Paul Crossley

This week we got to the final interviews for the appointment for our Assistant Director for Culture Leisure and Tourism. On Monday we met the shortlist of 5 very good candidates and over the course of the day this was reduced to 4 for the Tuesday interviews. In the end from an exceptional field we have appointed David Lawrence. CLT is very important for our authority and David had a wide ranging grasp of all the areas and also the ability to pinpoint issues and problems. I am looking forward to working with him.

At this month's Development Control meeting we have finally granted planning permission for signs to sponsor roundabouts. For years roundabouts around the country have been sponsored as a way of having better quality planting. Except for Bath and NE Somerset that is. Here over the last 8 years the Conservative and Labour groups have resolutely resisted this form of sponsorship which the Liberal Democrats have been promoting. This week we have finally won through. I proposed that we grant approval for two roundabouts to be sponsored and much to my surprise won both votes.

St John's also finally got approval for their new school which is great news and we also were asked to comment on the new Government Planning White Paper. My comments covered concern at Gov poposals on major projects, loss of democracy and consultation, extension of permitted development rights need to look at the varying requirements of different areas, pressure on gardens under current rules, the need for a much stronger sustainability agenda, Needs Test for supermarkets should be kept and much more training and support for Councillors to develop on Dev Control Committees.