30 January 2024 / 22 December 2024 by chrishenderson
Powerfuel appealed against Dorset Council’s decision to refuse permission for a new waste incinerator on Portland. The Public Inquiry was held 5-21 December. The large attendance over the two weeks reflected the pretty much unanimous rejection of the Incinerator by local people. Dorset Green Councillors Brian Heatley and Clare Sutton were among over 50 people who spoke at the Public Evidence day, all against the plant. Clare focussed on the impact of 80 (huge!) HGV journeys through Wyke every day, and on the potential harm to our tourist industry and local economy.
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30 January 2024 / 14 December 2024 by chrishenderson
A recent planning application to turn the old Methodist Church on Portland Road, Wyke Regis into six flats has been turned down. Many local residents objected because no parking spaces were included, in a part of Wyke where this is a pressing issue.
30 September 2023 / 14 December 2024 by chrishenderson
Sadly the South West Coast Path bridge and steps in Wyke Regis, erected in 2021, collapsed earlier this year due to further instability of the beach. Councillor Brian Heatley is pressing Dorset Council to find a solution, but the only answer may be to move the path further inland, which will require the cooperation of several private landowners.
15 September 2023 / 22 December 2024 by chrishenderson
Dorset Council's area planning committee voted earlier this year to approve plans to demolish the former Weymouth & Portland Borough Council offices on North Quay. Green Councillor Brian Heatley (Rodwell & Wyke) argued for renovation over demolition, because we need to save the carbon emissions now rather than over a 50 year period, and because there is no guarantee that Dorset Council will find a developer willing to deliver to a high environmental standard.
14 July 2023 / 15 December 2024 by chrishenderson
A motion condemning the government’s decision to house 500 asylum seekers on the now infamous Bibby Stockholm barge was supported by councillors from all parties. The motion as passed included an amendment proposed by Labour Councillor Paul Kimber and seconded by Green Councillor Brian Heatley (Rodwell & Wyke): “This Dorset Council recognises the contribution that Refugees have made to our Dorset economy and Society, over the years whilst we accept the Bibby Stockholm Barge is inhumane and is entirely inappropriate. Dorset Council welcomes all refugees to be treated, with dignity, and respect”.
3 April 2023 / 22 December 2024 by chrishenderson
Built just after World War I, Bradford, Tennyson and Emerson Roads form a distinct community off Chickerell Road in Rodwell, Weymouth, with two public greens. These are well-loved by residents, who tended them during lock down, where young children have played safely for many decades. Residents were horrified when landowner Aster submitted a planning application to build new houses - just two, not even affordable ones, with four parking spaces - covering the whole of Tennyson Green. They organised a fantastic campaign against this, which Rodwell & Wyke Green Councillors Brian Heatley and Clare Sutton fully supported, and were delighted when Aster withdrew their application.
24 March 2023 / 22 December 2024 by chrishenderson
Dorset Council’s Strategic Planning Committee unanimously rejected Powerfuel’s application for a giant waste incinerator at Portland Port on 24th March. Many local people spoke with expertise and eloquence on a range of issues including: (a) Inconsistency with Dorset’s Waste Plan, (b) The blight on our landscape, for both residents and visitors, (c) The potential damage to wildlife, the arts, and as a sailing venue. Objections made by Green Councillors Brian Heatley and Clare Sutton included: (i) Air pollution in general, and the impact of up to 80 extra (huge!) HGVs per day on those walking or cycling to our local schools, shops, doctors etc. (ii) The impact on Dorset’s World Heritage Coast and local heritage assets. (iii) That, given the need to generate less waste rather than burn it, it would become a ‘white elephant’.
