Hampton Court Rescue Campaign Update
Last week the BBC broadcast an interview with the Hampton Court Rescue Campaign. HCRC was asked to comment on why Hampton Court Palace has had to resort to offering a makeover to the 'Jolly Boatman' site in Elmbridge, a strategic Olympic location at the gateway to Surrey, but known today as the 'blot on the landscape'.
HCRC spokesman, Ray Townsend explains
Hampton Court Rescue Campaign
HCRC can now confirm that Keith Garner, with unshakable resolve, is to press his case against Elmbridge Borough Council to the highest level, the Supreme Court of Appeal. Given the sensitivity of the historic riverside setting of Hampton Court Palace, his legal team will continue undaunted with its legal challenge of Elmbridge's misguided approval of the monstrous redevelopment plans for the Tudor Palace site.
His case focuses on EBC's failure to comply with obligations laid down in the Planning Act that advocate paying 'special regard to the desirability of preserving the building or its setting, or any features of special architectural and historic interest'. Courageous Mr Garner expects that his leave to appeal will be heard in October.
Recent remarks made by the Leader of the Council, blamed those opposed to the scheme for having forced the Borough to unnecessarily spend £90K of its budget on legal bills. In fact, EBC spent a portion of this money unsuccessfully defending itself against the decision by the Government's Information Commissioner to release to the public, previously withheld secret financial documents. That said, HCRC maintains that if it takes £90K to overturn this badly-handled, ill-judged planning decision and rid Elmbridge of this eyesore of a scheme at Hampton Court, then it is money well spent.
However, it is clear that the case cannot continue without more financial assistance from supporters and residents. Keith regretfully reports "the appeal depends on us raising further funding as our war chest is now depleted."
HCRC works tirelessly to deliver funding, but more is needed.
Do we allow this huge development to go ahead, with the permanent loss of the precious heritage setting at Hampton Court Palace, enduring the traffic chaos, the impact on our local communities and increased flood risk, OR DO WE STOP IT? Please, support our efforts to oppose this development.
HCRC sees Keith’s sustained court case, the withdrawal of the Royal Star and Garter Home from the joint venture, and a recession-hit housing industry, as the perfect climate for EBC to reconsider, collaboratively, its plans for the riverside site, especially under the spotlight of 2012.
SUPPORTERS, PLEASE DIG DEEP
To help raise funds to preserve and safeguard the future of our treasured listed monument and its historic landscape.
Your most welcome contributions can be made payable and sent to the
HCRC, c/o The Lodge, 29, Palace Road, East Molesey, KT8 9DJ
or by electronic transfer to:
Hampton Court Rescue Campaign Account
HSBC Bank, 34 High Street, Walton on Thames, Surrey. KT12 1DD
Sort Code 40-45-22 Account Number 31507893
HCRC thanks you for your continuing support and generosity, and your donation is hugely appreciated.
Mary Brook
HCRC Communications
www.hamptoncourtrescuecampaign.com
OMRLP Conference 2011 - The Links Hotel, Fleet!
Chinners, Official Monster Raving Loony Party comes 3rd!
Beaten only by the Molesey Residents Association and only 522 votes behind the Conservatives!
With more votes than Labour and the Liberal Democrats put together!
If the turnout had been higher it could have been possible for the Official Monster Raving Loony Party to be elected! Must try harder next time, it's within our grasp!
Declared 06 May 2011 at 03:54
