7 December (Part 2) - Last view of Hill View
Demolition
isn’t the sole preserve of the north of the borough, the old council offices at
Hill View have come down to make way for Bellview housing.
The site redevelopment did not come without controversy. Funds from the sale
were required to part fund the council’s new offices in Watling Street so
absolutely had to be passed as quickly as possible.
To that end Bexley council refused to allow the principal objector to make all
his points at the planning meeting, totally ignored the flooding issues, ignored
its own planning rules placing overlooking windows around seven metres
closer than normal, and all the Conservative councillors who spoke against the
scheme voted in favour - presumably in fear of the wrath of council leader Teresa O’Neill.
Councillor James Hunt attended to support - some said mock - local residents
and councillor Steven Hall, who it is said gave a great deal of behind the
scenes support to residents, probably wisely stayed away. Three months later both became chairmen of scrutiny committees.
The planning meeting was strange to say the least. How come all the objectors
voted in favour? As an example of Bexley councillors being akin to the
proverbial nine bob note it is hard to beat.
Referring blogs :
2nd March 2014
- 4th March 2014.