SAVE THE QUANTOCK HILLS objection to sell off by Somerset council

We put in a hasty general objection on behalf of us all as time was short when it hit the media – at least we are noted in case there is a public inquiry - more info is here /

“RE SALE OF Great Wood, Custom Common, Thorncombe Hill, Over Stowey, Bridgwater, Somerset

We have only just received info on the above via the media – we are at present unable to prepare a full objection in time especially with the Christmas post, so would appreciate your accepting a general notice of objection on behalf of our environmental group Sacred Grove Western Isles.

We understand that you intend to offer for sale the above parcels of land that are AONB and SSI protected, for possible private shooting and other similar or private enterprises.

Please note our strong objection to interference of such protective orders on these lands and the devastating affect on the wildlife and species and also the loss of amenity which would hardly be deemed reasonable to those who use the area for recreation and enjoy the landscape and conserved areas.

Sale to private ownership – as shown by the recent attempt by the government to divest itself of much of its forestry commission land – is never going to be acceptable either from an amenity stance or a health and safety assessment of hunters firing near land that is walked through via rights of way.

Please confirm that you have accepted this objection

Regards
http://sacredgrovewesternisles.co.uk “

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NNote JS comments below “One of the recommendations from the meeting is that the Cabinet Member-Resources should consider the use of covenants for the proposed sales - should they go ahead. Any sale of the three areas of land will be subject to a decision in February by the Cabinet Member-Resources. Five days before any decision is taken a report will be published on the Council’s website.” 

 

Friends of Quantocks

13 Feb 2012 - will Quantocks to sold! see Decision list doc - 5 days in which to appeal

Use this link to check on the report being listed here giving 5 days notice

Somerset CC Decision list

From: Lorraine L Vaughan [mailto:LLVaughan@somerset.gov.uk] Sent: 31 January 2012 16:52 To: SGWI Subject: Quantocks e-mail Sent on behalf of James Stubbs - Acting Head of Property Client Thank you for your comments about the proposed sale of land within the Quantock Hills. We received a large number of objections to the proposals via letters, emails and two petitions about the proposal and I thought you would appreciate a response to highlight what happened to your comments and what the Council intends to do next. Due to the significant public interest, an informal cross-party group of Councillors met on January 13th to discuss your – and many others - comments and objections to the proposed sale. The meeting spent time discussing the representations we received and also heard an update from officers about the process and governance that is in place to ensure that the Cabinet Member for Resources is fully informed before making his decisions. The Councillors noted the level of public concern received following the publication of the notice for the proposed sale of the three areas of land – Great Wood, Customs Common and Thorncombe Hill. They were given a breakdown of all the objections and representations which, in the main, called for public access to be retained, expressed concern about private ownership and concern about future development of the land. As all three areas are currently protected under specific protections including Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and two areas as Sites of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI), Council Members felt that the majority of public concern was already addressed. However there was a feeling that to ease public concern, further legal protections – or covenants – could be placed on any potential sale of the land. One of the recommendations from the meeting is that the Cabinet Member-Resources should consider the use of covenants for the proposed sales - should they go ahead. Any sale of the three areas of land will be subject to a decision in February by the Cabinet Member-Resources. Five days before any decision is taken a report will be published on the Council’s website. I hope you find this information helpful. James Stubbs Acting Head of Property Client Somerset County Council Resources Directorate Property Client County Hall, Taunton Somerset TA1 4DY

Decision to Sell!
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