Residents protest at developing of Greenfield site and the handling by Bradford Council

As usual Bradford Council is building on Greenfield sites, no one wants it, and they are ignoring the opinions of locals.

Same old stories I'm afraid.

"Campaigners are angry that a major decision on a 400-home development on green fields near Bingley will be made in Bradford rather than the Aire Valley.

Greenhill Action Group (GAG), which is fighting the proposals, said there had been assurances from the Council that the “hugely important” decision would be made at Bingley Arts Centre."

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/9103746.Anger_at_venue_for_Bingley_planning_decision/

This is exactly the sort of thing that we at UKIP Bradford have been saying for years. "Consultation" efforts are generally pathetic, and there is very little input allowed from concerned local people.

We would revolutionise the planning application process and put power back into the hands of the people.

UKIP would give local areas a vote on major housing schemes and big developments.

This would then force the Council to actually communicate their ideas to local people in an open and frank way, and not hide like they are doing with Bingley.

A major development, especially on a Greenfield site, would be very open to a referendum petition under a UKIP Council. All a local group (or an individual) would have to do is officially sign up 5% of the electorate in the local area (and have the names and addresses confirmed by the authorities at the Council) and that would trigger a local referendum.

We are sick to death of seeing people ignored with planning decisions, and we in UKIP Bradford want to blow the whole process open.

Support Grows for Odeon Referendum

Reading through the letters pages lately has shown that there are people writing in (non-ukip I assure you!) supporting the call for the decision over the Odeon be taken away from the unlected quango Yorkshire Forward and the untrusted Council.

I don't think I can put it in any better way than the following letter:

"It is obvious from the interest being taken in the future of the New Victoria Cinema that it’s destiny is far too important for it to be left in the hands of the seven councillors who form the Planning Committee.

The only way for a truly democratic decision to be made would be for a referendum of all the citizens of Bradford be held.

It is vital that fiascos like the demolition of the Kirkgate Market, Mechanics’ Institute, Central Library and Forster Square not be repeated"

Absolutely spot on Mr. Chappell... have you considered joining UKIP Bradford....?

here are a few more:
The choice is ours
Support the Call
Let the public decide
Poll for a true picture
Quangos must go

UKIP Bradford called for a referendum back in 2007 (Full Article T&A)

Some older letters in support of our call:
Odeon shock
Vote welcomed

There really does seem to be a growing number of people that are beginning to expect to have a vote on at least some project of the "regeneration" in Bradford.

And the Odeon is the perfect place to start.

UKIP Bradford calls for a vote on Odeon plans

Had a Letter published in the T&A regarding the Odeon and promoting UKIPs policy of local referenda....

Let the public decide

8:16am Friday 21st August 2009

SIR – Regarding the on-going saga and controversy of the Odeon, I think it’s time that a line is drawn under it and something actually achieved.
With all the information and accusations thrown around regarding the Odeon, why not give the decision to the people of Bradford? The Council will then have the authority to act – and act quickly!

There should be a Bradford-wide referendum of maybe three or four options with clear information regarding costs and intentions available prior to this, so we can all vote on which option we prefer.

One of the options must include refurbishment of the Odeon, even if it would be the most costly.
UKIP called for this, which the T&A reported on September 4, 2007, and it should be fully-backed. Why not let the public decide? Then the Council could actually get on with some “regeneration” for a change, with popular approval.

Going, going...not yet gone....

News on the Bradford Odeon!

Let's see.......ahhh, more hold ups.

A report from the T&A reveals there maybe "revisions" to the plans of demolishing the current Odeon which could trigger another public consulatition. Not that the council will listen as they ignored the "hug the odeon" event, the setup of the rescue group and the numerous petitions handed to them.

We must'nt forget that it is YORKSHIRE FORWARD that owns the property. A "regional development agency" that has a budget of millions, no accountability and are a symptom of the lack of transparency in local decision making.

These regional bureaucratic quangos must be abolished, freeing up more money for local services and handing more decision making back to local people.

Are we seeing another Westfield development? A multi-million pound, big project that will take years before anything happens and get any benefits from. Not to mention the demolition of the Odeon is widely un-popular.


UKIP Bradford Supports BORG (Bradford Odeon Rescue Group)

UKIP Bradford called for a local vote over the different plans for the Odeon