being landfilled with the incinerator closed (both landfill tax and other charges)? The average cost per month to KCC, during 2007/08, whilst the Allington Energy from Waste plant was undergoing commissioning works and waste was transferred to landfill was £1.4million.
Stuart Jeffery, Coordinator for Maidstone Green Party: "This is a sad moment for Kent. We have opposed the incinerator from the outset and last year's break down provided a great opportunity to find better alternatives to incineration - frustratingly this opportunity was not seized. The lack of political will to really tackle the waste problem is storing up more and more problems for the future.
"This is not just a waste problem, the incinerator will also cost taxpayers in Kent an extra £5 million each year to run. When you consider that incinerator doesn't make the waste disappear - matter can't be destroyed - it makes the use of the incinerator even more bizarre. Some of the waste from the incinerator is simply sent into the atmosphere and the rest is landfilled.
"The incinerator is bound to go wrong again - let us hope that next time Kent County Council finds better ways of dealing with our waste and leaves it closed."
Notes:
The current cost per month to KCC for waste that has been incinerated at the Allington incinerator until it closed? The average cost per month to KCC, during 2007/08, for waste incinerated at the Allington Energy from Waste plant, whilst operating, was £1.8million
The current cost per month to KCC for the waste that is currently being landfilled with the incinerator closed (both landfill tax and other charges)? The average cost per month to KCC, during 2007/08, whilst the Allington Energy from Waste plant was undergoing commissioning works and waste was transferred to landfill was £1.4million.
Widdecombe's approach to climate change
Maidstone Green Party has slammed Ann Widdecombe's approach to tackling climate change as childish, irresponsible and immoral. In a letter sent to local Green Party members, the MP states that to tackle climate change... "It is no good demanding action from our own government in isolation from the rest of the world". The Greens suggest that this lack of leadership in the face of the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions is both irresponsible and immoral.
Stuart Jeffery, Green Party Parliamentary Candidate for Maidstone and the Weald: "Ann Widdecombe's letter demonstrates a disasterous lack of care and consideration for the future. Suggesting that unilateral action will not be effective is simply wrong. It is extremely childish to suggest that we should not take action until others have The UK needs to lead the way.
"With just 8 years left to tackle climate change before feedback mechanisms set in, it is imperative that the UK shows leadership and takes action now - any delay is both irresponsible and immoral. We have a duty to our children to leave the planet habitable.
"There are also immediate benefits from reducing the UK's dependence on oil. Energy prices continue to spiral with the knock on effect on the prices of food and goods. Without clear action to reduce our carbon use we will suffer with increasing poverty.
"While Ann Widdecombe's comments on the need for an international solution are correct, the only fair international solution is one which allows for global equity in the amount of CO2 being produced. Poorer countries that already emit far less than the UK's per capita CO2, should be allowed to increase their output and the big polluters need to bring ourselves in line with them."
Notes:
Ann Widdecombe's letter:
"While China, India and the United States account for 50% of the world's carbon emissions, I believe that the solution lies in international, rather than merely unilateral action. It is no good demanding action from our own government in isolation from the rest of the world and a more sophiticated approach is needed."
Stuart Jeffery, Green Party Parliamentary Candidate for Maidstone and the Weald: "Ann Widdecombe's letter demonstrates a disasterous lack of care and consideration for the future. Suggesting that unilateral action will not be effective is simply wrong. It is extremely childish to suggest that we should not take action until others have The UK needs to lead the way.
"With just 8 years left to tackle climate change before feedback mechanisms set in, it is imperative that the UK shows leadership and takes action now - any delay is both irresponsible and immoral. We have a duty to our children to leave the planet habitable.
"There are also immediate benefits from reducing the UK's dependence on oil. Energy prices continue to spiral with the knock on effect on the prices of food and goods. Without clear action to reduce our carbon use we will suffer with increasing poverty.
"While Ann Widdecombe's comments on the need for an international solution are correct, the only fair international solution is one which allows for global equity in the amount of CO2 being produced. Poorer countries that already emit far less than the UK's per capita CO2, should be allowed to increase their output and the big polluters need to bring ourselves in line with them."
Notes:
Ann Widdecombe's letter:
"While China, India and the United States account for 50% of the world's carbon emissions, I believe that the solution lies in international, rather than merely unilateral action. It is no good demanding action from our own government in isolation from the rest of the world and a more sophiticated approach is needed."
Sunday, 17 February 2008
Williams lent carbon etc
Letter in this week's Kent on Sunday:
Dear Editor,
Rowan Williams' call for a carbon fast during lent is indeed a sensible and very welcome one but in many ways more controversial than his thoughts on Sharia law this week.
The British love affair with fossil fuels is extremely evident, with indignation from many when ever the burning of carbon is bought into question. Just look at current political approaches to road and air travel, the main three parties all back road building and increases in flights. However kicking our addiction to car and air travel is one of the most significant things we can do to address climate change.
Williams does hit the nail on the head though, when he talks of the effect of climate change on the poor. Already we are seeing climate refugees coming into Britain, let alone what is happening across parts of Africa and South Asia.
In this country we are experiencing rapid price rises for energy, which again hits the poorest hardest. To combat both climate change and fuel poverty we must quickly reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and should give up carbon, not just for lent but for good.
Stuart Jeffery
Green Party Parliamentary Candidate for Maidstone and the Weald
Dear Editor,
Rowan Williams' call for a carbon fast during lent is indeed a sensible and very welcome one but in many ways more controversial than his thoughts on Sharia law this week.
The British love affair with fossil fuels is extremely evident, with indignation from many when ever the burning of carbon is bought into question. Just look at current political approaches to road and air travel, the main three parties all back road building and increases in flights. However kicking our addiction to car and air travel is one of the most significant things we can do to address climate change.
Williams does hit the nail on the head though, when he talks of the effect of climate change on the poor. Already we are seeing climate refugees coming into Britain, let alone what is happening across parts of Africa and South Asia.
In this country we are experiencing rapid price rises for energy, which again hits the poorest hardest. To combat both climate change and fuel poverty we must quickly reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and should give up carbon, not just for lent but for good.
Stuart Jeffery
Green Party Parliamentary Candidate for Maidstone and the Weald
Green Left - The Headcorn Declaration
It's all happening in Maidstone! The Headcorn Declaration gets a mention in an appalling piece on Comment is Free by the Grauniad - yes that is Headcorn in the Borough of Maidstone and where the Green Left was founded thanks to leading ecosocialists such as Penny Kemp.
Blincoe's assessment of the Green Party is utterly riddled with inaccuracies - don't take a blind bit of notice. Having just returned from conference and attended a number of Green Left workshops (the best being the one with Mark Steel) the Greens are pulling together like I've not seen in a long time.
Blincoe's assessment of the Green Party is utterly riddled with inaccuracies - don't take a blind bit of notice. Having just returned from conference and attended a number of Green Left workshops (the best being the one with Mark Steel) the Greens are pulling together like I've not seen in a long time.
Lib Dems and Tories on KIG!
Two letters in the KM this week in response to mine last week... hmmm, I feel a letter coming on!
From the Conservative Mayor:
"Get your facts right, Stuart Jeffery. Where in my letter did I suggest that the KIG land could be used for housing as he states?
"He also states that 'Tories and Lib Dems must share the blame'. The Core Strategy was approved by a majority of councillors from all parties."
Interesting stuff. GET YOUR FACTS RIGHT RICHARD ASH! Check out my letter (link above) - I didn't state that Cllr Ash's letter said the KIG land could be used for housing, just that the draft Core Strategy (signed off by the Tories) did. As for the Core Strategy being approved by all parties - clearly it was not, as Ian Chittenden's letter below states...
From Ian Chittenden:
"I am responding to the letter from Stuart Jeffery of Maidstone Green Party. The reference to equal blame is a travesty as the new cabinet and scrutiny makes it clear who makes key decisions.
"In the case of the Core Strategy, the draft document was signed off first by Chris Garland (now Tory group deputy leader) and then by the Conservative cabinet.
"The only opportunity to discuss the document was through non-binding debate at the local development document advisory group, where significant concerns were raised on the draft Core Strategy and there was non unanimity arising from debate.
"Once out to consultation LibDem councillors submitted detailed concerns (particularly in relation to 'areas of search' for developments including the Kent Downs AONB Special Landscape Area).
"However, the most telling evidence is that as soon as the Lib Dems regained leadership of teh council they binned the draft Core Strategy.
"My observation is that the Lib Dems are being attacked from two extremes. On one hand we have Cllr Ash, who believes that if he repeats it enough, residents will associate us with the Conservatives' unpopular proposals, and on the the other, the no-growth Mr Jeffery.
"Lib Dems are seeking to pursue a common sense approach allowing some development to provide housing an local employment but in sustainable locations and built to high quality."
Ian:
The equal blame idea was Cllr Ash's - I simply repeated and questioned his statement. Secondly, I don't recall ever suggesting that no more houses should be built, just no more on green field sites. We have plenty of brownfield sites to build homes on and plenty of unoccupied houses that need to be bought back into use before we even consider next steps. Also what about the vast number of new flats that remain unoccupied (about 800 according to the KM last year, I seem to remember)? Suggesting that building houses creates more jobs is also short sighted, once built most of the jobs are no longer required - oh yes... what is a sustainable location?
The whole debacle of the growth point status strengthens my point. It now seems that Maidstone's bribe from central government to increase the number of new houses by 25% has all but been retracted, so why are the Lib Dems still keen on it?
We need more homes, but any new homes must be built to the best eco-standards and should be at least 50% affordable / social housing. Of course, imposing some hefty taxes on second home owners who are turning our seaside towns into ghost towns might no go amiss! How can it be right that some people are allowed to have two houses when others are effectively homeless? Surely shelter is a basic human right?
Stuart
From the Conservative Mayor:
"Get your facts right, Stuart Jeffery. Where in my letter did I suggest that the KIG land could be used for housing as he states?
"He also states that 'Tories and Lib Dems must share the blame'. The Core Strategy was approved by a majority of councillors from all parties."
Interesting stuff. GET YOUR FACTS RIGHT RICHARD ASH! Check out my letter (link above) - I didn't state that Cllr Ash's letter said the KIG land could be used for housing, just that the draft Core Strategy (signed off by the Tories) did. As for the Core Strategy being approved by all parties - clearly it was not, as Ian Chittenden's letter below states...
From Ian Chittenden:
"I am responding to the letter from Stuart Jeffery of Maidstone Green Party. The reference to equal blame is a travesty as the new cabinet and scrutiny makes it clear who makes key decisions.
"In the case of the Core Strategy, the draft document was signed off first by Chris Garland (now Tory group deputy leader) and then by the Conservative cabinet.
"The only opportunity to discuss the document was through non-binding debate at the local development document advisory group, where significant concerns were raised on the draft Core Strategy and there was non unanimity arising from debate.
"Once out to consultation LibDem councillors submitted detailed concerns (particularly in relation to 'areas of search' for developments including the Kent Downs AONB Special Landscape Area).
"However, the most telling evidence is that as soon as the Lib Dems regained leadership of teh council they binned the draft Core Strategy.
"My observation is that the Lib Dems are being attacked from two extremes. On one hand we have Cllr Ash, who believes that if he repeats it enough, residents will associate us with the Conservatives' unpopular proposals, and on the the other, the no-growth Mr Jeffery.
"Lib Dems are seeking to pursue a common sense approach allowing some development to provide housing an local employment but in sustainable locations and built to high quality."
Ian:
The equal blame idea was Cllr Ash's - I simply repeated and questioned his statement. Secondly, I don't recall ever suggesting that no more houses should be built, just no more on green field sites. We have plenty of brownfield sites to build homes on and plenty of unoccupied houses that need to be bought back into use before we even consider next steps. Also what about the vast number of new flats that remain unoccupied (about 800 according to the KM last year, I seem to remember)? Suggesting that building houses creates more jobs is also short sighted, once built most of the jobs are no longer required - oh yes... what is a sustainable location?
The whole debacle of the growth point status strengthens my point. It now seems that Maidstone's bribe from central government to increase the number of new houses by 25% has all but been retracted, so why are the Lib Dems still keen on it?
We need more homes, but any new homes must be built to the best eco-standards and should be at least 50% affordable / social housing. Of course, imposing some hefty taxes on second home owners who are turning our seaside towns into ghost towns might no go amiss! How can it be right that some people are allowed to have two houses when others are effectively homeless? Surely shelter is a basic human right?
Stuart
GREEN CONFERENCE: ONLY DEMOCRACY CAN RECESSION-PROOF ECONOMY, SAYS WALL
This is Derek Wall's speech to the conference. Derek Blogs at Another Green World.
A Green economy would be more democratic and more reliable, as well as more sustainable, said Green Party co-principal speaker Derek Wall in his speech to the third day of the party’s spring conference.
In a passionate critique of international financial policy, Wall outlined the causes and consequences of phenomena such as sub-prime mortgages and the securitisation of debt. He went on to call for an economic system which recognises more sophisticated metrics of success than GDP growth alone, and which prioritises human welfare over corporate interest.
This, he said, could be achieved by supporting the development of democratised economic models such as co-operatives and mutuals.
He told the audience of Green activists at Reading Town Hall: “The present economy drives ecological destruction and unless we find an alternative to it, it will sub-prime mortgage the near future.
“To keep the increasingly risky and unreal economy afloat we have to keep on consuming. If we spend less then unemployment rises, homeowners who lose their jobs can no longer keep up with mortgage payments, houses are reposessed, credit card debt cannot be paid, and the vicious spiral of negative economic growth leads to poverty and mass unemployment. The system eventually rebounds but with a huge cost in insecurity and human misery.
“We have an economy which is irrational and unecological, which increasingly no one understands and is, increasingly, no fun.
“We have to create an economy that gives access to things we all need, from warm homes to healthy food to secure pensions, and creative good work in secure posts without the ever increasing overuse of resources.
“We can have an economy that meets human need and not the greed of a few. It's about being on the side of ordinary people, and not about making the economy more market-based that ultimately only benefits the super rich.”
A Green economy would be more democratic and more reliable, as well as more sustainable, said Green Party co-principal speaker Derek Wall in his speech to the third day of the party’s spring conference.
In a passionate critique of international financial policy, Wall outlined the causes and consequences of phenomena such as sub-prime mortgages and the securitisation of debt. He went on to call for an economic system which recognises more sophisticated metrics of success than GDP growth alone, and which prioritises human welfare over corporate interest.
This, he said, could be achieved by supporting the development of democratised economic models such as co-operatives and mutuals.
He told the audience of Green activists at Reading Town Hall: “The present economy drives ecological destruction and unless we find an alternative to it, it will sub-prime mortgage the near future.
“To keep the increasingly risky and unreal economy afloat we have to keep on consuming. If we spend less then unemployment rises, homeowners who lose their jobs can no longer keep up with mortgage payments, houses are reposessed, credit card debt cannot be paid, and the vicious spiral of negative economic growth leads to poverty and mass unemployment. The system eventually rebounds but with a huge cost in insecurity and human misery.
“We have an economy which is irrational and unecological, which increasingly no one understands and is, increasingly, no fun.
“We have to create an economy that gives access to things we all need, from warm homes to healthy food to secure pensions, and creative good work in secure posts without the ever increasing overuse of resources.
“We can have an economy that meets human need and not the greed of a few. It's about being on the side of ordinary people, and not about making the economy more market-based that ultimately only benefits the super rich.”
CAROLINE LUCAS MEP OUTLINES DYNAMIC VISION FOR GREEN POLITICS IN KEYNOTE SPEECH AT GREEN PARTY CONFERENCE
Green Euro-MP for the South East Caroline Lucas has given an impassioned keynote speech at the Green Party’s Spring Conference at Reading Town Hall today.
To a packed audience of Party members and media, Dr Lucas slammed the current Labour government for its failure of political courage, lack of radical action on climate change and its failure to learn the lessons of its disastrous domestic and foreign policies.
She said: “Never has an opposition with radical vision, political courage and practical policies been more urgently needed. Never has the muddy middle ground of the grey parties’ policies been less up to the job.
“We have had enough of the yawning gulf between rhetoric and reality; enough of the drifting duplicity at the heart of government – and enough of a politics without purpose.
“I am so proud to be part of a political party that stands up for its principles. And I’m proud of all of our local councillors and the work they do, combining radical vision and practical policies to deliver real social and environmental change - day in, day out.
“It is because elected Greens make a real difference that more and more people are joining us, and ever more people are voting for us.”
Highlighting the weaknesses of Westminster’s opposition parties, she said:
“None of the three Westminster parties dares to challenge the dogma of neo-liberal economics and endless economic growth, despite the mounting evidence that the materialism driven on by our contemporary consumer capitalism is killing the human spirit even as it destroys the natural
world.
“None of the three Westminster parties dares to take a principled stand against replacing Trident, despite the fact that upgrading our nuclear weapons system puts us in breach of international law, and makes the world a much more dangerous place.
“Not one of them has the political vision, the courage, or the commitment to carry through the kind of green energy revolution that we so urgently need to see, the massive programme of rigorous energy efficiency, the far-reaching investment in renewable energy, and the dramatic demand
reduction strategies.
“Only the Green Party offers both the radical vision and the practical solutions to address the increasingly complex challenges we face today. For example, a number of Groups are beginning to consider a New Green Deal, which could address both the impending credit crunch as well as the urgent need to tackle climate change. With local government bonds, this would provide a safe haven for savings - in banks or in pension funds - which in turn could be used to kickstart a massive public works project to create new jobs and improve the efficiency of our public buildings."
Praising the electoral successes of the Party, she said: “We now have a record number of councillors on a record number of Councils, with Group status on 22 out of 40, and potential power-broking positions on several – and in Oxford, where we have 8 city councillors and 5 county councillors.
“So we’re on course for our first Green MPs, who won’t just be representative of, and cheerleaders for, local communities. They will signal nothing less than a sea change in British politics.”
To a packed audience of Party members and media, Dr Lucas slammed the current Labour government for its failure of political courage, lack of radical action on climate change and its failure to learn the lessons of its disastrous domestic and foreign policies.
She said: “Never has an opposition with radical vision, political courage and practical policies been more urgently needed. Never has the muddy middle ground of the grey parties’ policies been less up to the job.
“We have had enough of the yawning gulf between rhetoric and reality; enough of the drifting duplicity at the heart of government – and enough of a politics without purpose.
“I am so proud to be part of a political party that stands up for its principles. And I’m proud of all of our local councillors and the work they do, combining radical vision and practical policies to deliver real social and environmental change - day in, day out.
“It is because elected Greens make a real difference that more and more people are joining us, and ever more people are voting for us.”
Highlighting the weaknesses of Westminster’s opposition parties, she said:
“None of the three Westminster parties dares to challenge the dogma of neo-liberal economics and endless economic growth, despite the mounting evidence that the materialism driven on by our contemporary consumer capitalism is killing the human spirit even as it destroys the natural
world.
“None of the three Westminster parties dares to take a principled stand against replacing Trident, despite the fact that upgrading our nuclear weapons system puts us in breach of international law, and makes the world a much more dangerous place.
“Not one of them has the political vision, the courage, or the commitment to carry through the kind of green energy revolution that we so urgently need to see, the massive programme of rigorous energy efficiency, the far-reaching investment in renewable energy, and the dramatic demand
reduction strategies.
“Only the Green Party offers both the radical vision and the practical solutions to address the increasingly complex challenges we face today. For example, a number of Groups are beginning to consider a New Green Deal, which could address both the impending credit crunch as well as the urgent need to tackle climate change. With local government bonds, this would provide a safe haven for savings - in banks or in pension funds - which in turn could be used to kickstart a massive public works project to create new jobs and improve the efficiency of our public buildings."
Praising the electoral successes of the Party, she said: “We now have a record number of councillors on a record number of Councils, with Group status on 22 out of 40, and potential power-broking positions on several – and in Oxford, where we have 8 city councillors and 5 county councillors.
“So we’re on course for our first Green MPs, who won’t just be representative of, and cheerleaders for, local communities. They will signal nothing less than a sea change in British politics.”
Friday, 15 February 2008
Conference
I'm off to the Green Party's Spring conference shortly. It is always a thoroughly revitalising time, catching up with old friends, getting involved in hefty debates, drinking far too much beer... This year it is a month earlier than normal, and therefore leaves March very clear for local election work.
Our conference is different to most parties in that it is where we decide on policy. Even though we will soon be getting a leader for the first time, unlike other parties, there is none of the 'policy on the hoof approach' with us. Policy changes are debated and democratically decided upon - while it make thing a little slower than I would like, it does ensure far more robustness that can be seen in other parties. It also means that the public can see the detail of our current policies at all times, again compare this to others!
Stuart
Our conference is different to most parties in that it is where we decide on policy. Even though we will soon be getting a leader for the first time, unlike other parties, there is none of the 'policy on the hoof approach' with us. Policy changes are debated and democratically decided upon - while it make thing a little slower than I would like, it does ensure far more robustness that can be seen in other parties. It also means that the public can see the detail of our current policies at all times, again compare this to others!
Stuart
Saturday, 9 February 2008
Core Strategy rumbles on...
Letter to the Kent Messenger this week.
I was amazed to learn the the Lib Dems and Tories were equally responsible for the draft Core Strategy that proposed that the KIG site could be used for housing, as suggested by the Mayor, Tory Councillor Richard Ash in last week's KM. Sadly there seems to be no detailed voting record of the decisions made, but if what the Mayor suggests is true, then blame for the draft Core Strategy and the possible influence that this had on the KIG application must be shared equally between the Tories and the Lib Dems.
The Core Strategy has prompted letters from the Mayor, the Leader and Deputy Leader of the Tory Councillors, giving a fairly heavy weight and often inaccurate rebuttal of their influence in the KIG fiasco. The Lib Dems have pleaded that they need to keep their views on the application quiet to ensure that they can't be accused of prejudgement, but I am surprised that they have not commented on this fairly factual debate.
Stuart Jeffery
Maidstone Green Party
I was amazed to learn the the Lib Dems and Tories were equally responsible for the draft Core Strategy that proposed that the KIG site could be used for housing, as suggested by the Mayor, Tory Councillor Richard Ash in last week's KM. Sadly there seems to be no detailed voting record of the decisions made, but if what the Mayor suggests is true, then blame for the draft Core Strategy and the possible influence that this had on the KIG application must be shared equally between the Tories and the Lib Dems.
The Core Strategy has prompted letters from the Mayor, the Leader and Deputy Leader of the Tory Councillors, giving a fairly heavy weight and often inaccurate rebuttal of their influence in the KIG fiasco. The Lib Dems have pleaded that they need to keep their views on the application quiet to ensure that they can't be accused of prejudgement, but I am surprised that they have not commented on this fairly factual debate.
Stuart Jeffery
Maidstone Green Party
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