Councillor, are you doing your best for your community?

Recently we engaged with an EXCELLENT Councillor (I won’t name him to save his blushes) and it was incredibly refreshing. Seldom have I come across a Councillor who is quite so passionate about his local community. And knowledgeable! Gosh, he really did know everything about his ward and the community, and he is taking the lead on solving the issues for the people he represents. So, do indulge me as I tell you a bit more about his work and why he is such a remarkable Councillor. 

The first thing to note is that he is a Conservative (elected in 2023… quite the achievement) in a Labour run Council, so he is an opposition Councillor. Having been in power and in opposition, I can tell you in opposition it is very hard to get anything done. But this chap is not deterred by this little obstacle. The village he represents (complete with train station and big A road) is surrounded by prime grey belt, so there is a lot of developers eyeing up parcels of land. 

We did our research and a few things came up that the S106 could deliver. We used this as an opener for a conversation with him. Within a minute it became clear to me that this was not his first rodeo! He told us that there is a developer in town who is talking to him and the locals and they are accepting of the proposed homes but there is another developer who is simply whacking in plans and not engaging. He made it very clear that the developer who is whacking in plans without talking is going to face an almighty fight with the locals whereas the ones engaging is having an easy ride. 

We set out the parameters of what the S106 could and could not deliver (he knew this already) and we asked him what the village needs. He started with the easy one… The GP surgery wants to expand but can’t because their site is physically too small. No problem, we can do a lovely new surgery on site (after the meeting he set up a chat with the GP and they are no on board). 

Then he explained about the school… It is a bit complicated. The school is oversubscribed and need to expand but is also on a very constricted site. Effectively the only way the school could expand is by building over the car park and part of the play area that would leave the school without enough play space. However, the village “open space” is next door but is open… So, if there could be a new “Village Green” he could then negotiate with the Council and the “open space” could become the new play ground. (I told you he is a genius!). 

The new development will now provide a Village Green (complete with band stand) and the school can expand and the S106 of all the developments will pay for the new school. 

So Councillor, be like this chap! Engage, work with developers and DELIVER for your electorate! 

Until next week. 

Henry