“It’s High Noon for Tesco!” Local campaigner Andrew Maric says! July 3, 2009
High Noon for Tesco!
The Tesco application for Newport Pagnell will be heard at the end of July 2009! After much controversy over the application’s Pros and Cons the Development Control Committee for Milton Keynes Council will hear MKC Planning officer’s report and what their recommendation for the application is. The Committee will then discuss this and democratically vote on it. If any Councillor has been involved directly with anything relating to this application they will be dis-barred from taking part.
After the very strong response from supporters and also those in opposition to this application in Newport Pagnell, I expect there to be a large turn out at this public meeting which starts at 19:00 on the dot, from both sides. As said the meeting is public so anyone can attend however the contents of discussions between Councillors on the committee are in some ways formal and very little participation is to come from the local public unless the Chairman asks for it. It is vital you turn up and attend this application hearing which is dedicated specifically to the Tesco application for Newport Pagnell.
Residents in opposition have not been alone in trying to ’save our high street’, the Liberal Democrats and the local MP’s office staff have supported the voluntary group of residents, it shows that regardless of colour, creed, background or voting habits, residents and 2 political parties have got involved in the opposition to Tesco building in Newport Pagnell having input in the TESNO’s group meetings and events, albeit one political party (Lib Dems) more than the other!
Once the committee have discussed the factual aspects of this application it will then go to the vote to be decided. Depending on the outcome Tesco have the right to appeal the decision if they are refused however the decision is not made locally and goes back to Tesco’s board committee to decide if they should appeal or not which can take quite a while. If they appeal it will be to the Independant Planning inspector, so it can be quite a lengthy process.
To conclude the Development Control Committee is being held at Lovat Hall in Newport Pagnell due to the Council Chamber undergoing some much needed refurbishment. The date of this is Thursday 30th July 2009 and the committee starts at 7pm sharp and request all members of the public to try their best in arriving no later than 6:45/6:50pm.
See you at the Development Control Committee on the 30th!