Blog Posts

  • The Bell Hotel in Clare

    Home Today The Bell opened its doors once again. It was my pleasure to go along to support Richard and Nicky in their new adventure. The place looks great and was full of customers. Supporting local business is very important. It helps to keep our communities vibrant and wonderful places to live. Richard and Nicky Read more

  • Kedington shop – another planning matter

    Yesterday I met with the owners of the village shop in Kedington. Also present were their advisors. They are a lovely, hardworking couple providing a fantastic facility for the village. Many villages have lost their shops and are the worse for it. They are seeking to build a new shop near the British Legion. The Read more

  • 400 more houses for Clare!!! I met with the developer.

    Clare seems to be attracting a lot of attention from developers. Next up, Stoke Road in Clare for 160 homes with the possibility of it being 400 homes! There is a piece of land off Stoke Road in Clare that Bloor Homes have options over so would like including in the local plan so they Read more

  • Planning application for 53 houses on Cavendish Road, Clare – I met with developers!

    Planning application DC/17/1252/FUL https://planning.westsuffolk.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=ORLK6APDHFY00 When I was elected in May I became aware of a large development planned for Clare on the Cavendish Road. I also understood that the planning application was going to be decided by planning officers, rather than elected councillors at a meeting held in public. 53 additional houses for a small Read more

  • What factors decide a planning application?

    Material planning considerations It must be noted that when considering planning applications (and related matters) only relevant planning considerations can be taken into account. Councillors and their officers must adhere to this important principle which is set out in legislation and Central Government guidance. Material planning considerations include: Statutory provisions contained in planning acts and Read more

  • Local plan update

    I wanted to provide you with an update of what West Suffolk Council has been doing so far in respect of the Local Plan. Importantly, the council has not yet began looking at any of the detail of where new housing growth should go or how many houses individual towns or villages should have. As Read more