Well Eric Pickles flagship bill of 'Localism' becomes ever more confusing and less clear all the time!

The Greenwich planning committee unanimously turn down the scheme at a World Heritage site and in the face of massive objection, it goes to a PI under appeal and then gets the nod from Eric!

Confused what 'Localism' really means... you bet!

rlhttps://www.bdonline.co.uk/news/minister-approves-hopkins-plans-for-greenwich-market/5012039.articlerl

rlhttps://www.bdonline.co.uk/news/pickles-under-fire-for-greenwich-approval/5012404.articlerl

I think it depends on who is scratching who's back......

Localism is as meaningless as 'Big Society'.

Speaking of which - I've just been playing Big Society Cluedo; it's easier than the original Cluedo, 'cos there's no library.

This in some respects can be seen as a good test case for how central government is conducting it's self with major developers in the public arena as well as how they treat "sensitive areas" such as this world heritage site.

Even the most hopeful supporter must take this with a pinch of salt & must concede that there is a clear distinction between these two sites. Just as opponents must concede the fact that NM is site is far from "green belt" in the true and correct sense of the term- but that's a battle we will never win as that would undermine their campaign.

The bottom line in this case is that (even after a very long winded and expensive PI) economic benefits win out over temporary ideological stickers we categorise our land by.

Key difference being this was a PI based on the local council "throwing the application out", where as we have the (much more favourable) scenario of the local council SUPPORTING the application, which will mean another (very influential) body of positive representation at the PI.

Positive signs none the less.

AI: Do you know which bodies are due to speak against? Have LCC registered? To your best knowledge was the above PI on the flexible timescale as ours is, or is this the set period of waiting after the PI? (which took place in Sept).