Eastleigh Allotment Holders Judicial Review Appeal denied

I am publishing the Allotment Holders statement directly as released. Please let me have your views!

HIGH COURT CHALLENGE OVER ALLOTMENT SALE
JUDICIAL REVIEW PERMISSION HEARING – Monday 25th June 2007

On 12th July 2006, the Secretary of State granted permission for the disposal of South Street and Monks Way allotments in Eastleigh, Hampshire. It is our firm belief that the Secretary of State’s decision was flawed. It is an anomalous decision that is inconsistent with the requirements and application of allotments legislation and has relied upon conclusions that are factually incorrect.

Whilst the Secretary of State’s decision was of considerable disappointment to plot holders on the affected sites in Eastleigh, its potential impact upon the future of other allotments around the country is more worrying.

Today, the High Court has refused permission for Ruth Kelly’s controversial decision to be subject to a Judicial Review. This is a huge disappointment for the plot holders and supporters who have fought tirelessly for over 4½ years in a campaign not only to save the threatened sites in Eastleigh, but also to prevent the basis of protection for all statutory allotments from being undermined. By not proceeding to Judicial Review, this decision increases the uncertainty surrounding the protection that can be expected for statutory allotments across the Country. Should it result in, or even encourage, the erosion of the Country’s allotment resource, it will have helped to achieve precisely the opposite of the Government’s stated intention in 2002 to provide better protection for allotments and ensure that future demand for allotments can be met.

On behalf of the Eastleigh and Bishopstoke Allotments Association, I would like to thank everyone who has committed so much in support of this campaign and enabled us to bring it this far. Such commitment comes from a deep passion for allotment gardening and a determination to adhere to the principles of democracy.


Tim Holzer
Association Chairman

Local Conservatives

do not attempt to deceive the electorate, do not lie and do not indulge in personal attacks.

Conservatives believe in:
honest debate
the role of the family in promoting discipline and a stable society.
safe, clean, streets properly policed at all times
discipline and respect for our teachers in our schools
only more housing development where the infrastructure (water, sewers parking and roads) can cope, and where the plans are supported by local people
an independent Great Britain, the primacy of our own Parliament
strict control of immigration.

Local Conservatives will:
continue to work for the preservation of our greens and open spaces.
oppose plans to build 6000 dwellings on the ‘green belt’
seek to introduce a waste collection policy that collects rubbish, green and food waste weekly and recyclable paper and glass, fortnightly. All for free! No new charges!

News of Eastleigh Conservatives

Membership of the Conservative Party in Eastleigh Borough has increased by hundreds over the last couple of years. We are currently in the early stages of selecting our Parliamentary Candidate to lead us forward.
A new Conservative branch began in Eastleigh town last Autumn and we meet monthly to discuss local issues.
We’ve already enjoyed a party and a dinner together since the May 3rd election.

Issues facing Eastleigh

Are you concerned about these issues facing Eastleigh?

A. Litter
B. Refuse problems e.g. flies, rats and smells

Are you prepared to help do something about the problems?

Gerald Sewell is launching a clean-up campaign. Please contact him, telling of your experiences and what you think should be done about it.
Phone Gerald Sewell 023 8061 6324
Or write to him at 6 Starling Square, Eastleigh

A message to UKIP voters

We ask you to seriously consider the result of voting UKIP in the Eastleigh area.
By voting UKIP at the last General Election, you have allowed Chris Huhne, a pro- European Lib Dem to gain a slim majority and get into Parliament.
By voting for UKIP in local elections you may be keeping out anti - European Conservatives and helping pro-European Lib Dems to be elected.
Is this really what you want? Please vote Conservative next time.

Conservatives want trade with Europe, not control from corrupt Brussels Bureaucrats.

Council Offices in Winchester: the truth

Do you re-call the Lib Dems made a great fuss about the cost of the refurbishment of the Council offices in Winchester? On checking it was found this was the most economical solution to a building in a bad state of decay.

Guess what
The Lib Dems attended committee meetings on this, and at County Council gave support for the work to be carried out! How can they then go to the electorate and repeatedly slate the Conservatives for something that they had supported?

Velmore Plans withdrawn!

I've been on holiday for the past week, walking in the Austrian Tyrol and just returned today. My wife Kate and I are celebrating 25 years of wonderfully happy marriage! Our actual Silver anniversary is in the summer but we expect to be leading a comp of English and Austrian young people at the time, which won't enable us to have a romantic time together!

I am delighted to hear the news from Godfrey Olson and others. The full text of the original email reads.

Dear Member
I have this morning received a letter from the First
Wessex Housing Group withdrawing all 7 of their planning applications for the redevelopment of Velmore estate. This is to enable them "to embark opon new consultation and full engagement with the local community." They say that "once we have concluded this process incorporating their needs, we will be resubmitting a revised scheme for the estate".

Colin Peters.
Head of Development Control

Let us hope that next time those of us who care about the community can have a full imput into the planning process.