CAMPAIGNERS fighting moves to build 1,700 homes on the edge of Felixstowe today voiced concern that developers' views were being given more weight than the public's.
CAMPAIGNERS fighting moves to build 1,700 homes on the edge of Felixstowe today voiced concern that developers' views were being given more weight than the public's.
Councillors are due to meet at the Hotel Elizabeth Orwell, Hamilton Road, on August 4 at 9.30am to discuss land in Felixstowe/Walton and the Trimley villages - and decide their preferred site.
Members of the public have been told they will be allowed to speak, but only person on each option.
Trevor Mason, chairman of the Save Felixstowe Countryside group, said the system favours developers, agents and land owners and paid lip service to members of the public.
“There are likely to be five or six options of potential sites put forward for discussion - although no one will know until July 25 - and only one member of the public is permitted to speak on each of the options! No such restriction is being placed on landowners and developers,” he said.
“So what if two members of the public, or groups, wish to put opposing views on any of the sites?
“Only one of them will be allowed to speak. That is hardly a democratic process.”
Principal planning officer for policy at Suffolk Coastal, Hilary Hanslip said the public speaking would be similar to that permitted at the council's development control committee meetings.
“Those invited to speak will be agents/or landowners; local town and parish councils and local ward district councillors,” she said.
“In addition, a spokesperson representing the general public will also have the opportunity to speak in relation to each of the options.
“The decision to limit to only one spokesperson on behalf of the general public per option is intended to allow the meeting to run more smoothly.
“With five or six options, if every person who wanted to speak was granted permission to address the meeting, the meeting could be endless.”
Where should the new homes be built at Felixstowe? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk
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