Letter to Editor: Not the time to take the higher ground on Latton Priory
Politics / Thu 19th Jan 2023 at 12:39pm
SIR, I have been reading Nicholas Taylor’s numerous comments on Latton Priory development proposals most of them claiming only he saw this situation coming and that no one else did anything.
This self-aggrandizement and attempting to take the higher ground is all very well, however, there are a number of points that Mr Taylor either doesn’t want to or won’t admit that is important and needs to be included in the discussions we are now having to enable people to understand what is happening and why.
Mr Taylor’s attempts to re-write history putting himself and HAP in a better position is a dangerous strategy to take when it would make greater sense for all of us that have been objecting to development to the south and west of Harlow to work together in the interest of the town and the residents we represent.
Mr Taylor puts great importance in the local plans. Yes, they are important and valuable strategic documents, but they are just that. They enable the possibility of future planning applications to be placed before the relevant council planning or development control committee. And it is at those committees who will decide on any developments and if the development plans are valid and meet the standards required.
Mr Taylor does seem to believe that these developments have only been around for the last five years.
Well Latton Priory was suggested by developers in 2014 (nearly NINE years) and the West Sumners development was suggested by developers in 2012 (ELEVEN years). The problem is that until there are concrete (pardon the pun) plans in place there is nowhere to object to.
Yes, making our objection to the proposals known is a must and that is what I and my Conservative colleagues, along with the local residents in the Stop West Sumners group have been doing since the developers started holding local private consultations.
That sets the stage ready when the real applications are presented to the relevant planning committees.
It is a shame that the Labour group showed their true colours by agreeing to sell council owned land to developers to allow access across the town borders, something that we reversed when we took control of the council.
So if Mr Taylor is prepared to work in the interest of the town rather than just playing politics, I for one would be happy to talk about it with him.
Kind regards
Councillor Nick Churchill
Sumners and Kingsmoor ward
Harlow District Council
Nostradamus
2023-01-20 09:04:06
Nick whoever and whichever party is in power our local and county politicians have failed again and again over the last 40 years. The town has been on a downward spiral ever since. Pushing Harlow beyond the brilliant design principles Sir Fred laid down was a fundamental mistake. Ironically whilst other towns in other countries have been adopting his ideas Harlow has been going in the opposite direction. Politicians snipe and engage in ya boo politics has been like Nero fiddling whilst Rome burned.
Colin
2023-01-20 12:13:17
The sad fact is that no major social housing project has taken place since the Sumners/Katherine's Estate in 1974 which is 48 yrs ago. That's not to say there has been no social housing built but certainly not enough to reduce the current waiting list.
Neil Warner-Baker
2023-01-20 12:20:07
Mr Churchill. Go a little deeper...i would encourage you to dig a little deeper when mentioning your Colleagues in the conservative group. I think you will find that your cllr Mick Hardware has acted as a consultant for Hggt Latton Priory for several years. Look at his declared interests as a director of Chelgate (??) And on its website where he bragged of his participation and his fortitious position of being both a Harlow and Essex County cllr. Hope it makes your blood boil. .
Neil Warner Baker
2023-01-20 12:58:10
Colin, id like to bring this article from the Archives of YourHarlow... Hggt will not be delivering any social housing to the people of Harlow as all there developements are just over our borders in Epping and East Herts https://www.yourharlow.com/2021/02/02/questions-continue-over-affordable-rented-accommodation-in-harlow-and-gilston-development/
Mr Grumpy
2023-01-20 15:33:08
Concerning the proposed building on Latton Priory (green belt land). I heard that Ray Winston wanted to make changes to his home but Epping Council rejected it on the grounds it could encroach on green belt land. Odd that !! I wonder how much of a back hander councillors will be getting for Latton Priory to get the green light ?
Nick
2023-01-20 19:29:45
Neil, I am sure that developers must love you, rather than concentrating on the matter at hand you seem to be revelling in making pointless claims and accusations. As with Mr Taylor if you are serious about objecting to this development based on planning legislation rather than just making pointless remarks I would be happy to speak with you as well
SOS
2023-01-20 20:27:16
Nick would be good if Harlow Cllrs hadn't been suckered by developers. Cllrs that should be representing the views of the residents rather than leaving the defence of the town and the quality of the environment and life here down to individual residents like Neil and the 6000 who signed the petition raising concerns and offering alternative solutions. However, it's notable that Harlow Councillors efforts at consultation have been virtually non existent, it's as if they thought they knew better or were blindly following party lines. Its also notable that Robert Halfon stood up in Parliament and told our Cllrs to go back to the drawing board.
Kim Oconnor
2023-01-20 23:04:12
Well said sos.. Well said Neil. Nick, you have had plenty of objection s. Mr Taylor has stood his ground and fought to save the deverstating, destruction to our green belt, frends of Latton lsland fought, and gained 6,000 signatures against theses monstrosity. The green party against this destruction. And as for sir Frederick , he built this town with green belt in mind. You didn't want to hear us, or speak to us. If you build a long theses flood plans, and put a 4 lane road a cross our river, you will reap what you sow.
Mark Spoke
2023-02-16 15:10:45
I read that Nick Churchill has cost Harlow Council £1000s because he refused to answer an email and called the police, saying he was being harassed. What is a Councilor for if not to communicate with ?
Mark Spoke
2023-02-16 15:11:22
I read that Nick Churchill has cost Harlow Council £1000s because he refused to answer an email and called the police, saying he was being harassed. What is a Councilor for if not to communicate with ? I ask you
Stacy Seales
2023-05-08 20:09:55
Dear Mr Spoke, Could you indicated the relevance of this information I ask you? Cllrs face threats and abuse daily with some brutally murdered after ignoring harassment. Should you have something constructive to say then debate and not hate.
James Leppard
2023-05-09 08:42:22
Nick Churchill makes some very valid points. Only too often people forget the history. HGGT is a legacy of the former Harlow Labour administration, who signed up for this back in 2017 and confirmed in their December 2020 Town Plan, Stort crossing and all. The current administration inherited this and as Mr Churchill has stated, has consistently opposed the planned developments of Latton Priory and Sumners West. However, these do not fall within the bounds of Harlow District Council. As has been pointed out previously, the scope for new housing builds in Harlow (council or private) is severely restricted owing to the limited available land within our constrained 11.3 square miles. Other new towns built around London at the same time as Harlow have much bigger districts (other than Stevenage). If we to preserve our green areas and have sufficient land for new housing and businesses, then an expansion of our territory is the only practical solution.
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