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Dear All<br>
<br>
Firstly, my apologies for a collective response; I've had a quite a
few emails and I wanted to let you all know the situation at the
same time.<br>
<br>
I have had a conversation today with Matthew Barber - Leader of VoWH
District Council - and he is now very aware of the concerns of
residents in Culham about his proposed bypass.<br>
<br>
Firstly, he repeated the point that I think others have made which
is that it is very unlikely that the road will be built - finances
just won't stretch to it. Nevertheless, he appreciated that even the
proposal itself is a big problem for the village. <br>
<br>
I asked him for two things initially, ahead of any further action on
the consulation:<br>
<br>
1/ To make a prompt public statement acknowledging that the map was
poorly drawn and that the council would not pursue such a route
should monies and the need ever cause the road to be built.<br>
<br>
2/ If the safeguarded land is to remain a policy of his council
(although I'm fairly sure Vale can't safeguard land outside of their
own boundary!), to publish a revised map showing much more
accurately a practical route for a road that does not involve
demolishing houses/pubs or taking away useful village land.<br>
<br>
I didn't go as far as requesting its removal which I know some want,
as I've yet to see the evidence supporting its inclusion and so I
feel unable to reach that judgement right now.<br>
<br>
He agreed to discuss my requests with colleagues and has promised to
come back to me as soon as possible (though probably not this week).<br>
<br>
In the meantime, you should all make your individual responses to
the Vale consultation (you can do that online here):<br>
<br>
<a
href="https://consult.southandvale.gov.uk/portal/vale/planning/pol/lpp1/lpp1">https://consult.southandvale.gov.uk/portal/vale/planning/pol/lpp1/lpp1</a><br>
<br>
and have until May 9th to do so.<br>
<br>
I am in discussion with policy officers at SODC and have asked for
sight of a draft of my councils response as soon as possible. In the
event that it is not helpful (though from discussions to date, that
is unlikely), I will do whatever I can to change that.<br>
<br>
If anyone wants to talk about this further, please do email me or
call me on 07796 951 968.<br>
<br>
Regards<br>
<br>
John<br>
<br>
<br>
<i><b>John Cotton</b></i><i><b><br>
</b></i><i><b>Member for Sandford Ward, South Oxfordshire District
Council</b></i><br>
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