A Reply from Barbara Ronson
Mar 28th, 2009 by David
A couple of days ago I wrote to Horwich’s local councillors here. This is Barbara Ronson’s reply:
Thanks for your letter. We are fully in touch with friends of Rivington and have done everything we can as Councillors from a neighbouring authority to assist with the Ombudsman report and to lobby for assistance in this cause. I should be really disappointed if the Friends of Rivington have given any other impression. The planning permission was granted by Chorley – no other local authority can overturn this – it would take parliamentary action and support and I understand that is what Ms Kelly & Mr Hoyle are attempting at present.
Bolton & Horwich Council members and officers were not consulted about this plan – we have made strong representations – Bob and I have taken part in a demonstration and have kept in touch with Mr Dootson and his colleagues. We are also involved in activities through the West Pennine Moors groups which give a voice to many users of the area – unfortunately the statutory Planning responsibilities for buildings and other constructions and the felling of trees lies with Chorley. I have recently become a member of the Rivington and Brinscall Advisory group – I was not a member when the ‘Go Ape’ plan first emerged. I hope this will give me a better voice on future developments.
I am very disappointed at the outcome of the Ombudsman’s report, but as you are probably aware, there is no appeal against the granting of planning permission – there is only the opportunity to appeal against refusal. The only options to get it overturned are judicial review or revocation, which I understand are being considered by the Friends, or the invocation of the Act of Parliament which the MPs may be pursuing.
As for the future activities in the Park – we have made representations to Chorley, through our Councils to ensure consultation on developments and I hope that these arrangements can be formalised
Finally – I share your frustration, but essentially Chorley Councillors need to ask themselves whether their scheme of delegation has let them down and caused this lapse in democratic accountability
regards
Barbara
Barbara,
Thanks for your very prompt reply. I think its a positive move that you are now on the Rivigton and Brinscall group – I’m sure you’ll represent the people of Horwich well. But I note that Cllr Rock was on the Rivington Heritage Trust when the Go Ape decision was made, and hope that lessons have been learned.
A year ago, as the plans for Go Ape were being hatched, we were all sleeping. Our inaction allowed the original plans to go through unopposed. Local councillors (especially in Chorley and Rivington) are perhaps most culpable for failing to act.
I welcome that you have made representations to Chorley to try to ensure that similar situations don’t happen again. Part of the problem is that Lever Park is used mainly by residents in Horwich and Bolton yet is adminstered by Chorley. Better co-ordination would be a good start. I’ll email again next month and ask what progress you have made.
Kind regards,
David Pott
Hi..Barbara
I support David’s comment about you going on the Rivington & Brinscall Goup.
The previous concerns where that both Horwich & Rivington had representations on both the Rivington & Brinscall and also the Heritage Trust and yet the representatives concerned failed to report back to their respective councils regarding discussions over go-ape.
If this had been done, all parties concerned could really have a good go at opposing the application.
Please note that discussions were on the table in Dec/07
and the councillors that attended these meetings should really have brought it to light earlier.
What is the saying “FORE WARNED” is “FORE ARMED”