Falmer in the bag surely?

[Behind Enemy Lines]

As yesterday threw up the issue of Falmer again it got me thinking, does anyone now think we won't get the nod for Falmer?

I'm not a planning expert but as I understand it, the crux of the matter is whether there are major planning issues which mean the project should be thrown out. As far as I can see, there aren't any. What is the case against? A few well organised NIMBY's who' say they don't want it built in their backyard. I haven't seen anything which represents a serious planning issue which could scupper the stadium so I can't see any signifcant grounds for the stadium not to be given the green light.

The Council have backed it, the people have voted in a referendum by overwhelming numbers to back it and now, crucially, the university is on board; everyone wants it. The government ( whatever you think about them) have made it their policy not to interfere with local planning issues where possible. And the issue is PLANNING; Prescott is not being asked to make a decision about scheme regarding how the club will pay for it ( of which remain many questions).

I can't see why we won't get Falmer now.

 

[Locky]

I tend to agree with you, but you never know.
A labour elected council have given it the green light, so perhaps this will be the biggest swing of all.
I really don't want to begin to think what would happen should it be rejected.
Its in the bag its gotta be.

 

[Lady Whistledown]

Plus Brighton & Hove have at least 2 Labour MPs (maybe more?? I only know Ivor & Des Turner), in the middle of otherwise true blue Sussex, hence Prescott won't want to piss off the electorate.

 

[Gritt23]

I also agree, but there have just been so many false dawns before, I refuse to get excited until I am actually sitting in my new seat at Falmer.

As you say, the NIMBY's are the only real obstacle, and the government is quite happy to ignore the "Not In My Backyard" brigade as they are showing with the planned number of houses to be built all over the place. That is eating up plenty of green land that locals would rather see stay that way, but some things just HAVE to be built, and that appears to be Prescots approach.

I hopeful, but refusing to get carried away.

 

[perseus]

I have done some elementary research into the likelihood of plans with support on this scale coming to fruition.

It is about 75% chance. They usually fail because they are bad plans. (I would not give more hope for the West Pier shore development.)

It is not the decision of the Public Inquiry that stops the most of plans (although like Portosmello this does happen) but all the conditions and alterations that result from objections and complaints (some well founded and some just obstructive) and also the attitude of landowners (some schemes fail because one landowner is being awkward).

The chances of NIMBYs actually stopping a plan is very small, almost negligible. The only possibility they have is delaying the plan until the developers have a change of heart (unlikely). I do not know the stats on political opposition by the South Downs CB and Lewes District Council. They are just flexing their political muscles. I think they should have worked with other parties to find the best solution instead of being obstructive and I think it is a really bad show on their part.

 

[mona]

Lewes District Council are a disgrace and I am surprised that there hasn't been more of a backlash against them from people living there who are in effect helping to fund the Nimbys.

The Albion and Brighton Uni still haven't signed their agreements yet. How much longer will this drag on?

 

[Lord Bracknell]

Getting the agreement of Brighton University has been the biggest obstacle to overcome.

It is possible to achieve a major development on someone else's land, but the processes are even more drawn out than the one that the Albion have been engaged in.

The highlight of the next two weeks will be the confirmation at the Public Inquiry by the University that they support all aspects of the application.

Hopefully that will come on Tuesday. But if you want drama (and - after the last couple of weeks - I can do without, thank you very much), the University will tantalise everyone and hold out to the very, very end ... and then suddenly come on board.

I'm confident.

 

[CHAPPERS]

I am also confident University wise from mumurings around the Uni.

I would email David Watson and ask him but i think that will be met with a certain amount distaine (sp?).

 

[Lord Bracknell]

disdain

 

[CHAPPERS]

disdain

Told you, Brackers has met it with disdain already.

 

[Brovion]

Edna - It's three. My MP is David Lepper.

 

[DTES]

Lord B: What is the likeliness (sp?) of the Uni's plans to relocate falling through, hence cancelling Falmer even if we get permission. It would be heartbreaking for it collapse even later...

 

[sully]

It's one of those things I can't allow myself to get excited about, but can't help myself!

As others have said, I can't see how it can be refused unless Brighton Uni want to make themselves extremely unpopular.

 

[sully]

Lord B: What is the likeliness (sp?) of the Uni's plans to relocate falling through, hence cancelling Falmer even if we get permission. It would be heartbreaking for it collapse even later...

I can only see that failing for financial reasons. Surely that won't be allowed to happen any more than the Council are going to refuse planning permission for the replacement buildings.

 

[Lord Bracknell]

There are some planning hurdles to jump through before the University's (part) relocation is completely assured. But they - and the City Council - are on the case.

Whether it will reach the point that the Albion Supporters' Club will be organising a petition in support of academic development at the University remains to be seen.

And it wouldn't completely amaze me if Falmer Parish Council started to take a peculiar interest in the need for university teaching accommodation, in the light of evolving government policies relating to higher education.

 

[Lord Bracknell]

I can only see that failing for financial reasons.

Who do you think is paying to upgrade the University's facilities?

The Albion, that's who!

 

[The Large One]

Hants Seagull: Likelihood.

David Watson doesn't actually want the stadium. Not because of 'Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty' reasons, or anything like that. He believes it will seriously affect the commercial running of the Brighton Health & Racquet Club, which is more important to him than the Albion.

He is using the Public Inquiry as an excuse for himself (in his own eyes) not allowing the plans to be blocked. He can only go so far with his objections, as he knows the weight of public opinion is behind the stadium, but he is that arrogant that he feels that HIS university is more important than community or social matters.

I have heard he talks to DK and MP like they were a piece of shit.

 

[Lord Bracknell]

SIR David Watson, if you don't mind.

I'm sure DK and MP give as good as they get.

But let's not stir up antipathy at the moment - at least while the Public Inquiry is continuing.

Write out a hundred times, whilst gritting your teeth...

"The University of Brighton are our best friends"

 

[The Large One]

Tsk, I feel so terribly 'umbled now, my Lord.

The University of Brighton... ouch - just hurt me teeth.

 

[Rambo]

All this talk about the the uni, I thought we had a backup plan in 'village way south', wasnt that why two planning applications were submitted?
So that if they could not negotiate with the univeristy they could site the stadium furthe south?

Please feel free to correct me if Iam wrong.