Tory leaders past and present clash over RAF Daws Hill

2:04pm Monday 17th September 2012 in News By James Nadal

Cllr Alex Collingwood Cllr Alex Collingwood

WYCOMBE'S former and current council leaders have clashed in public during a fiery debate over the future of RAF Daws Hill.

Ex-leader Cllr Lesley Clarke unleashed a scathing attack over the decision to effectively exclude residents from influencing two key proposals.

These are for a major housing development at the RAF site and Wycombe Sports Centre at Handy Cross.

Residents are bidding to create a neighbourhood forum under the Government's new Localism Act to give them sway on what happens at the locations.

But the two sites have been omitted from the forum area by the council on legal advice.

During a blistering broadside Cllr Clarke told her successor, leader Cllr Alex Collingwood he was "totally wrong".

The Tories were locked in a tempestuous tussle, eventually agreeing to create a 'checking process' for the Daws Hill development, which residents would be able to feed their views into.

There is conflicting information over the legal position, leaving the authority with an impasse. Daws Hill Residents Association has threatened legal action.

Cllr Clarke, who stepped down as leader in May 2011, lambasted the way the process has been handled so far, saying: "I think there have been a lot of things that have gone wrong."

She claimed residents had not been properly consulted and blasted: " For you to take out the RAF site is absolutely unacceptable. It defies the reason we have put it forward. You have alienated the people I represent."

Cllr Collingwood launched a robust defence of the council's actions, telling her at last week's meeting: "With respect, I have been to many forums and so have officers, we have engaged, there have been numerous workshops.

"We knew it was a key site and I wanted to get make sure we got good quality designs.

"We've worked our socks off, we keep checking with officers and are asking questions every day. To say we haven't engaged in the community is not the case, it's an open decision with the community."

But a passionate and clearly unhappy Cllr Clarke, responded: "You are wrong, you are totally wrong." She suggested he needed to re-read documents.

The pair disagreed over whether a district referendum would be required, regarding the sports centre's inclusion in the forum.

Cllr Collingwood reiterated that the council had got it right and insisted: "They (the officers) have made it very clear we have taken the right (legal) advice."

Councillor Hugh McCarthy, responsible for planning, said: "This is really difficult, there is no legal precedent we really couldn't be any worse position."

But he said with a 'heavy heart' his view would be to opt to exclude the two sites from the forum.

Comments (11)

2:22pm Mon 17 Sep 12

Darren Hayday says...

Sour grapes from Lesley - when oh when is she going to retire far, far away from Wycombe?... I hear that house prices are very cheap in the ‘West Country..’
Sour grapes from Lesley - when oh when is she going to retire far, far away from Wycombe?... I hear that house prices are very cheap in the ‘West Country..’ Darren Hayday

4:14pm Mon 17 Sep 12

townraider says...

Personally both of them have agendas....
Lesley C is to protect her ward from over developments
Alex C is to sell off everything Wycombe owns to pay for his latest pet project at Handy Cross
Personally both of them have agendas.... Lesley C is to protect her ward from over developments Alex C is to sell off everything Wycombe owns to pay for his latest pet project at Handy Cross townraider

4:21pm Mon 17 Sep 12

miccles says...

They are both as bad as each other, i wouldn't trust either of them one little bit.

TBH the worst thing that happened to WDC is Alex Collingsword as leader, all this bloke is interested in is scoring points for himself by knocking things down and rebuilding them scattering the town with his brainless ideas, and saying "look what i have achieved",
They are both as bad as each other, i wouldn't trust either of them one little bit. TBH the worst thing that happened to WDC is Alex Collingsword as leader, all this bloke is interested in is scoring points for himself by knocking things down and rebuilding them scattering the town with his brainless ideas, and saying "look what i have achieved", miccles

4:31pm Mon 17 Sep 12

washondo says...

Pantomime. Everyone knows that it's the Brocklehursts who dictate policy in WDC.
Pantomime. Everyone knows that it's the Brocklehursts who dictate policy in WDC. washondo

9:51pm Mon 17 Sep 12

BOOKERite says...

washondo wrote:
Pantomime. Everyone knows that it's the Brocklehursts who dictate policy in WDC.
Very true
[quote][p][bold]washondo[/bold] wrote: Pantomime. Everyone knows that it's the Brocklehursts who dictate policy in WDC.[/p][/quote]Very true BOOKERite

10:49pm Mon 17 Sep 12

Voyeur says...

To be fair, Alex Collingwood did reflect community attitudes when he vetoed the new stadium in Booker. Thank God Lesley Clarke wasn't still in charge.
To be fair, Alex Collingwood did reflect community attitudes when he vetoed the new stadium in Booker. Thank God Lesley Clarke wasn't still in charge. Voyeur

6:54am Tue 18 Sep 12

williamjames says...

500 plus houses to be built on the site and a significant amount of business space. No plans to increase services, transport infrastructure, school places, jobs. Downgrading Wycombe, hospital services! Just think of the impact on the traffic etc.

Is the refusal of WDC to include the former RAF Daws Hill site in the Daws Hill Neighbourhood Forum's area a reaction to threats from the developer or do they see a loss in revenue from the 'Developer Contribution' due from the site. I suppose the Mr Collingwood can see no benefit in letting the local population have a vioce because it would interfere with his grandiose polans for the sports centre.
Well done the Abbey District and County Councillors for listening to and supporting those who they represent.
500 plus houses to be built on the site and a significant amount of business space. No plans to increase services, transport infrastructure, school places, jobs. Downgrading Wycombe, hospital services! Just think of the impact on the traffic etc. Is the refusal of WDC to include the former RAF Daws Hill site in the Daws Hill Neighbourhood Forum's area a reaction to threats from the developer or do they see a loss in revenue from the 'Developer Contribution' due from the site. I suppose the Mr Collingwood can see no benefit in letting the local population have a vioce because it would interfere with his grandiose polans for the sports centre. Well done the Abbey District and County Councillors for listening to and supporting those who they represent. williamjames

6:56am Tue 18 Sep 12

williamjames says...

Darren Hayday wrote:
Sour grapes from Lesley - when oh when is she going to retire far, far away from Wycombe?... I hear that house prices are very cheap in the ‘West Country..’
Who took his eye off the ball at the last district election and let the Waste Tranfer Site through without alerting those he represented? Was he blinded by his dislike of the then leader?
[quote][p][bold]Darren Hayday[/bold] wrote: Sour grapes from Lesley - when oh when is she going to retire far, far away from Wycombe?... I hear that house prices are very cheap in the ‘West Country..’[/p][/quote]Who took his eye off the ball at the last district election and let the Waste Tranfer Site through without alerting those he represented? Was he blinded by his dislike of the then leader? williamjames

8:47am Tue 18 Sep 12

Darren Hayday says...

williamjames wrote:
Darren Hayday wrote:
Sour grapes from Lesley - when oh when is she going to retire far, far away from Wycombe?... I hear that house prices are very cheap in the ‘West Country..’
Who took his eye off the ball at the last district election and let the Waste Tranfer Site through without alerting those he represented? Was he blinded by his dislike of the then leader?
I stood down at the last district election; I've not been an elected Cllr since then. I’ve been concentrating on keeping my business afloat.

Even though I'm not a Cllr, I went to the last meeting at High Heavens (details on my blog on the BFP) and I'm working with residents to see what we can do to fight it.

I'm disappointed in the current standing Bucks County Councillor Alan Hill to be honest - he should have done more to stop it, but as I hear he's retiring it comes as no surprise at his lack of caring.

However Cllr Bob Woollard does care and has been working very hard to bring the WTS to everyone’s attention.
Also I’ve decided to stand as an Independent Candidate for Booker, Cressex & Castlefield so that I can fight this and other projects that would encroach into the area.
[quote][p][bold]williamjames[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Darren Hayday[/bold] wrote: Sour grapes from Lesley - when oh when is she going to retire far, far away from Wycombe?... I hear that house prices are very cheap in the ‘West Country..’[/p][/quote]Who took his eye off the ball at the last district election and let the Waste Tranfer Site through without alerting those he represented? Was he blinded by his dislike of the then leader?[/p][/quote]I stood down at the last district election; I've not been an elected Cllr since then. I’ve been concentrating on keeping my business afloat. Even though I'm not a Cllr, I went to the last meeting at High Heavens (details on my blog on the BFP) and I'm working with residents to see what we can do to fight it. I'm disappointed in the current standing Bucks County Councillor Alan Hill to be honest - he should have done more to stop it, but as I hear he's retiring it comes as no surprise at his lack of caring. However Cllr Bob Woollard does care and has been working very hard to bring the WTS to everyone’s attention. Also I’ve decided to stand as an Independent Candidate for Booker, Cressex & Castlefield so that I can fight this and other projects that would encroach into the area. Darren Hayday

11:12am Tue 18 Sep 12

BOOKERite says...

Darren Hayday wrote:
williamjames wrote:
Darren Hayday wrote:
Sour grapes from Lesley - when oh when is she going to retire far, far away from Wycombe?... I hear that house prices are very cheap in the ‘West Country..’
Who took his eye off the ball at the last district election and let the Waste Tranfer Site through without alerting those he represented? Was he blinded by his dislike of the then leader?
I stood down at the last district election; I've not been an elected Cllr since then. I’ve been concentrating on keeping my business afloat.

Even though I'm not a Cllr, I went to the last meeting at High Heavens (details on my blog on the BFP) and I'm working with residents to see what we can do to fight it.

I'm disappointed in the current standing Bucks County Councillor Alan Hill to be honest - he should have done more to stop it, but as I hear he's retiring it comes as no surprise at his lack of caring.

However Cllr Bob Woollard does care and has been working very hard to bring the WTS to everyone’s attention.
Also I’ve decided to stand as an Independent Candidate for Booker, Cressex & Castlefield so that I can fight this and other projects that would encroach into the area.
Where does Mr. Collingwood stand on the WTS issue Darren? I was told that he was prepared to fight on behalf of the good people of Booker, but this obviously is not the case?
[quote][p][bold]Darren Hayday[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]williamjames[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Darren Hayday[/bold] wrote: Sour grapes from Lesley - when oh when is she going to retire far, far away from Wycombe?... I hear that house prices are very cheap in the ‘West Country..’[/p][/quote]Who took his eye off the ball at the last district election and let the Waste Tranfer Site through without alerting those he represented? Was he blinded by his dislike of the then leader?[/p][/quote]I stood down at the last district election; I've not been an elected Cllr since then. I’ve been concentrating on keeping my business afloat. Even though I'm not a Cllr, I went to the last meeting at High Heavens (details on my blog on the BFP) and I'm working with residents to see what we can do to fight it. I'm disappointed in the current standing Bucks County Councillor Alan Hill to be honest - he should have done more to stop it, but as I hear he's retiring it comes as no surprise at his lack of caring. However Cllr Bob Woollard does care and has been working very hard to bring the WTS to everyone’s attention. Also I’ve decided to stand as an Independent Candidate for Booker, Cressex & Castlefield so that I can fight this and other projects that would encroach into the area.[/p][/quote]Where does Mr. Collingwood stand on the WTS issue Darren? I was told that he was prepared to fight on behalf of the good people of Booker, but this obviously is not the case? BOOKERite

2:48pm Tue 18 Sep 12

Darren Hayday says...

BOOKERite wrote:
Darren Hayday wrote:
williamjames wrote:
Darren Hayday wrote:
Sour grapes from Lesley - when oh when is she going to retire far, far away from Wycombe?... I hear that house prices are very cheap in the ‘West Country..’
Who took his eye off the ball at the last district election and let the Waste Tranfer Site through without alerting those he represented? Was he blinded by his dislike of the then leader?
I stood down at the last district election; I've not been an elected Cllr since then. I’ve been concentrating on keeping my business afloat.

Even though I'm not a Cllr, I went to the last meeting at High Heavens (details on my blog on the BFP) and I'm working with residents to see what we can do to fight it.

I'm disappointed in the current standing Bucks County Councillor Alan Hill to be honest - he should have done more to stop it, but as I hear he's retiring it comes as no surprise at his lack of caring.

However Cllr Bob Woollard does care and has been working very hard to bring the WTS to everyone’s attention.
Also I’ve decided to stand as an Independent Candidate for Booker, Cressex & Castlefield so that I can fight this and other projects that would encroach into the area.
Where does Mr. Collingwood stand on the WTS issue Darren? I was told that he was prepared to fight on behalf of the good people of Booker, but this obviously is not the case?
The honest answer is = I don’t know. But the longer answer is that it’s all in control from BCC rather than WDC. The only aspect from WDC was the planning application (which was granted). This is going to be a hard fight as BCC only seem to have one more box left unticked before they push for completion of this project...
[quote][p][bold]BOOKERite[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Darren Hayday[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]williamjames[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Darren Hayday[/bold] wrote: Sour grapes from Lesley - when oh when is she going to retire far, far away from Wycombe?... I hear that house prices are very cheap in the ‘West Country..’[/p][/quote]Who took his eye off the ball at the last district election and let the Waste Tranfer Site through without alerting those he represented? Was he blinded by his dislike of the then leader?[/p][/quote]I stood down at the last district election; I've not been an elected Cllr since then. I’ve been concentrating on keeping my business afloat. Even though I'm not a Cllr, I went to the last meeting at High Heavens (details on my blog on the BFP) and I'm working with residents to see what we can do to fight it. I'm disappointed in the current standing Bucks County Councillor Alan Hill to be honest - he should have done more to stop it, but as I hear he's retiring it comes as no surprise at his lack of caring. However Cllr Bob Woollard does care and has been working very hard to bring the WTS to everyone’s attention. Also I’ve decided to stand as an Independent Candidate for Booker, Cressex & Castlefield so that I can fight this and other projects that would encroach into the area.[/p][/quote]Where does Mr. Collingwood stand on the WTS issue Darren? I was told that he was prepared to fight on behalf of the good people of Booker, but this obviously is not the case?[/p][/quote]The honest answer is = I don’t know. But the longer answer is that it’s all in control from BCC rather than WDC. The only aspect from WDC was the planning application (which was granted). This is going to be a hard fight as BCC only seem to have one more box left unticked before they push for completion of this project... Darren Hayday

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