Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

WWDC Cabinet decision 'referred' back to the full council.
The West Wiltshire District Council Housing PFI Scheme: Democracy and Common Sense Prevail.

A special meeting of the West Wiltshire District Council (WWDC) Scrutiny Committee was held on Wednesday May 17th to discuss the housing PFI scheme.

In response to overwhelming concern and anger shown by residents of West Wiltshire, five councillors, led by Cllr Ernie Clark, asked for the Cabinet decision to be ‘called in’ by the Scrutiny Committee. Members of the communities across West Wiltshire that would be affected by the loss of amenity if the allocated land were developed presented their case to the committee.

After listening to the debate, members resolved – by a vote of 8 to 4 – to ask the Full Council to review the decision by the WWDC Cabinet to allocate a number of car parks and open space for affordable housing. The committee was unhappy with the merits of the decision and believed there may potentially have been elements of maladministration and unlawfulness. The committee also resolved (by a vote of 9 to 2) to ask the Cabinet to reconsider its decision in the light of the concerns of residents and the committee itself.

We believe that this is a victory for democracy and common sense, but only for the time being. We urge our fellow councillors on the council and in the Cabinet to use this opportunity to produce a scheme that will allow us to provide the affordable housing that is undoubtedly needed, without damaging the amenity of the communities where it will be built.

Cllrs Clark, Hawker, Mudge, Newbury, Rosier and Syme.