Update from Simon Howell & Elaine Ware
The following update from our District Councillors is intended for Parish Councils but contains information likely to be of interest to villagers:
Vale of White Horse District Council
The Vale Communications Team continue to provide regular updates to all Town and Parish Councils.
As mentioned previously most Vale staff are working from home and this is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. Obviously working from home doesn’t provide the same support as in the office and it would be appreciated if there is a need to contact officers please do so by Email rather than telephone.
Climate Emergency Advisory Committee – The Committee met on 7 September. The Committee acknowledged that following the restructure of Cabinet roles Cllr Catherine Webber is now the Cabinet Member responsible for Climate and Environment. The Committee agreed to hold public meetings on a quarterly basis rather than monthly but task and finish groups will continue as required. Agendas and minutes for this Committee are available on the Vales website.
Civil Parking Enforcement – A report is due to be presented to Vale Scrutiny in November.
Corporate Plan – This has been considered by the Vale Scrutiny Committee and will be considered by the Cabinet on 2 October it is also an agenda item for the full Council meeting on 7 October.
Council Meeting 7 October – The agenda includes changes to the existing budget 2020/21, an update on Oxfordshire’s Growth Board, a review of the Council’s constitution and a Motion on the Governments Planning proposals.
Yellow Letter – Please remind your residents if changes have taken place to return the completed form asap.
Planning – The Government consultation – Planning for the Future has caused a great deal of controversy. The Vale will be making a formal response and Town and Parish Councils and residents are encouraged to reply. Part 1 of the consultation – Changes to the current planning system closes on 1 October but Parts 2 and 3 on 29 October. Details of the consultation are available on the Vale’s website and the Governments website – www.Gov.uk
In the last few weeks a number of planning applications have been submitted from within the Ward. Three of these have caused concern. Should these applications be recommended for approval by officers Simon and Elaine have requested that they be called-in for the Vale Planning Committee to consider.
Swindon Borough Council- New Eastern Villages – The Southern Connector Road through the NEV to Commonhead roundabout has been agreed and work is expected to commence in spring 2021. These works together with other works affecting the A420 will obviously have a knock on effect to all villages in the Ward. Simon and I work closely with our County Council colleagues and the impact of the NEV on the Vale cannot be underestimated. It is hoped that a steering group will be set up in the near future with Swindon Borough Council, the County Council and Simon and I as District Councillors to ensure that the A420 is recognised as the local road it is and not another trunk road like the A34.
Although we don’t hold surgeries we are always available to deal with any issues.
Simon Howell – 01793 784491 – simon.howell@whitehorsec.gov.uk
Elaine Ware – 01793 783026 – elaine.ware@whitehorsedc.gov.uk