This in from Andrew Turner‘s office, in their own words. Ed
The Island’s MP, Andrew Turner, has written to the Isle of Wight Council asking for comments made by ‘internal consultees’ on the controversial plans to build an asphalt plant on banks of the River Medina to be made public.
The call is supported by Cllr. John Nicholson who represents the residents of Cowes South and Northwood, the ward in which the plant would be located if it gets approval.
There is no legal requirement for the Council to publish comments made by departments of the Council (internal consultees). All submissions to the Council form part of the decision making process, but it is only comments made by external organisations and members of the public which are available on-line.
Mr Turner said :
“I had a very productive meeting with Cllr. Jonathan Bacon who understood my point entirely. People who would be affected by this development would particularly like to read the representations made by the Highways Department – as those staff were shortly afterwards transferred into the employment of Island Roads. The company obviously has a huge interest in the asphalt plant going ahead and some people have told me they feel that may represent a conflict of interests. Although I am sure that officers have acted even-handedly – the easiest way to put people’s minds at rest is to publish the information.”
Cllr. Nicholson added :
“The asphalt plant is something that residents in Northwood and Cowes are very concerned about and many people have told me of their worries. I have discussed this at some length with Andrew and I believe the comments submitted by everybody should put on-line so that we all know what has been said and there can be no suspicion that anything untoward has gone on. This is an important issue and I will also be raising it with Cllr. Bacon. I very much hope that we can get this matter resolved soon to everybody’s satisfaction.”
