After a long summer of waiting I am absolutely delighted to let you know that the Haddon Appeal to the Planning Inspector, and ultimately the Secretary of State has been dismissed and we have WON our case against Haddon.
This is a monumental decision for us and vindicates the hard work that has gone in from so many people over the last 4 and a half years…yes it really has been that long!!!
The Community Group Committee has been immense throughout this process and has stood firm and united against Haddon and the threat they have posed to our Community. Andy Bailey, Ian Dews, Paul Burt, Jenny Moran and Tom Applegarth have been here since the beginning, along with Andy Lamb who helped form the Group and latterly David Deacon who joined the Committee. Every one of them has committed hours and hours of selfless effort, and whilst we haven’t always agreed and there have been numerous debates we kept together and our efforts have been rewarded.
There are so many other people to mention across the time, Evie, Amanda, Dean, Mark, Hannah, Niall, Natalie, Jeff, Adrian and everyone who submitted objections, posted leaflets, attended fund raisers and supported us. It would not have been possible without you all, and everyone else reading this note.
Our Parish Council, especially John Cornell, have supported the Committee in every step as has our Ward Councillor Janet Clowes, as well as members of the Planning Team at Cheshire East.
So what next?
Haddon does have the right to appeal, within the next 6 weeks, on a point of law only, and that would be very expensive for them and would only get them back to square one of having to repeat the planning process.
For the Committee and members we have to organise an AGM, decide what to do about ourselves constitutionally and think about the funds we have in our account.
First though lets congratulate ourselves, thank ourselves and plan a celebration party….we ALL deserve it.
Planning Inspectorate Decision
Some remarks from committee members:
Trevor Sandry said:
“I am absolutely thrilled that all the hard work, by so many people has finally paid off and that we have won this massive battle against Haddon and their plan’s to destroy our Community and everything we bought into. Many residents and fellow members deserve special thanks, as well as the long serving committee and their long suffering partners…. We need to properly mark this event with a celebratory party, Claret Jug are you listening, where we can properly thank everyone and to congratulate ourselves. Haddon does have a right to appeal, although only on a point of law, and have 6 weeks to do so, however this is a hammer blow to them.”
Andy Bailey added:
“I cannot express enough how pleased I am that the application to refuse Haddon Property Developments Ltd application to build up to 900 houses on a golf course he purchased and then manufactured its closure. The Inspector and the Secretary of State have listened to sound arguments from Cheshire East Council, the Parish Council, Wychwood Village Community Group and of course the massive swell of objection from local residents. This is obviously a fantastic win for common sense and where the planning system has not failed to protect the very people it is designed for. But feel a lot of this would have been lost without the unwavering support from the Borough Council (Janet Clowes), Parish Council (in particular John Cornnel), Officers of the Borough Council. But most of all the unwavering pressure and support to defeating this application from the Wychwood Village Committee (Trevor Sandry, Ian Dews, Jenny Moran, Paul Burt, David Deacon and past members such as Andy Lamb) But all this hard work would not have been possible without the unwavering support of the residents from the Village. Park and surrounding areas – you have ALL been amazing and might have a drink now!!”
Paul Burt mentioned:
“This is fantastic news and I’m elated all our hard work came to something and was done by proper team work from all concerned including residents, the council and of course my committee friends – well done again a great result.”
Jenny Moran commented:
“I am chuffed that all the hard work over the last 5 years by a great team of people, including those in addition to our core committee (with a special mention of Evie) has resulted in the protection of our beautiful environment and safeguarded a unique and valuable habitat for many years to come. This has been an amazing journey with so many ups and downs, but in the end all that hard work paid off. So happy right now!”
Ian Dews said:”
“Through hard work and unwavering dedication, we as a collective community of residents, locals and ex-gorsty golf club members have beaten this speculative attempt to destroy the amazing environment in which we live. It goes to show that with strength and support in numbers, the right decisions can be made, and this WAS the right decision for Wychwood and the wider area. Thank you so much everyone that objected, helped out, raised money, contributed funds, and those that simply followed our lead, it has paid off. Time to breathe a sigh of relief, but remain mindful of what happens next.”
Andy Lamb added:
“That’s great news, well done to all of you! I look forward to popping over to help you celebrate, what a great achievement!”
As soon as I hear any further information I will let you know via email and through our social media outlets.
Trevor Sandry – Chairman
Wychwood Community Group 