In November 108 doctors from Culverhay Surgery, Wotton-under-Edge submitted an objection to the Bristol Airport Expansion application stating:

"Medact Bristol is a network of healthcare professionals living and working in the Bristol area. We are writing to express our opposition to the proposed expansion of Bristol Airport. We are deeply concerned that any expansion of the airport would constitute a significant threat to human health. We call on you to commit to preventing the expansion of Bristol Airport. We detail specific health concerns below.

1. Air Quality
2. Noise pollution
3. Climate Change ...

In conclusion, we assert that pursuing airport expansion endangers the health and wellbeing of people in Bristol and North Somerset. We present evidence to show the threats to health caused by 3 mechanisms relating to the proposed expansion; worsening air quality, noise pollution and contributions to climate breakdown.

 

We also point out the significant economic costs of these health impacts. We therefore believe there is a moral obligation and duty of care to residents to act now and oppose airport expansion."

NB: In October Bristol Airport Ltd submitted additional information for its latest expansion application. In November North Somerset Council sent a letter to parish councils asking for their comments, with a deadline of 01 December 2019. As published last week, on 11 Nov 19 (Min 328.12) BPC resolved not to make an additional comment but to rely on their previous May 19 submission)

See previous Airport Expansion BOB blog 

Also BOB's Environmental page 

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BACKGROUND

Submission to North Somerset Council by "Culverhay Surgery Wotton Under Edge GL12 7LS (Objects)

Comment submitted date: Tue 12 Nov 2019

Dear Councillors,

Re: Bristol Airport, North Side Road, Felton, Wrington BS48 3DP

Planning application: 18/P/5118/OUT

Medact Bristol is a network of healthcare professionals living and working in the Bristol area. We are writing to express our opposition to the proposed expansion of Bristol Airport. We are deeply concerned that any expansion of the airport would constitute a significant threat to human health. We call on you to commit to preventing the expansion of Bristol Airport. We detail specific health concerns below.

1. Air Quality

[See Government Clean Air Strategy & Executive Summary also Clean Growth Strategy & Executive]

Increasing capacity at Bristol Airport will involve increased emissions from aeroplanes and increased emissions from vehicular transport to and from the airport. Together, these will worsen air quality in the Bristol area. We can expect that surface emissions will be increased by 9,500 additional vehicle movements per day. That is 13,000 - 28,000 private vehicle journeys per day to and from the airport.

Premature deaths, of which an estimated 16000 a year globally are attributable to aviation emissions, are mostly due to the PM and ozone released during take-off and landing (Yim et al 2013). For those populations who live within 20km of an airport an estimated 5000 people will suffer a premature death due to aviation emissions.

A recent study by Kings College London examining the Public Health Implications of air pollution from particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen dioxide found evidence of decreased life expectancy of children born and growing up in high levels of exposure (Dajnak et al 2019). In adults, exposure to these pollutants is linked to increased risk of heart and lung disease including lung cancer (Pope III 2002), obesity, stroke, asthma and diabetes (RCP & RCPCH 2019). Mental health is also at risk, with a recent meta-analysis concluding that an increase in ambient PM is strongly associated with increased depression risk in the general population (Gu et al 2019), as well as studies showing a link between poor air quality and dementia (Carey 2018).

It has been shown that exposure to air pollution in pregnancy can cause low birth weight, in particular fetal head size (Turner et al 2017). Low birth weight is associated with morbidity later in life such as coronary artery disease, type two diabetes and asthma. These health effects exert an economic toll for individuals, businesses and health services. In the UK, the costs due to poor air quality are estimated at more than £20 billion every year (RCP & RCPCH 2019).

2. Noise pollution

[See Government Airspace Change Consultation]

Under the planned expansion there would be a flight every three minutes, up to 4000 night flights and thousands of additional residents being 'flown over'.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recognise noise as an 'underestimated threat' that has significant Public Health effects. They advise decibel (dB) levels of less than 30db(A) in a bedroom for good quality sleep, and less than 35 db(A) in a classroom for effective learning. The average dB level of an aircraft taking off is in the order of 100dB.

Noise pollution is linked to sleep disturbance and heart disease. Furthermore it has been shown to have a greater effect on the very young; the WHO states there is "consistent evidence that noise exposure harms cognitive performance; consistent association with impaired well-being and motivation to a slightly more limited extent [and] moderate evidence of effects on blood pressure and catecholamine hormone secretion."

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) list stress, annoyance, sleep disruption, and poor performance at school and work as the recognised effects of noise pollution from airports.

It is therefore clear that the additional noise pollution generated by increased capacity at Bristol Airport would cause morbidity and premature death for the residents of North Somerset and Bristol.

3. Climate Change

[See NSC Climate Emergency Update]

The negative environmental impacts of the proposed expansion of Bristol Airport are far greater, both in terms of CO2 and non-COs gases, than is stated in the planning application (Gibbs 2019) and would therefore contribute significantly to the climate emergency. The advisory Committee on Climate Change (CCC) recently stated the UK's planned increase in aviation needs to be curbed. This expansion directly contravenes this advice.

Climate change is the 'biggest global health threat of the 21st century' (Lancet, 2009). The WHO predicts that between 2030 and 2050 there will be an additional 250,000 deaths from malnutrition, malaria, diarrhoea and dehydration due to climate chaos. Climate change is also linked to more chaotic extremes of not only heat but also rain and therefore flooding. This will lead to more problems with contaminated water sources, diarrhoeal disease and vector-borne diseases such as malaria, as well as contributing to a situation where food is less abundant and more expensive.

The UN has also stated that climate change is putting 'the food security of billions of people at risk'. Furthermore, weather chaos will lead to damage and access difficulties to healthcare bases such as hospitals and GP surgeries, strangling the ability of healthcare workers to deliver efficient care and preventing good access for patients.

These wide ranging issues will have direct and tangible negative effects on local residents. Climate change threatens the health and wellbeing of people in our community on our planet and threatens the very existence of the next generation.

In conclusion, we assert that pursuing airport expansion endangers the health and wellbeing of people in Bristol and North Somerset. We present evidence to show the threats to health caused by 3 mechanisms relating to the proposed expansion; worsening air quality, noise pollution and contributions to climate breakdown. We also point out the significant economic costs of these health impacts. We therefore believe there is a moral obligation and duty of care to residents to act now and oppose airport expansion.

Many thanks for your consideration.

Yours sincerely,

1. Dr Grace Thompson 2. Dr. Fiona Headley 3. Dr. Alice Gardner 4. Dr. Rose Soame 5. Dr. Martin Hartog 6. Dr. Kate Highton 7. Dr. Chris Lamb 8. Dr. Catherine Stace 9. Dr. Hattie Nicholas 10. Dr. Jasmine Schulkind 11. Dr. Kathryn McGregor 12. Miss Jessica Hawkins 13. Dr. Katherine Savage 14. Dr. Martin Hartog 15. Dr. Elaine Lunts 16. Ms. Kate Paul 17. Dr. Thomas Watkivs 18. Dr. Catriona Mellor 19. Dr. James Watson 20. Ms. Lizzie O'Brien 21. Dr. Hannh Trewin 22. Dr. Lucy Pocock 23. Dr. Charles Holme 24. Mr. Jonathan Boyne 25. Dr. Diarmuid White 26. Dr. Seamus Harrington 27. Dr. Pippa Munro 28. Dr. Thomas Brookes 29. Dr. Sandra Fenn 30. Dr. Rajeka Lazarus 31. Dr. Olivia Burke 32. Dr. Harriet Burn 33. Dr. Jenny Harper Gow 34. Dr. Harriet Aughey 35. Dr. Nicholas Watts 36. Dr. Alexandra Tate 37. Dr. Helen Leveret 38. Dr. Zoe Richmond 39. Dr. Sophie Foster 40. Dr. Miranda Cole 41. Dr. Anna Ludvigsen 42. Dr. Sarah Briggs 43. Dr. Samuel Taylor-Smith 44. Dr. Joanne Girdler 45. Dr. Angela Wilson 46. Ms. Sue Kilroe 47. Ms. Peggy Woodward 48. Ms. Sarah Creagh-Osborne 49. Dr. Lesley Black 50. Dr. Diana Warner 51. Dr. Becca Hall 52. Dr. Jack Nicholson 53. Ms. Tracy Lyons 54. Mrs. Joanna Moulton 55. Dr. Faye Harvey 56. Dr. Victoria Bowler 57. Dr. James Pickard 58. Mrs. Lizzie Gibbs 59. Mrs. Zoe Coppin 60. Dr. Anya Gopfert 61. Dr. Rosa Roberts 62. Dr. Rosie Spooner 63. Dr. Joanna Waldock 64. Ms. Abbie Festa 65. Dr. Patrick Hart 66. Professor Trevor Thompson 67. Dr. Elizabeth Ormerod 68. Ms. Eimer Kilroe 69. Ms. Lucy Shapcott 70. Dr. Connie Smith 71. Dr. Katherine Dixon 72. Dr. Charles Dixon 73. Dr. Lucy Potter 74. Dr. Amy Ashford 75. Dr. Wiliam Stableforth 76. Dr. Helen Bowers 77. Dr. Lisa Revell 78. Dr. Annabel Headdon 79. Dr. Hyunkee Kim 80. Dr. Rebecca Vanmarle 81. Dr. Becca Hall 82. Dr. Sarah Goodall 83. Dr. Meg Dillon 84. Dr. Prianka Padmanathan 85. Dr. Trevor Aughey 86. Dr. Claire Ferraro 87. Dr. Jess Elliot 88. Dr. Luke McGeoch 89. Dr Aliesje Kuur 90. Dr Jessica Watson 91. Dr Stephane Paulus 92. DrGemma Matthewman 93. Dr Ceri Lumb 94. Dr Mike Prosser 95. Dr Sam Kuok 96. Dr Mungo Morris 97. Dr Joanna Smallman 98. Dr Charlotte Jones 99. Dr Paul Maries 100 .Dr Sophia Reynolds 101 .Dr Lavan Sivagnanam 102 Dr Rebekah Gabriel 103 Dr Kirsty Brownlie 104 Dr Louise Younie 105 Dr Will Duffin 106 Dr Victoria Medland 107 Dr Sam Kuok 108 Dr Felicity Fay

See a Political Map of the UK election results here as published by the iweekend.

The BBC implies that North Somerset is in Bristol's political makeup, no wonder we are getting their housing development!

Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaks of the People's Government after UK's 12 December 2019 election. Let's hope that climate change will be properly considered, including the effect of the Bristol Airport expansion and that the fracking licences in Bleadon and surrounding communities will now be revoked.

The BBC reports "Somerset earthquake: Homes shaken by 3.2 magnitude tremor

An earthquake has struck in the west of England, causing homes to shake in several villages, the British Geological Survey has said.

 

The 3.2 magnitude quake's epicentre was recorded near the town of Bridgwater in Somerset, the BGS confirmed.

 

Residents reported the "whole house rattled", with another another saying there was a "big rumble and [the] house [was] given a definite shove". The quake hit at 22:49 GMT at a depth of three miles (5km), the BGS said ...

 

Residents in several towns and villages across Somerset including Taunton, Weston-super-Mare, Bridgwater and Cheddar said they had felt the earthquake ...

 

The earthquake is the latest to be felt in the UK following a series of tremors in Surrey and Lancashire."

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For more information see BOB's Environmental page and BOB's Fracking page 

See previous NSC Climate Emergency and Fracking Update Blog.

See previous reports of a Somerset earthquake on 17 February 2019, one confirmed in the Bristol Channel on 20 February 2014 and one in Highbridge on 30 December 2012

The Weston Mercury has reported that North Somerset Council plans for "Better public transport and frack-free zone on cards to reduce carbon emissions"

In November North Somerset Council updated its Climate Emergency Strategy and Strategic Plan and councilors resolved (COU 102):

(1) that the Climate Emergency Strategy and Action Plan be agreed as the basis by which the council will respond to the Climate Emergency motion from February 2019;

(2) that Council agrees that the Strategy and Action Plan are live, and that projects and initiatives identified in the Action Plan will be developed in line with governance procedures and formal decision making as per contract standing orders and the constitution; and

(3) that the Chief Executive be asked to write to Government asking for support in respect of the items in paragraph 3.21 of the report.

Para 3.21 of the Climate Emergency Strategy & Action Plan Report states: "Nonetheless, it is appropriate for the council to communicate directly with government to demonstrate its commitment to tackling the Climate Emergency and set out expectations of government to provide support. This will include:

• Government limiting our ability to demand the highest standards of energy efficiency and use of renewable energy from new buildings

• Changes to planning guidance to encourage the use of onshore windfarms and to discourage the exploration and development of fossil fuels (including fracking)

• Identifying the significant capital and systems funding to undertake a substantial retrofitting of existing buildings to decarbonise

•A substantial investment in public transport, active travel and Mobility As A Service to provide a genuine alternative to travelling by car

• Far greater coherence and coordination across strategy, policy and financial incentives to achieve carbon neutrality across homes, workplaces and transport"

Including, to "Pass a motion declaring North Somerset a Frack Free Zone to discourage the exploration and production of shale gas" (See Strategy and Action Plan in report above)

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For "An aspirational journey to discover what the future could look like if we simply embraced the best that exists today" see the movie 2040.

See previous Government Fracking Licence Moratorium blog

See also concerns over Government openness and transparency - "Government releases heavily redacted ‘secret report’ on fracking A total of 37 out of the 48 pages in the report are fully censored and others contain significant redactions" article by Energy Live News and Greenpeace website article dated 02 Dec 19.

For more information see BOB's Environmental page and BOB's Fracking page 

Bristol Airport Ltd has submitted additional information for its latest expansion application. North Somerset Council has sent a letter to parish councils asking for their comments, with a deadline of 01 December 2019. Members of the public can also submit comments at 18/P/5118/OUT (UPDATE 11 Nov 19 (Min 328.12) BPC resolved not to make an additional comment but to rely on their previous May 19 submission)

The Parish Council Airport Association (PCAA), that represents 20+ local parish councils, has also been asking residents to send comments to North Somerset to protect against increased day and night-time noise, traffic, pollution and health issues. NB the current expansion application indicates "operating within a rolling annualised cap of 4,000 night flights between the hours of 23:30 and 06:00 with no seasonal restrictions" with "flights every 3 minutes", potentially over Bleadon.

(Approx 4 minute video)

Last week Bleadon Parish Council tabled an agenda item to "To approve a comment" for "Bristol Airport - Developments to increase the operational capacity of the airport". BOB is uncertain as to what was discussed and/or agreed as the minutes will probably not be published until after the comment deadline (Nov 19 Min 328.12), or whether BPC has commented beyond their last submission.

According to this week's Weston Mercury:

Bristol Airport (majority owned by Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan, Canada)"... submitted proposals last December to boost passenger numbers to 12 million a year by the mid-2020s" [up from 8 million passengers in 2017! (page 30)] ... When they declared a 'climate emergency', Bath and North East Somerset Council members ... voted to oppose the airport's expansion ... They also said there was a lack of evidence about the economic benefit ... the Parish Council Airport Association ... [also oppose, and fear] decision-makers at North Somerset Council were at risk of being 'hoodwinked' over the economic benefits". Campaign for Rural England (CPRE) Avonside and Avon Wildlife Trust (AWT) also object.

In a related Weston Mercury article:

"Weston Town Council agreed to object to the airport's proposal ... Councillors ... are against plans to expand Bristol Airport due to environmental concerns, traffic and parking issues and pollution ... Councillor Peter McAleer said supporters claim we will be 'shooting ourselves in the foot' if we oppose the expansion, but he added 'it's better than shooting ourselves in the head'"

"The application will be considered by North Somerset Council's planning and regulatory committee meeting in the new year. An exact date has not been set but scheduled are meetings on January 22, February 19 and March 18."

Any NSC decision will need to fit with its Climate Emergency Strategy and Strategic Action Plan, which currently appear to missing any direct air travel or M5 motorway references? (See July 2019 Update, COU57 and Feb 2019 COU101 minutes.) 

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Previous Airport Application information here

Tankering - Bristol Airport (majority owned by Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan, Canada), Submission to North Somerset District Council by the PCAA. 

The Parish Council Airport Association Aims & Objectives.

Also, BOB's Environmental Information page

In May 19 Bleadon Parish Council changed its decision on the Bristol Airport Expansion from no response, to NEUTRAL to OBJECT (May 19 Min 322.17) 

"18/P/5118/OUT. Bristol Airport. Revised expansion plans to support an increase to 12 million passengers per year by the mid-2020s (currently 8 million). The council accepted the view that the Airport provides employment for many people in the area and provides local access to air transport. However, this is outweighed by concerns of climate change and pollution both local to Bleadon and globally. AGREED TO OBJECT." 

UPDATE 14 DEC 19: BPC do not appear to have made any comment on this application in either their 11 Nov 19 (Min 328.14) or 09 Dec 19 (Min 329.7) minutes?

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Another application has been submitted for Land South Of Purn Road, Bleadon

" Erection of agricultural barn for livestock housing, feed store and machinery store with new access track off Purn Lane."

Comments deadline is Wednesday 04 Dec 2019. Here is the link to the application 19/P/2550/FUL on North Somerset Council Planning website. 

If you prefer to post your comments then the postal address is:

North Somerset Council Development Management

Post Point 15

Town Hall

Weston-super-Mare BS23 1UJ

If you do make comments on this BOB blog (below), please also make sure that they are made to, and appear on, the North Somerset website link as above. As otherwise they will be ignored by NSC.

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A previous application on this site was refused in Feb 2019 and another withdrawn in July 2018. If you made previous comments to NSC on these applications you will need to resubmit them as they are not carried forward. The applicant's new submission states:

"The previous application was refused for the three reasons set out in the [North Somerset] Council’s decision notice... The revised application has now addressed each of those reasons" (page 12)

Although this application has been available to Bleadon Parish Council (BPC), in particular its Planning Sub-Committee, since 30 Oct 19 BOB is uncertain as to whether it was discussed at BPC's full council meeting last week, 11 Nov 19, as the minutes will not be published until December, i.e. after the comments to NSC deadline. NB BPC refused the previous application last year (Min 313.6). 

The Planning Inspectorate has dismissed/refused the outline application at Mendip Model Racing Circuit, Summerways Bridge, Accommodation Road, Bleadon, for:

"Outline application, with all matters reserved, for the erection of industrial buildings for B1 and B8 use." (APPD0121/W/19/3230061)

The application was refused/dismissed after considering Land Use (incl: brownfield), Location (incl: Bleadon's infill status, settlement hierarchy, rural location & economy/business need), Landscape Character & Appearance (incl: the countryside), Flooding vulnerability (incl: Bleadon levels) and Ecology (incl: bats). The Inspector stated:

"... neither the support for new economic development in the development plan nor NPPF is at the expense of ensuring that all development is appropriately located and integrates suitably with its environment. That would not be the case here, and there is a lack of justification for the particular location of the proposal ... I am not of the view that the benefits of the scheme, or any other material consideration, are sufficient to outweigh the harm that would result."

Oddly, although this application was outside the Settlement Boundary, contrary to Bleadon's adopted Parish Plan and NSC's Local Plan/Core Strategy, Bleadon Parish Council supported the development at both the application submission and appeal stages:

BPC Application discussion - 14 Jan 19 (Min 318.7)

"Cllrs Hemingway and Baines reported no concerns about the access to the site, the design of the buildings or the use of the site. Provision of starter units would be beneficial to economic activity in the parish. The only concern raised was to ensure that rubbish/material from the site was prevented from entering the watercourse, which is between the road and the back of the proposed buildings. It was AGREED to support the application with the concern noted."

BPC Comment submitted to NSC 14 Jan 2019

"At the meeting on 14th January 2019 Bleadon Parish Council resolved to support this application. The Parish Council welcomes the provision of employment uses on this brownfield site. However, there were environmental concerns raised regarding the hedgerow and rhyne/ditch between the site and the road. Measures should be in place to prevent waste/litter/rubbish getting into the water."

BPC Appeal discussion & submission - Sept 2019 (Min 326.11)

"Application 18/P/4956/OUT had been previously supported by Bleadon Parish Council and members RESOLVED to: support the appeal (APPD0121/W/19/3230061) on the proviso that the Mendip Motor Racing Club adopt a policy with regards to providing suitable facilities to ensure litter and recycling could be disposed of appropriately without leaving a mess. ACTION: The Clerk to submit this comment on behalf of Council"

Here is the link to the original application 18/P/4956/OUT to North Somerset Council Planning in Nov 2018, which was refused by NSC on 17 Apr 2019.

The government has ended its support for fracking in England on the basis of new scientific analysis, published 02 Nov 19, stating that "until compelling new evidence is provided ... we should put a moratorium on fracking in England with immediate effect".

FFEQS state, "Anti-fracking campaigners up and down the country are cautiously celebrating after the government announced a moratorium on Fracking ... We'll be keeping a close eye on events and will continue to campaign until the licences have been revoked ...", including the fracking licence for Bleadon and surrounding communities!

More locally, district councils, such as Somerset West and Taunton, and Sedgemoor, along with Town and Parish councils such as Clevedon, Kingston Seymour and Bleadon have all made 'fracking' declarations. In Feb 19 North Somerset Council also declared a Climate Emergency. 

This year AIDA reported, "Four separate countries make up the UK. Of them, England is the only nation that still allows hydraulic fracturing; Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland (along with a host of other countries worldwide) have banned the controversial process", with the United Nations recommending that the UK, " ... consider introducing a comprehensive and complete ban on fracking", summarised here. 

A related BBC article states, "The government has called a halt to shale gas extraction - or fracking - in England amid fears about earthquakes. The indefinite suspension comes after a report by the Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) said it was not possible to predict the probability or size of tremors caused by the practice." 

Drill or Drop report that, "The safety regulator for the nuclear industry has no information about the risk of earth tremors from fracking near the Hinkley Point power station". It is worth noting that OGA work "... with the industry and government to maximise the economic recovery of UK oil and gas.", and that the government issued 'fracking' licences for Bleadon and surrounding communities in 2016. 

In March this year the High Court ruled that the government's fracking guidelines in its National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) were unlawful. This followed industry and public NPPF feedback, with local authorities, such as North Somerset, opposing "... any proposal for shale exploration to be allowed to bypass the authority’s planning system through permitted development." 

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For more information see BOB fracking page and previous blog Are Earthquakes part of Bleadons Future?

UPDATE 17 OCT 19 Although not discussed in any known documented public meeting in October, Bleadon Parish Council responds to NSC with an objection.

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A new outline application at Land At Bleadon Hill Bleadon Hill 

"Outline application for up to 40 dwellings with access for approval and appearance, layout, landscaping and scale reserved for subsequent approval" - Illustrative Masterplan

Comments deadline is Thursday 07 Nov 2019. Here is the link to the application 19/P/2243/OUT on North Somerset Council Planning website. (Previous information here) 

If you prefer to post your comments then the postal address is:

North Somerset Council Development Management

Post Point 15

Town Hall

Weston-super-Mare

BS23 1UJ

If you do make comments on this BOB blog (below), please also make sure that they are made to, and appear on, the North Somerset website link as above. As otherwise they will be ignored by NSC.

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As can be seen on the map above, although this application is not within Bleadon it is on its boundary and will therefore have an effect on residents both in Bleadon and Weston Town Council areas.

BPC Response to NSC 17 Oct 19

"Bleadon Parish Council Coronation Hall, Coronation Road Bleadon BS24 0PG (Objects) Comment submitted date: Thu 17 Oct 2019 Comments for and on behalf of Bleadon Parish Council.

The proposal effectively joins the Parish of Bleadon to Weston-Super-Mare No Strategic Gap between Weston and Bleadon No proposal to widen road. Proposed access and increased traffic perceived to be dangerous to Horse riders, cyclists, runners and walkers. Adverse impact on Flora/Bats/Birds of prey. Proposal visible from A370 many parts of Bleadon. Proposal larger than any previous single development in Bleadon."

This year has seen the resignation of two councillors and a clerk, and saw North Somerset declare a councillor in breach of Bleadon Council’s Code of Conduct with regards to Openness and Leadership.

This month sees a new agenda and meeting style under the leadership of the new Chair and new, qualified and experienced Clerk.

It will be interesting to see how the Openness, Leadership and Transparency of councillors’ decision making and expenditure progresses over the coming months.

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BACKGROUND

In February this year North Somerset Council stated that a Bleadon Parish Councillor had acted in breach of its Code of Conduct, particularly with regards to Openness and Leadership. Despite this finding Bleadon Parish Council (BPC) is yet to openly acknowledge and/or discuss this outcome in a public meeting, over six months later?

Since this breach was recognised two councillors and a clerk have resigned. This week BPC published its September minutes, there was no discussion and/or explanation as to why the previous Chairman resigned (Sept Mins), no letter of resignation noted, nor any thanks for his service over the last 14 months?

Cllr Williams was elected as the new Chairman. She is also Chair of BPC’s Neighbourhood Development Plan and Play Park Projects, BPC representative on the Youth Club, member of the Parochial Church Council and its representative on the Halls Committee.

Her first proposal and expenditure as Chair of BPC was to allocate £1,200 to widen the entrance to the halls car park “by one dropped kerb” (Min 326.19) or to 'shunt' it to one side, stating 'I raised it because it was my car that was bumping over the edge'. NB Last year this proposal was rejected by councillors at both Full Council (Min 315.18) and the F&P sub-Committee (Min 54.6) stating “… the majority of drivers had no problem accessing the car park and responsibility for sensible driving lay with the driver”, so what has changed this time? Is this really a good use of public money?

BPC also has a new qualified and experienced Clerk (BVN 113) who has already started to improve public access to information with the introduction of an Agenda Pack. This automatically offers information to the public in a more transparent manner and is more in line with government and best practice guidelines (e.g. ICO Model Publication Scheme vs BPC's current version).

It will be interesting to see how the Openness, Leadership and Transparency of councillors’ decision making and expenditure progresses over the next few months.