Note from Chris White

1. Meeting with Hightown Praetorian

I had a meeting with the Chief Executive of Hightown Praetorian and explained to him that a two hour exhibition without any previous attempt to talk to stakeholders or councillors was hardly the way to proceed. He agreed to have a meeting with the Residents’ Association committee and this will be happening at some point next week.

2. The District Council

I have made it clear to officers of the council and its ruling group that the matter has so far been poorly handled. As a result a senior officer of the council will also be talking to the residents’ association.3. Local schools

I have had a meeting with the Headteacher of Aboyne Lodge School and indicated that I would be happy to talk to the governors. I will shortly be having a meeting with Muriel Green. Ideally Hightown would be talking directly to the two schools.

4. Outstanding matters

So far there has not been much improvement in the amount of information available – eg what measures are available should there be problems on site, who the clientele might be and so forth. The track record for this site has not been good although Hightown’s track record at other sites in the area (eg New Kent Road and Upper Lattimore Road) is commendable.

I am disappointed that at the time of writing Hightown seem to be going ahead with submitting the application next week rather than responding to the feedback they have been receiving directly and indirectly from the local community.

Once an application has been submitted I will call it in to committee so that it will be decided by councillors rather than the council’s officials. The councillors on planning committees do not include members of the council’s administration.