13 Comments
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Alice Wolfe's avatar

This is very interesting, I look forward to listening, in my opinion consultations are run like PR in most public sector consultations, the decisions are made before the consultation ever starts.

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Paul Meredith's avatar

Hi Nick, great article. I think it would be great for you ti take a look at the "Brighouse Pond Quarry Action Group", councillors with no experience in planning passed the in fill of a disused Quarry teaming with Wildlife and in the middle of a residential area, and a green light for 75 houses to be built.

The planning meetings have been a shambles and the safety issues have not been addressed.

It has gained publicity with Newspapers already writing articles on it but with no real depth.

Hope you find it a good opportunity for a compelling story.

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Calderdale Inside Out's avatar

Will take a look. Thanks for the heads up.

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Shane's avatar

Maybe look into the planning permission for an incinerator in the Ryburn valley in Sowerby Bridge. Apparently after several rejections the cllrs delegated the decsion to the officers. Maybe hoping for a different outcome?

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Nigel Marklew's avatar

I think there are quite a few questions to be answered on this subject by councillors.

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Sean Bamforth's avatar

Good article. The consultation on Ovenden Way / Cousin Lane seemed similar. I think there's been talk between residents and the council after people in the area started paying attention, but originally it was presented almost as a done deal.

I'd love to see some journalism on piece hall, and Elsie Whitely centre. The first because I don't see why I should be paying council tax so gen-x can go relive 1985, the second because having a property linked with both the Labour party and Calderdale council always struck me as being a bit sus.

My fear with this is that you're politically linked to one of the parties (as seems to be the way with Calderdale alternative media), but I hope not. I'll be subscribing as soon as it's possible!

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Calderdale Inside Out's avatar

Hi. I can guarantee I am not politically affiliated with any party. And am open to all story suggestions. You should be able to subscribe on my Substack page 😊. Thanks for the comment.

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Penelope Stansfield's avatar

Glad to see the return of some local journalistic scrutiny!

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Calderdale Inside Out's avatar

Thank you.

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Barry's avatar

Sounds great, look forward to listening. Interestingly the council never sent the consultation pack to the actual residents impacted. They were selective and an FOI revealed only a handful of properties got letters, none adjacent to the area in question and no boat residents that use the area for much needed parking.

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David Hancock's avatar

I have a very interesting story that you may be interested in Nick.

Its regarding Bellholme project.

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Calderdale Inside Out's avatar

Thanks David. I’ll be in touch.

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Thomas Smith's avatar

A related story that you may want to investigate: you'll know about the mobile phone mast problem affecting the area, reportedly for months to come. I've just seen this on the Hebden Bridge facebook group. Someone (perhaps someone in the grip of mobile phone mast conspiracy theory) making vexatious complaints and threats of judicial review may be behind this. I cut-and-paste from FB now.

Hebden Bridge

Wendy Houstoun

·

2h

·

Re mobile coverage. I just had a call with the mast people Cornerstone. Apparently someone complained about their application and threatened judicial review which meant they had to come off site. A new application to the local authority is now in/ probably decided which is why it will take months to resolve. The application is on the local authority planning permission portal and by all accounts will benefit from support too if anyone is interested to do that.

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