Troubling news for the New Forest in that it has been confirmed today that Richard Lemon, the current Director of Planning, is to leave the NFNPA. Richard only arrived in November and in a short space of time has done so much to reassure the local community that
some people at the NPA really do want to hear all points of view, genuinely understand the concerns and anxieties of the residents, and recognise the need for openness, honesty and genuine understanding of the issues before formulating any policies.
Let me say quite clearly that in my opinion, Richard has never been viewed as a pushover, or unduly biased either for or against the FUG stance - indeed others will confirm that I have said in private that I think he could be a formidable adversary and a tough cookie. The point is we believe him to be a
fair emissary of the planning department and he had given us hope that through reasoned debate and discussion, and meaningful negotiation we
might be able to reach a compromise acceptable to all parties.
Sadly I fear these hopes are now dashed, and with the exception of a few Members who are not afraid to stand up and be counted (always happy to add to that list if any more wish to come forward
on the record
), we will be dealing with a much more adversarial and entrenched mind set at the NPA.
Fellow FUG supporters and campaigners, be prepared to renew the battle in the months ahead, especially as the NFNPA are intent on giving us only a brief 7 days to view the document before submitting the 'revised' Plan to the Members for approval in October.
We at FUG wish Richard well wherever he is moving on to, and that area is lucky indeed to have such enlightened advocate of community involvement in the enactment of Policy.
The position Richard vacates will be taken by the current Senior Enforcement Officer, Steve Avery (yes, the one that went on BBC local television to share with us his phobia of "...alien coloured plastic buckets..." amongst other equine related matters he finds distateful)...
The Peasants Are Revolting...
www.forestuprising.org.uk
forestuprising@live.co.uk
