Sun Corner
Attempts by Billericay Town Council to have Sun Corner designated a village green brought back memories of a dim and distant past, of events that occurred in the 70s which resulted in, as I thought, Sun Corner being declared safe from development for all time. A few words with people who were around at the time, and who shared my belief, encouraged me to find out if my memory served me well.
The investigation was, by necessity, superficial and relied on minutes of meetings held by committees of Essex County Council. As far back as 1973 discussions and local consultations took place about the potential use of the land once it had been declared surplus to educational needs. Part of the land was retained and fenced for future development of a junior school. In 1973 the Estates and Architectural Services Committee resolved that sale of the surplus land should not proceed, that ownership be retained as open space and for community purposes, that an offer be made to Basildon District Council for them to indicate an area required for a community complex and that consideration would be given for a long lease at a peppercorn rent. BDC replied that the whole of the land should be leased to them on condition that it be used for open space and community purposes.
Following a proposal submitted by a developer for a mixed development of housing, offices, leisure facilities and car parking the use of the land was considered by the Co-ordinating and Financial Committee in1980 when it was decided that no further action should be taken on the proposal. It would appear that, although the flavour of the time was that the land should be kept as an open space and used by the community, there is no positive statement that would support legal action to prove that the land was designated “open space in perpetuity”. Indeed it could be argued that a decision taken by a committee could be overturned at some time in the future by another committee.
Government Roundup
New voting day revealed
“The government, with the approval of parliament, has taken action to make next year's elections more convenient for English voters and electoral administrators by holding the 2009 local and European polls on the same day.
Next year 18 million voters in 34 English council areas will only need to visit the polling station once instead of twice within a four week period.
Following a debate in the House of Lords, parliament has agreed that next year's local elections should be moved from 7 May 2009 to the date of the European elections, scheduled for 4 June 2009. The House of Commons also formally agreed the move, which was proposed following a consultation in the summer.
Local government minister, John Healey MP, said: "This step makes good sense for voters – it will be more convenient, as people will only need to go to the polling station once – not twice – within the space of a few weeks and should help boost turnout. It will be more efficient for electoral administrators and will mean fewer costs for the taxpayer as a result.”
Copy Dates for "Resident"
If readers wish to advertise an event or have an article printed in the newsletter the following gives dates by which copy should be received by the editor – Trevor Stansfield, 174 Perry Street CM12 0NX or e-mail Tremar@aol.com:
February issue copy by 15 January, March issue by 15 February, April issue by 15 March, May issue copy by 15 April, June issue by 15 May, July/August issue by 15 June, September issue by 15 August, October issue by 15 September, November issue by 15 October. December/January issue by 15 November, February issue by 15 January.
If an event is to be held before the 10th of the month then, to ensure circulation, the advertisement should be included in the previous month’s issue e.g. an event taking place on 3 May should be advertised in the April issue. Similarly if an event is scheduled for 3 September then the advertisement should appear in the July issue.