Phil Bullivant
TDC Councillor for Bradley Ward Newton Abbot
Monthly update
November/ December 2017
There are a number of important issues that came forwards during the month.
As the winter sets in it is important to remember those who have difficulty in keeping warm. 11% of our residents are believed to be in this category and in TDC, we have a number of programmes running that provides help for those in our society who are judged to be in fuel poverty. Help is offered to provide better insulation and central heating installation. A new, additional scheme has now been introduced to provide help for a broader range of problems (details are available from the TDC web site).
We are working alongside 3 other district and town councils to deliver key national goals of improving competitiveness and productivity. Our work has been recognised by the Institute for Economic Development with an Award for having the ‘Most Innovative Strategy’ for delivering these key goals. This is important as it will lead to higher paid employment and more secure jobs in the region.
Public Safeguarding issues are also a responsibility of your council. We have been working across the region to understand those things that contribute to problems and identifying the best ways to address any issues. We have bought together a wide range of service providers who are involved with these issues and been able to deliver a better, integrated approach as a result. Should you have any concerns and would like to be put in contact with the team please let me know.
New housing provision is an issue across the district. Whilst we have one of the best records across the country for delivering new homes and especially affordable homes there are people who cannot benefit from these developments.
In Highweek we have one of the District’s main development areas which will see over 2000 homes delivered over the next 15 years. The latest Houghton Barton Development plan was reviewed and Approved by the council to enable the development to proceed. There were a number of significant requirements included in the plan including the restriction on house numbers until the A382-A383 bypass is in place. (The document is available on the TDC web site)
A key step in delivering the road was taken by your council through the acquisition of a parcel of land in the centre of the development to facilitate the road layout. The land acquisition also allows us to offer 22 Custom built affordable homes to meet specific special demands from those needing an affordable home (another National first for TDC).
Other items that have been raised included the requirements for Environmental protection at the Dawlish Warren nature reserves, a world recognised important location for bird migration and over wintering. The regional committee who are charged with identifying potential problems and agreeing appropriate mitigation measures suggested a range of measures that could be applied to reduce the current problems caused by dogs (Faeces enriching the dune soils impacting on the very special flora and the disturbances caused by dogs chasing endangered wild bird species).
A range of options have been given to TDC for consideration, a number of which are in conflict with our policies of free Sunday parking and discounted parking during the winter months. These policies are at the heart of your council’s decision making and we have agreed that alternative options that deliver the required levels of protection whilst maintaining our support for residents and the business community are our priorities. Press comments have focussed on the negative issues without seeking the correct picture from your council.
The delivery of sites for travellers in Teignbridge has proved to be a great success with site being well managed and the previous levels of misuse and dumping greatly reduced as a result. Plans were submitted and approved for an additional 3 pitched to expand the Haldon Hill site from 12 to 15 pitches.
Items specific to Highweek include the changes in road layout in Pitt Hill Road and the closure of Whitehill Road. At the request of residents I spent a couple of days standing in Pitt Hill during the afternoon ‘rush’ hour counting cars and vans ignoring the new one way system putting themselves and others at considerable risk. I have discussed the issues with the police who have been on site, seen the problems and taken appropriate action. The first offenders have been cautioned and subsequent transgressors will be prosecuted.
Proposed development in Howton Road is a cause for concern given the restricted road widths, bends and access onto Mile End Road. Decisions have been deferred until further work is carried out.
The closure of Larkspur Drive is in the hands of the TDC enforcement team, although Persimmons have now submitted a planning request to retain the opening, the delivery of off street parking provision for any affected house in Mile End Road will be a key issue.
As we are close to Christmas, can I wish you all a Very Happy Christmas and, for when it arrives, a Great New Year. I will be available all over Christmas should you need to talk.
As usual, if there is anything you would like to discuss, please call or email,
Regards
Phil Bullivant
07768 355544
(The views expressed in this letter are my personal opinions)
P.S. Next year I would like to arrange a Highweek Village Hall Christmas Lunch for those who are on their own over Christmas. If you would like to be involved, please let me know.