Newmarket Journal - 1 June 2006
The news thatCllr Lynch has been rejected as mayor for Newmarket comes as no surprise as she seems to totally disregard the views
of the people she is supposed to represent.
I am glad for Newmarket that Cllr Hirst is being re-elected as mayor for another year as he appears to truly have the interests
of Newmarket people at heart.
In the Herringswell/Kentford area we have the problem of the proposed Watermark development of 6,000 homes.
Throughout the campaign against this development there has been no support offered from Cllr Lynch despite her property
backing onto the greenfield site where this development would be sited.
Councillors need to listen and respect not only local people's views and opinions but also their colleagues, and not
presume they have the automatic right to be re-elected or elevated to higher positions.
Victor Hicks, Herringswell
Newmarket Journal - 2 March 2006
Secrecy is a cause for concern
There was a meeting at Red Lodge last Wednesday, organised by the Five Villages Preservation Trust, to
update the locals on the potential house plague which threatens the area.
The Chairman of the Trust, Andrew Holman, said that the proposers of the 10,000 house new town - local
landowner Hugo Upton and his consultants - had been invited to the meeting but had declined the invitation.
The overwhelming impression left on me after the meeting was that the locals felt let down by the system
and that what has been started should be finished before anything else is even considered.
The so-called Red Lodge Master Plan, which is responsible for the 1250 houses currently being built on greenfield
land, which Mr Upton sold, has thus far failed to deliver the promised schools and regeneration of the existing
village. In fact, Kings Warren is doing its best to distance itself from Red Lodge (note its advertising
campaign).
As one member of the audience pointed out, much of the blame for these delays has been laid on the remarkably
fortuitous timing of the arrival of the five banded digger wasp in Red Lodge. It scuppered many good ideas
and plans for the acres and acres of waste land which is Red Lodge.
Councillor Lisa Chambers answered some questions but when things looked a little awkward, she declined to
answer on the grounds that she would not break the Council's code of conduct - which is the gagging order
from Prescott's office.
She used more or less the same excuses to me last year before the local election when I asked her her views on
Watermark.
I told her that I could not vote for her as my representative unless I knew her opinion. I put her under
a little pressure and, to my surprise, I received a phone call from a certain local landowner suggesting
that I left her alone.
I am uneasy about the secrecy within our district council and some of our parish councilsl. and, judging by the public
reaction I have seen at a number of open meetings, I am not alone.
Selina Boyce, Kennett
Article in Newmarket Weekly News - 2 March 2006
Opposition 'growing to town schemes'
Rural campaigners say opposition to a planned leisure development is growing.
Almost 200 villagers attended the Five Villages Preservation Trust annual meeting at the Red Lodge
Millennium Centre.
They heard about the latest developments in plans for two major new town schemes - one of 10,000 homes
near Red Lodge and the Watermark scheme of around 5,000 homes in the same area.
Andrew Holman, trust chairman, said:'It shows the strength of feeling in the district and highlights the level
of disquiet at how the new schemes got on the agenda in the first place.'
The Watermark proposals centre on housing developments based around a mjaor regional sporting facility. The
plans are backed by five-times Olympic gold medallist Sir Steve Redgrave and include a rowing lake.
Mr Holman said:'We want the idea of a 'regional leisure facility' taken off the agenda and local facilities
provided so the need for extra housing is removed.'
Newmarket Weekly Neews - 2 March 2006
Listen to the people on leisure provisions
Sir, I was interested to read in the local press, Cllr Millar's comments regarding the placing of a
regional sporting facility in Forest Heath.
My communication with Forest Heath District Council (FHDC) regarding its aspsiration for a regional
leisure facility has been lengthy, but many issues for me remain unanswered:
Liz Marchington, Herringswell
Newmarket Journal - 9 February 2006
Only the councillors know...........
Your readers may recall that last year several villages held parish polls following the announcement of a
potential planning proposal in the district for 5,000 houses, a 6,000-seat arena and a regional leisure
facility to be known as Watermark. These polls clearly indicated to the council that this was not wanted or
required.
Last summer, the council began consultation on the Local Development Framework (this is the new planning
development that will create the district as we wish to see it until the year 2020) where, despite public opinion, Watermark appeared as an
option.
The results of this consultation clearly indicated people desire local facilities that everybody can enjoy, allowing for
development within the region as required by local needs. A regional leisure facility and 5,000 houses (or even
10,000 houses, as now suggested by Hugo Upton on his land at Red Lodge) a 6,000 seat arena and 1.2 million visitors
in cars and coaches streaming into the district, is not going to answer the needs of the people they are
consulting with.
Why, following all this consultation with the residents, did the council attend the examination in public for the
Regional spatial Strategy (the planning document for the East of England region) in December, playing out their
aspiration for a regional leisure facility and all the housing associated with such an option?
Why are they pursuing their own agendas and"aspirations"?
So are the consultation and polls of the local people to be ignored for a grander scheme, only the councillors
know that!
Liz Marchington, Herringswell
Newmarket Journal - 8 December 2005
We should ask more questions of councillors
Town is Branded Dirty and Dying - this was the damning report following a survey carried out of shoppers in
Mildenhall.
Here we have a council that has been more interested in spending £400,000 plus on an unwanted bus station, which
will only be open between the hours of 10.00 am and 4.00 pm, has made a complete mess of Newmarket traffic and
parking, with charges being introduced in January (contrary to people's wishes) and it appears to now be
obsessed with creating a new settlement somewhere between Mildenhall and Newmarket, be it either the
controversial Watermark (on which it has spent some '£200,000 on consultancy fees), or the proposed 10,000 homes
for Red Lodge.
This council needs to get its priorities right.
Firstly, listen to the people who voted for them. The results of the questionnaires which were sent out to ask how
we wish to see the region develop up to 2021 clearly showed the majority not wanting a new settlement, but to see
development,leisure and retail facilities concentrated onn the three market towns in the Forest Heath District.
The people of Lakenheath would love to have some sports and leisure facilities, such as a swimming pool but, I have
heard, the council is unwilling to give them.
The regeneration of Red Lodge has not yet happened. After more than 15 years of discussion it has allowed the
commencement of building at Kings Warren, on greenfields, which appears to be creating a separate community to
Red Lodge. Should not priority have been given to the regeneration of Turnpike Road (the former A11) that is in
desperate need?
Also the council seems intent on creating an iconic or regional (not local) facility of some sort in Forest Heath
to put the area on the map, when we already have a great asset - Newmarket, the centre of the horseracing industry,
which should be heavily promoted. All the people want is a good local hospital, easy free parking and good safe
shopping in their towns.
The possibility of building a large supermarket in Mildenhall could also cause problems as this would take a large
amount of business from other retailers and the supermarkets already there, leaving more empty shops.
But, perhaps this is the way to go, turning the small shops back into housing and have one large store and encouraging
cafes, restaurants, bars etc around the town.
We should all ask a lot more questions of our councillors, particularly when the next local elections are due.
Victor Hicks, Herringswell
Newmarket Journal - 8 December 2005
Dissillusionment sinks in on council's 'agenda'
Your correspondents on December 1, Messrs Gaskin and Pryke, are clearly disillusioned by Forest Heath Council following
its own agenda and ignoring the wishes of the electorate regarding the car parking in Newmarket.
And the last paragraph asks that 'when the next round of local elections take place, please, please do not forget the councillors
who asked for your vote but then completely ignored your opinions on such a crucial issue'.
As John Bone points out on the same page, there is a field of three putting themselves forward as representatives
for Red Lodge on 15 December.
The Conservaties have a huge majority on the council, and although I would normally consider myself to be a Conservative
voter, like Messrs Gaskin and Pryke, I too am worried that FHDC is following its own agenda, not only regarding car parking, but also where
property development is concerned.
Forest Heath appears to be favouring a regional leisure facility (see its EiP submission www.eera.gov.uk) as opposed to
the electorate's wishes for improvements to their local facilities (see results of recent questionnaire www.forest-heath.gov.uk).
Who would fund such a thing? The tax payer or the property developers?
Surely it would be the property developers. In which case will it be Olsen's Watermark and its 5,000 houses or Upton's
Red Lodge and its 10,000 houses?
Selina Boyce, Kennett
Newmarket Journal - 24 November 2005
I have a slightly different viewpoint to Hugo Upton. I too, am a member of the Five Villages Preservation Trust.
There has never been any doubt that Mr Upton has had a continuing interest in Red Lodge. What is being built now
is on land which he sold. (And please note, this is greenfield land lost to urbanisation forever).
Let us not forget that he stands to make an enormous amount of money if he were to sell the land for this new
preposterous proposal.
That, surely, is what has primarily motivated him to join the East of England Consortium in this bid. It is not an
antidote, as he claims, to Watermark - it is twice the size and would dwarf any one of the three market towns within
Forest Heath.
It is right that Red Lodge should be regenerated. The Master Plan of 1998, which increases its size by 1,500 houses,
is a good plan.
This already considerably increases the size of the existing village. Ten thousand houses plus all the other facilities which
are proposed would, in effect, be a new town. It is a myth to think that the existing infrastructure could cope.
And finally, as your article says, the result of Forest Heath's recent surey is a resounding NO to Watermark - and I can't
believe a 10,000-house Red Lodge would be any more acceptable - and a resounding NO to a regional leisure facility.
It's the local market towns and villages which need sympathetic regeneration. And more than anything, our hospitals need to
be saved.
Selina Boyce, Kennett
Bury Free Press - 7 October 2005
Blunder led to second consultation
A 'VERBOSE and repetitive' consultation document on Forest Heath District Council's new 15-year planning blueprint
will have to be repeated after a council blunder.
Officers failed to place a newspaper advert about the consultation,setting out how the council would involve the
public in the planning debate.
Around 430 copies were sent out for the people's views, a report to Forest Heath's local development framework
working group says.
Of those who did reply, comments included 'this is bureacracy run wild' and 'the document is verbose and repetitive
and we would have preferred a concise document written in plain English'.
Numerous comments were also made about reference to the proposed Watermark development between Red Lodge, Herringswell and
Kentford and that it should be deleted from the document.
Now the six-week porocess will be repeated because not placing an advert in local papers broke Planning Inspectorate
regulations.
The consultation began again on September 26.
Bury Free Press - 1 July 2005
Scrap consultation, say protesters
Protesters against a 5,000 home development between Red Lodge and Kentford have called for a massive consultation to be
scrapped.
Members of the Five Villages Preservation
Trust said Forest Heath District Council's consultation over its planning policy up to 2021 should start again,
dropping the proposed development, Watermark.
The project, on 600 acres of land includes plans for a rowing lake, indoor arena, business park, school and
sports facilities.
Trevor Tyrrell, of the 300-member trust, said:'The questionnaire refers to Watermark when nobody knows anything about
it and there is no evidence it is required in the area.
'We would like to recommend this consultation is started again from the beginning to find the real need in this area.'
He added that a questionnaire, due to be sent out to 25,000 homes as part of the council's newsletter, should not include
the plans.
A draft questionnaire has named the development, asking if residents would like the main develop0ment in the district to be
in Newmarket, split between the district's market towns, or at the site near Kentford.
Cllr Robin Millar who is leading the consultation, said: 'This is clearly the start of the consultation process. If the
public do not get involved the only voices will be heard are developers and professionals and I do not think that is healthy'.
John Smerdon, forward planning manager, said the questionnaire was expected out by mid-July and workshops to help people fill it in
would be held in August.
Bury Free Press - 3 June 2005
A statement made by Cllr Millar
Have your say on Planning Policy
'This is the biggest opportunity people have had in this area to influence planning policy'
A long overdue shake-up of planning policy in Forest Heath promises to give residents their say on how the area
will look in 2021
At the moment, planning decisions at Forest Heath District council are based on policy agreed in 1995. This expired in
2001.
Now, the council wants local people to help shape its planning policy, which will determine the way the area looks
in 2021.
'This is probably the biggest issue the council will deal with for many years' said Cllr Robin Millar, who is
leading a campaign to get people involved in the project.
'The local plan decides what is built and where. Ours expired in 2001, but we prolonged it until now to fit in with
changes to local planning.'
Big schemes which could be affected by a change in planning policy include the 4,500 home Watermark proposal between
Kentford and Red Lodge.
Dualling the All, a supermarket for Mildenhall, USAF housing, traffic infrastructure and affordable housing are also
issues facing the council, but it will be up to local people to say what they want the council to do about them.
The policy, called the local development framework (LDF), will be developed in three stages - the first of which is the
core strategy, setting out what is wanted in the district.
This will begin in early July with parish meetings, public meetings, exhibitions, roadshows and a publicity campaign.
'I really want people to bring forward ideas. What do you want the district to look like in 2021?' said Cllr Millar.
Once people bring forward ideas, he said the council would respond and see how they could be delivered through planning
policy.
The final phase of the LDF will be a detailed look at sites around the district, he said.
'We can put in place policies to stimulate what people want in the district.
'This LDF is your best chance of influencing what is happening in the area.
'It is you deciding the rules which the planning committee will use in the future.
'This will be the biggest opportunity people have had in this area to influence planning policy' added Cllr Millar.
Bury Free Press - 6 May 2005
Silence over development
"The Government's massive building plans in the eastern region have started a developers' feeding frenzy,
with local councils taking every opportunity to exploit it to the full.
"Our Conservative district councillors and Conservative MP Richard Spring have refused to answer our
questions or make a statement on the proposed 5,000 new homes, business park and sports arena on Kentford
Heath known as Watermark. I recently viewed an excellent video made by Conservative Central Office, where
the Milton Keynes Conservative MP was actively supporting the campaigners against proposed development in
that area. Why does ours remain so silent? I cannot understand why anyone who wants to live in small,
interesting historical towns and rural villages would want to have a major development in the area, bringing
all the problems with it. Why worry about visiting a crime-ridden, polluted and over-crowded inner city
when they can bring it to you?
"I have no problem with re-development in areas that are in need, but to just keep pouring concrete over the
countryside in the name of progress and profit is senseless. Does this only stop when the last field is
covered and you have a London postcode? The plans being made are by a select few, but will affect everyone's
home, family and way of life for ever and are irreversible."
Victor Hicks, Herringswell
Newmarket Journal - 7 April 2005
Heath Could be made an SSSI
"Regarding the proposed development of the Red Lodge area. There has been a lot of talk about the
Watermark development but little or no comment has been made regarding the proposal made by English
Nature that the whole of the area known as Red Lodge Heath should be designated site of special scientific
interest (SSSI).
"Should this proposal be confirmed in its current form, approximately 20 hectares of land, which had been
earmarked for a school, additional medium density housing and a business park, would be lost.
"The reason for these proposals is that the area represents a habitat suitable for nationally important
assemblages of insects, primarily beetles and wasps.
"The owners of land included in English Nature's proposed SSSI have the option to object and as my family
owns land included in the area, I hope that a compromise cann be reached that satisfies the needs of the
community with those of the environment, but that decision could be a year away.
"This proposal must surely increase the pressure on Forest Heath Council to approve an application from
Orion.
"I await the outcome of what could be a turning point for the future of the area."
Name and address supplied
Letter by Andrew Holman in reply to Robert Newman
"I was a little surprised to see a response from Councillor Newman (suspended) to my letter, where he challenges the basic facts of the Kentford Heath site for he proposed Watermark development. Councillor Newman knows better as he knows the area well, but then we are hearing from a councillor who is still suspended due to the way he conducts council business. Newman knows that a small area of the site was historically used as a tip, like the many dozens of similar sites in the vicinity, but that it is not a reason to build houses on them, quite the opposite! Newman knows that a small amount of gravel extraction has occurred in a corner of the site, but those areas have been filled in and returned to green fields, again not sensible to build upon. Newman knows that much of the land is of poor quality, but then that is the nature of breckland and partly why restoration projects such as the major tree planting scheme in the area are supported with Government money.
"More importantly are the reasons why this project started. It was, we believe, Councillor Newman's original idea to have some sport facilities to provide 'distractions for the youth of Mildenhall'. Few would argue that Mildenhall residents are badly served with opportunities, but to take such a patronising stance, that all the youth need is some distractions, without the clear involvement or participation of the community, beggars belief. However, thanks to some papers released under the Freedom of Information Act, we know that was only the start. Having decided these 'youth are all budding Olympic rowers' the proposal suddenly changes to a small town development at Kentford Heath. Now, I am not sure which planet the council was on to think that a rowing canal and waterside development built on an area with no natural water, indeed a water shortage, would fulfil their aim of youth distraction. On this matter, the papers are silent, but perhaps Councillor Newman could enlighten us?
"Fortuntely, Newman's suspension is a sign that times are moving on for the better in local government and in Forest Heath District Council. Recovering from a rather damning audit report, and with the addition of a number of new mambers, the council now seems more able to actually hold the occasional meeting that doesn't descend into argument and that can make decisions based on evidence rather than the whims of individual. We are still, however, stuck with a legacy of decisions that need reviewing. The watermark proposal is one of them. Authorities now have to make decisions based on facts, not whims. They have to include the view of local people as opposed to deciding what is best for them. They have to look at whether a proposal makes sense, whether it is sustainable in terms of the environment, the local economy and socially, whether it is actually needed, and whether it will do what it sets out to do. Otherwise it will not fit into plans set out by Government, the region and locally. We have been reassured that Forest Heath is now making these changes, that, although they did get a number of things wrong in the past, they are taking the new guidance into account in how they work. We are now confident that they will be reviewing the previous decisions made by the old school and base the way forward on a planning system that not only meets our needs but that can be seen to meet our needs. When Newman's suspension is over, he will be returning to a very different regime and will also need to change."
Disband assemblies
"I would like to comment on the report on the proposed development in Herringswell (Bury Free Press, March 11).
Developers Orion Land and Leisure stated that it is due to submit its plans to the East of England Regional
Assembly (EERA).
"EERA has no authority to make a decision on planning applications - that is the responsibility of parish, district and
county councils, though that vandal John Prescott will try to convince us otherwise.
"The eight regional assemblies set up by the Deputy Prime Minister are voluntary organisations. John Prescott tried to
give them full authority in referendums - that was lost when the North East rejected his proposals.
"All regional assemblies should now be disbanded."
G A Hayes, Mildenhall
Heath plan 'to create a challenge'
"With reference to Andrew Holman's letter (Journal 10 March), I am pleased my letter (Journal, 24 February) has
brought a response. Now we may get the public at large to offer their views.
"The reason the Kentford heath project was started in the beginning was to get something moving that would
create a challenge and purpose for young people, plus creating employment.
"This, I believe, was showing vision. The council has a responsibility to the community at large.
"Now, Mr Holman, you feel that this site should be retained as a wildlife haven and, presumably, not to disturb
the archaeology.
"Well, this site has been used as a sand and gravel works. It has also been a licensed tip for a number of years.
The land is of very poor quality. so please, Mr Holman, remember that people should be considered in the big plan.
"If a large quantity of homes were also built here, I believe, we would have more wildlife, more trees, hedges and
plants, all sustained and planted free of charge.
"This would be a better use of land than its current use and would, I believe, give a better return to the
community."
Mr Robert Newman, Beck Row
Article in Bury Free Press - 11 March 2005
Villagers unanimous in vote against huge scheme
Residents living near a proposed 4,500 home sport and leisure complex have voted against the plans in a parish poll.
In Herringswell,77 villagers - 61 per cent of the population - turned out for the poll last Thursday evening, unanimously
voting against the 600 acre Sir Steve Redgrave-backed development.
The Five Villages Preservation Trust, set up to fight the plans, has accused the council of acting in secret over the
proposal after obtaining documents under the Freedom of Information Act.
Chairman Andrew Holman said:'From the incomplete sets of minutes we have received, it is clear that the council was
working on this proposall well before March 2003.
'We have not yet seen all the papers and we are no further forward in finding out exactly how and why this proposal came out.'
Forest Heath District Council said in a statement it was approached by the developers and that it was reasonable for them to talk
to the local authority ahead of submitting proposals.
Discussions were confidential for business and legal reasons and any allegations the council acted secretly or
undemocratically were a misunderstanding of the processes involved and of the council's aspirations for the area's growth.
'If a planning application is eventually made, the council will follow its normal consultation process with all interested
parties,'it said.
The council said this would be the last time it commented on the proposal until, or if, a planning application was submitted.
Developers Orion Land and Leisure is due to submit its plans to the East of England Regional Assembly by the end of March.
Newmarket Journal - 10 March 2005
Comments on Watermark project beggar belief
"Mr Robert Newman's comments (Journal, February 24) beggar belief.
"His distorted and inaccurate view of Kentford Heathis thankfully not supported by the more
informed sources that designated much of the land as a part of the Breckland ESA (environmentally sensitive
area), with the aim of 'maintaining and enhancing the distinctivelandscape, wildlife habitats and archaeological
interest of the area'.
"However, more worryingly, he states that 'Forest Heath councillors cannot just sit on their hands because they
fear upset' by which I take him to mean they can go and do exactly what they like, regardless of any amount of
public opposition, something which they seem to have taken to heart.
"Indeed, it would seem to have been this patronising attitude of Mr Newman and friends who helped develop the
2003 Forest Heath council leisure and cultural plan (Reach for the Sky) that decided they must 'expand the
district's visitor attractions to be worthy of a premier holiday destination by facilitating the watermark project".
"And it is here we start to see the truth behind the council's recent actions, it is not waiting to see the
application from Orion land and leisure before deciding, as it would have us believe; new papers released under
the Freedom of Information Act show that they made their minds up about this project years ago and have actively
courted it ever since.
"Minutes of the major development working group for december 2003 state the council will 'seek to influence the
political and regulatory climate in such a way as to improve chances for the (Watermark) development.
This would include incorporation into the Local Development Framework and lobbying government and other
decision makers'.
"So not only do we have a council that has decided to somehow make us a major holiday resort, it has also
decided on the content of local ploans that are meant to be driven by the views of locals, not the council, and
will lobby at whatever level it thinks fit to make sure it gets what it wants.
"Mr Newman states that a 'councillor's role is to the community at large and this is bound to lead to
confrontation'.
"I would agree that his role is to the community and suggest the confrontation would lessen if he added
'that means klistening and not arrogantly dictating'."
Andrew Holman, Fitzroy Street, Newmarket
"Is my view negative or confrontational?
"Regarding Mr Robert Newman's letter (Journal, February 24) about Watermark, let's get things straight.
"Irrespective of whether Herringswell village will be detrimentally affected, I consider it a personal
slur that Mr Newman refers to the scheme as 'cleaning up an area of unnatural beauty - disused sandpit
and possible site of battery chicken sheds.
"I farm half the proposed site, the disused sandpit covers around five acres, leaving 595 acres of countryside.
"The 'possible site of battery chicken sheds' refers to a planning application on my neighbour's farm.
"Mr Newman would have been aware of this in his role as a councillor on the planning committee that refused
permission.
"This was due to the pressure from nearby residents, led by neighbouring councillor, Carol Lynch, saying that
they didn't want an agricultural enterprise on their doorstep.
"But 5,000 houses is okay with those same councillors?.
"Mine is a working farm but we have nesting stone curlews (the RSPB has just written to me confirming their presence
and appreciates the environmental measures I have taken to encourage them).
"I have also planted 3,500 trees on the farm in the past few years and put 50 acres in Breckland ESA
(Environmentally sensitive area) schemes.
"So, as I consider the land in question to be picturesque, I wonder whether Mr Newman's farm at Beck Row
might be a more suitable site for development.
"Is that negative or confrontational?"
Stephen Griffiths, Herringswell
Bury Free Press - 4 March 2005
Thanks for your support
"I write regarding your article 'Plans will devastate area, say residents' (Bury Free Press, February 18), which
related to the development plans for Kentford Heath.
"On behalf of the 5 Villages Preservation Trust (www.5vpt.org.uk), we would like to thank everyone who came along
and supported our meeting at Red Lodge. The turnout of nearly 250 people from all five local villages and as far away
as Kenny Hill, Newmarket and Mildenhall, was unprecedented and hugely encouraging. It showed the tremendous depth of
feeling that exists in the area against the Watermark proposal at Kentford Heath.
"In particular, we would like to thank those who donated to the trust both on the night and by post after the meeting. The
fighting fund already stands just short of £1,000.
"More than 100 people signedup to join the trust and we would like to ask everyone to be patient while we process the
applications, as we are all volunteers working in our spare time.
"We hope to send out a newsletter and invitations to future meetings in the very near future."
Trevor Tyrrell 5vpt Trustee Herringswell
"Time to think again
"Sir Steve Redgrave and his developers, Orion, should think again about the Watermark Village.
"It's bad enough with traffic problems in the area between two major roads, the A14 and A11.
"But this development would just increase the volume of cars and create a bombshell for the surrounding
villages - no thanks.
"How would Sir Steve like this development in his back garden?"
Mr James Calvert, Kentford
Letter sent to Newmarket Journal
"Watermark - Let's be Positive or Not in my Back Yard
"In following up Mr Newman's lateral thinking contained in his letter, 'stop being negative', I have carefully pursued his line of thought and have finally come up with an alternative solution. The enclosed map illustrates how neatly and cost effectively the proposed Watermark project would fit into an area (albeit adjacent to Mr Newman's farm) north of Mildenhall and west of Wilde Street and I would ask both the Developer - Orion Land and Leisure, Mr Burnip, Mr Pierce and the Forest Heath District Council to seriously reconsider the final location of this project.
"The newly proposed site,located on a flat and level area of only some 2 to 3 metres above sea level (Forest Heath Council have no concerns about flood risk to property), would not only make the construction of a rowing lake and the other water features considerably cheaper, but also the nearby Cut Off Channel would provide the required quantity of water without having to resort to abstraction and would also possibly help solve the drainage and sewage problems of 10,000 new residents to the area. Further, the loss of landscape of some 600 acres of flat and singularly uninteresting fenland and Dingle Nook Farm would be a small price to pay for 'creating employment, stimulating the community and cleaning up an area of unnatural beauty - the nearby air bases' and saving the picturesque sheep and pig farmingland and breeding habitat of the rare Stone Curlew on Kentford Heath.
The lack of major roads to service this site could be overcomeby making full use of and giving a prupose to the new Mildenhall Bus Terminus and Tourist Office, the Shippea Hill railway station and, at Orion's cost, a slip road to the Mildenhall - Brandon road at Eriswell, thus giving easy access to both the A11 and A14.
The adoption of thisi proposalk (facilities for rowing, tennis, indoor arena seating 5,000 etc) would also further the district councillors' and the Strategic Director,Mr Pierce's plan to turn the Forest Heath district into the playground of East Anglia - Clubland, the Horseracing Museum, Palace HouseStables, the iconic multi-storey hotel with viewing platform on top, casino in basement on the old Waitrose site in Newmarket to beyond Newmarket (the jewel in their crown) and Centre Parks in Elveden to Mildenhall and eventually to all other profitable settlements under their control.
"Entirely separately and on the positive side, there is the justifiable profit for landowners selling out to developers, the £5 million plus increase in the FHDC community tax income and the increased retail trade opportunities to local businesses. However, all of this would be at the expense of the ratepayers and residents of Forest Heath who in the main look for a prudent, caring and cost effective Council and who do not wish to enter into the world of tourist attractions, science parks, A14 Cambridge to Ipswich 'corridors', meeting the EERA housing increase requirements, car parking charges and all the other fanciful intrusions that the present council is trying to inflict on their daily lives.
"When will the council officers and councillors realise that they are the servants of the People of Forest Heath and not as one councillor once reported to have said 'I know what they want but I know better'.
"Yours in sorrow rather than anger."
Newmarket Onlooker
Cambridge Evening News - 26 February 2005
Crazy Plan
"I do not think there can be any doubt that the councillors, along with the enthusiastic support of some
senior officials, want a glamour project, ie Watermark New Town, to put Forest Heath District Council on the map in a
spectacular way, by placing an advert in a publication inviting developers to respond - it is clear that this is the
case.
"Along with other major projects in and around Newmarket, the ambition is to make this part of East Anglia
the playground for London and Cambridge.
"The sports facilities and rowing strip will probably never be used to their full potential, but by
including them it could make it possible to get the 4,500 houses, hotels and commercial properties built
on a greenfield site.
"Make no mistake, this is purely a commercial project.
"Mildenhall and Brandon are in much need of development but it would seem not to be very exciting to do so.
"Sir Steve Redgrave is the celebrity put in place to "sex up" and gain public support, although he is also a
director of the developers, Orion Land and Leisure, which have no experience on building on greenfield sites and
were only formed as a company a few years ago.
"Models and artists' drawings always look impressive and clean, but when you add buildings up to 5 storeys high,
and densely grouped with 15,000 cars/vans parked in front of them, the picture takes on a new light.
"It beggars belief that this crazy scheme will ever be allowed to go ahead. If it does then I feel that all
sanity and reason in this region has been lost.
"Perhaps the best way to remedy this is when the next council elections are due
Victor Hicks, Herringswell
Newmarket Journal - 24 February 2005
Comment by Andy Drummond, chairman, development and planning committee, Newmarket Town Council
"I recently attended a meeting presenting the East of England development plan which has been
presented by the East of England Regional Assembly - an un-elected tier of government.
"What I found alarming was the fact that around half a million new homes are due to be built in the
eastern region between now and 2021. Who is going to live in them, I asked myself?
"Then I imagined the other Regional Assemblies around the UK, all disseminating the same story. It's going to
total many millions of new homes - who is going to live in them?
"The regional plan will sit over the Local Development Framework that is currently being worked upon
by Forest Heath Council. Looking at our share of the cake, Forest Heath will have to deliver 300 new
homes per year until 2021 which is comparable to an annual major development akinn to the George Lambton
Avenue scheme. You can begin to see why the Watermark development in Kentford would be attreactive to our
district council who could meet their quota in one fell swoop.
"Unfortunately this proposal would abut the Red Lodge development that has already been approved, creating
a new township larger than Newmarket but without its infrastructure.
"Has there been a baby boom? I don't think so, we would all know about it and we certainly wouldn't have to
work until 70 if the population was expanding at the rate the plan intends to deliver new housing.
"Then I came up with a theory. The government has expressed concerns about spiralling house prices. At the
expense of previous governments, it knows that it cannot step in and hike interest rates to cap prices
artificially. But what it can do is let us build to our hearts content, so much so that we swamp our countryside
with houses so that supply outstrips demand and, hey presto - house prices will fall.
"Expect negative equity like you've never known before!
"The regional plan's Achilles heel is that it relies upon successive government to continue with the implementation of
its vision.. The way I see it you have two choices - sell your house now and rent, or if your home is your
castle, under no circumstances return Labour at the next election.
"I cannot end on that note without showing deference to our mayor Cllr Jefferys, who is standing as the West
Suffolk Labour candidate at the forthcoming election. While Cllr Jefferys has been an excellent mayor and has moved
the town council forward, you have to consider the bigger picture.
"Sorry Mick, I cannot give you my vote".
Is Watermark 'sustainable'?
The developers of the proposed Watermark new town keep referring to it in their publicity as a
'sustainable' development.
"How can this really be when:
Helen Bridges Forest End, Kennett
Stop being negative over these projects
"Regarding the Watermark project and the Mildenhall but terminus - if anybody has a view about these
projects, they should make sure that their view will stand up to public scrutiny.
"It looks to me that Herringswell village will not be affected in a detrimental way.
"This project will create employment, stimulate the community and clean up the area of unnatural
beauty - disused sandpit and possible site of battery chicken sheds.
"I can think of no better use for this land
"Forest Heath councillors cannot just sit on their hands beause they fear upset.
"And, as for the Mildenhall bus terminus, I feel this will be a tremendous asset to those who will use
this service - public transport, public toilets and the hope that the council will put the tourist
information office in the building.
"Also, this then will become a focal point and create interest in our historic town.
"Will you please stop being negative, just because you have aright.
"A councillor's role is to the community at large and this is bound to lead to confrontation."
Mr Robert Newman, Beck Row
ANGER AT NO SHOW
Red Lodge parish councillors were accused of not supporting residents at the meeting on Tuesday. Mark Collins, from Red Lodge, said: "There is not one councillor here to represent us and hear our views". Resident Jo Briggs said: "It is disgraceful that our parish councillors are not supporting us."
The council released a statement this week saying it would remain impartial until it saw further details of the plans.
Newmarket Journal - 17 February 2005
Homes plan is insensitive to residents.
I write in response to your article regarding the proposed development of 4,500 homes on
Kentford Heath, an area of greenbelt land between Kentford, Kennett and Red Lodge.
"I recently attended a presentation which was given by the developers. Orion Land and
Leisure. The plans for a the new development are shockings and completely insensitive to
existing residents and the current service infrasturcture in the surrounding Newmarket area.
"A chief example is the lack of consideration given to the district's existing traffic problems.
The road network in Newmarket is currently at breaking point: traffic in the town and on the
A14 is frequently at a standstill.
"In the detailed proposals presented, no thought has been given to the impact that the additional
traffic created by the new development will have on vital transport links.
"This is alarming, given that the proposed 'Kentford Heath Newtown' will be the same size as
Newmarket and will add an additional 10,000 peopleand 7,500 cars to the area. This is only one of
several issues that developers have not addressed.
"I would therefore like to take this opportunity to inform your concerned readers of the Five Villages
Preservation Trust (www.5vpt.org.uk) which has been formed to stop the Kentford Heath development and
protect the villages of Kentford, Kennett, Red Lodge, Herringswell and Tuddenham.
"The trust has been set up by the local volunteers and at the present time is in its infancy.
Currently the '5VPT' is seeking support and committee members from other villages and the local area.
"The trust is an independent group of concerned locals and is separate from any Government body."
Dr Allan Marchington, Herringswell
Newmarket Journal - 17 February 2005
"We are restricted on what we report"
"I am writing in reply to Mr Victor Hicks' letter 'Don't ignore the people who elected you'.
"I would like to say that as a district councillor I completely agree with all he said.
"However, as councillors we are restricted on what we report from closed-door meetings.
"If we come out publicly and state any disagreements with officers or report matters they don't
wish to have disclosed we, like Cllr Robert Newman and myself, are taken to the Standards Board
"My case comes up on April 22 at the Angel Hotel in Bury St Edmunds."
Cllr T R Waters, West Row
Article in the Cambridge Evening News - 16 February 2005
"Calls to be involved in 5,000 homes scheme"
"Town councillors want to be involved in consultations about the scheme to build up to 5,000 new homes on famland nearby.
"Opposition is growing to the scheme, proposed by developers Orion Land and Leisure for around 600 acres of land extending northwards from the A14 at Kentford almost to the tiny village of Herringswell.
"A group has been formed, under the banner of the Five Villages Preservation Trust, to fight the scheme, known either as Watermark or Kentford Heath. Olympic gold medallist Sir Steve Redgrave is supporting the scheme which includes a rowing lake and a major indoor sports arena.
"Details of the plans were outlined to the town council's planning committee by John Howell, a former councillor who now represents the Suffolk Preservation Society.
"He warned that the scheme would have an impact on Newmarket, even though there was no obligation for the district council or the developers to consult with Newmarket Town Council.
"But the council now wants to be informed about the scheme directly.
"Red Lodge Parish Council also wants to be involved in any talks"
Newmarket Journal - 10 February 2005
"Don't ignore the people who elected you.
"Is this the most secretive and undemocratic council? For four years Forest Heath councillors kept secret a proposed new town development on greenfield land between Herringswell, Kentford and Kennett belonging to the Mays-smith and Kiddy Trusts and bordering on land owned by councillor Carol lynch who, you would think, would have great concern, it being so close to her property.
"No consultation was made with the residents and, since the discovery was made, no councillors have replied to letters or telephone calls.
"It is interesting to note that there is also the "secret" location of the new swimming pool in Newmarket, the proposed introduction of parking charges in Newmarket - that both residents and traders do not want - and the bus station in Mildenhall that, again, neither traders nor residents wanted.
"Our councillors seem to have forgotten that they were elected to serve the people of the district and, in effect, are our employees and are accountable to us.
"Instead they appear to have their own agendas that ignore the opinions and wishes of the people they were elected to serve.
Victor Hicks, Herringswell
A solution looking for a problem
"Having now considered the proposed massive Watermark development of 5,000 houses and a 1.5km competitive rowing track, I feel that it is merely a solution looking for a problem.
"This is because I don't believe there is a massive regional demand for a competitive rowing track.
"It would be better situated near Cambridge - probably in Waterbeach - where one is already being planned and funds are already being raised.
"Creating 5,000 houses locally is simply not sensible since there are not 10,000 new jobs available locally for people to work in.
"Furthermore, you can imagine the road traffic and parking congestion that will inevitably result in Newmarket on a Saturday..! "I am glad that the Journal's own website poll shows that local people are overwhelmingly against this mad plan."
John Bridges, Kennett
(Although this is about Bury St Edmunds it could also apply to Newmarket. It is of interest as both towns would experience a great increase in traffic from the 10,000+ residents of the proposed new town of Watermark.)
"Councillors this week warned that Bury St Edmunds could be heading for an 'infrastructure heart attack' if large-scale development goes ahead without proper thought.
St Edmundsbury Borough Council's planning policy panel is right to start highlighting the possible problems now, beforee we get too far down the road of building thousands of new homes in the area.
The town's roads, including the A14 and its intersections, are already struggling to cope with current levels of population and car use.
Before John Prescott and the East of England Regional Assembly push too hard for the extra homes, they must first consider the implications.
Before a single brick is laid, there must be a plan - and ther hard cash to back it up - on how to cope with all the extra people and traffic"
4 February 2005 - comment via website
"I have read with enthusiasm your campaign, I totally agree with your angle on the secrecy and complicity of our "employees" i.e. councillors and will endeavour to support your aims by attending your meeting on Tuesday 15th."- Diane.
Newmarket Journal - 3 February 2005
"Homes scheme defies all common sense
The proposed development on a greenfield site between Herringswell and Kentford of 4,500 houses and a sports rowing lake defies all common sense. There has been absolutely no proven need for such a development on a greenfield site so far away from any significant conurbation.
The location has been chosen purely for commercial reasons - cheap transport links and the greed of an out-of-touch local council. No consideration whatsoever has been given to the environment, the heritage of the area or to the people who live in these villages. I hope that the council take note of the overwhelming vote against the development on the Newmarket Journal website: currently 73 per cent said they are against it. Such a scar on the landscape would disfigure this region for ever."
Trevor Tyrrell, Herringswell
Comment by John Bone - Newmarket Journal 27 January 2005
"As five villages take up battle stations to repel a massive new housing development between Herringswell and Kentford, they will find themselves far from alone.
The single issue likely to preoccupy this region for many years ahead will be the pressure to house tens of thousands of incomers.
The influx as a whole is probably irresistible. What is at issue is the quality and location of the developments.
And here we may take somer comfort as the battles begin. In the past, major building spasms have been deeply flawed. Lax laws allowed ribbon development between the wars.
After the Second World War, overspill expansion of our existing towns to house Londoners meant that it was years before health, entertainment and other parts of the social structure were put in place.
This time most schemes seem to promise to do the job properly with an infrastructure from the start.
That is what the developers want us to believe, anyway.
But villagers are right to be very wary. The least they can insist on is being told what's going on. We want no deals behind doors."
Newmarket Journal 27 January 2005
"Say no to homes scheme
"I am writing to express my horror at the proposed development of 5,000 homes. Can you imagine how many more cars this will put on our already busy country roads What are we doing to our countryside? Does green belt count for nothing now? I moved here 11 years ago to escape the urban sprawl and I have watched Newmarket become more spoilt by the year. More congestion and the chaotic road system near the new Waitrose is already driving people away from the town. More houses mean more cars, more pollution and more loss of our countryside. When will it stop? With farming in dire straits and land being sold for development, we will soon turn this green land of ours into a concrete jungle. Say NO now, before it is too late."
From Jan Hall, Great Bradley