SSDC decision-making based on False Information

In 2010 South Somerset District Council utilized a document called a Location Option Appraisal Matrix with 7 Options (locations) to decide the location for a new  Rangers Centre in Yeovil Country Park. (NB please be patient with the download).


These locations options were (see here):


  1. Adjoining the (Goldenstones) car park ( AKA “ Queen’s Meadow ”  following the Royal Jubilee visit)
  2. Adjoining the Car Park Grass Area
  3. Next to the Cycle way
  4. Goldenstones
  5. Next to the Ninesprings Play Area
  6. Foundary House
  7. Ski Centre


The Rangers favoured site (the Rangers confirmed with us) was Option 3 but in 2010 SSDC granted planning permission for Option 1 claiming that Option 3 was not a suitable location and was “ruled out as no construction can take place above the main Yeovil power supply”.  


Untrue!  Watchdog contacted Southern Energy Power Distribution (SEPD) who told us: “The 33kv cables in 9 springs where disconnected approx 6 years ago.” [E-mail written confirmation received from SEPD 18 June 2013]. This information was originally given to us, verbally, in 2010 and it was reported to SSDC, at that time, who chose to ignore it.


The fact is these power lines were defunct about 3 years before the the original Planning Application was made.


Yet the Matrix clearly shows why the planning process finally chose Option 1; decisions were based on the flawed information in this Matrix; the planning committee had no opportunity to consider Option 3. SSDC finally owned up to their mistake after they granted themselves planning permission!


SSDC said they could not build over obsolete cables, however, SEPD told us the cables “may be built around” and possibly “cut adrift”. Building, at Option 3, was therefore possible.  Case studies of cable removal indicated that the council might even benefit financially.


Conclusion


For 3 years, since the original Rangers Centre Application was made by Kate Menday, the SSDC maintained its stance over these power cables and, despite the enormous resources the SSDC has at its disposal, persistently fed this false information to Area Planning Meetings - an arena which is supposed to have quasi judicial status. Clearly the planning process has been prejudiced, as direct consequence, and planning decisions have been taken which otherwise might have changed. These concomitant effects are evidenced in SSDCs own documentation outlined above.


Due to this infraction of correct planning procedures a full investigation should have been convened by the independent ombudsman.