For many of us technophobes, the likelihood of us reading anything about 5G is probably  infinitesimal. Conversely, teenagers, IT mangers and those with minds attuned to the very latest technologies will welcome 5G with open arms. But is there a darker, secretive side to 5G that we are not aware of, or worse still, not being made aware of by our mainstream media.

It was not until one of our members contacted us that we realised the possible health implications for our communities.

We would recommend setting aside a few minutes of your day to read what our Member has to say and set aside even more time to view the links.

5G: A real boon?

5G , the new development in radio frequency communications, is much in the news these days, but perhaps with only part of the story.

5G is the shortened name for the fifth generation wireless communication network. It will allow not only communications between people (messages, images) and entertainment at very high speed (downloading of movies, games, etc.) but also communication to and from devices (heating systems, lighting, fridges, washing machines, self-driving cars, up to the ultimate ‘Smart Cities’ and ‘Smart Roads’).
For an introduction to what is happening in the UK look up  https://5g.co.uk/guides/what-is-5g/

While looking to find out more about this development I came across this appeal:  https://www.5gspaceappeal.org/the-appeal/
Here there is a lot of information from competent sources (judge for yourselves) , and it seems that some of these nice things we shall be able to choose to use or otherwise; however others will be imposed on us as the only way of life for the benefit of ‘the economy’ , ‘health care’ , ‘the environment’ , ‘our entertainment’, etc.
There would indeed be  some advantages, but would life improve and would this network be managed to deliver them? Could things be improved already with proper management?
Already signs are emerging of undesired effects of the use of the ubiquitous mobile phones on young generations and social life, with consequent need to control their use .
Apart from the diverse opinions and possible downsides , one of the things we shall not be able to decide upon will be being bathed in the electromagnetic fields from these various appliances and machines – that will be one of the prices to pay.
The subject of interaction between living organisms and these signals has been controversial for many years now, starting from the first signs that cases were observed of people with a strong sensitivity to electricity in  their neighbourhood intimating possible relationships between living near electric power station or electricity pylons.

Much as these effects (tiredness, organ malfunction, leukemia’s, even cancers) have been discussed at length, especially with the explosion of the use of mobile phones and although apparently  no definitely accepted conclusions have been reached, the subject hasn’t died out, and some effects have been suspected on wildlife as well.
This has partly been due to some people being convinced from their own experience that these effects were there, but also to some fortunately open minded scientists that were more curious to find out the truth behind some of these claims. Both physicists and biologists became aware that certain molecules in our cells  could be affected by radio waves of very low intensity if they were of the right frequency and present for a long time.

The usual criterion applied for many years, quite often for the benefit of the industry on an economic basis, has been that of comparing the surrounding environment to a microwave oven. If it doesn’t cook you then it’s fine, you will cool down and survive. However the story is not that simple. Since many years ago now there have been suspicions that electromagnetic signals at certain frequencies and very low levels can still have an effect if present over a long time.
With the advent of mobile phones more research has been done, and phone use and WiFi have recently been under scrutiny by researchers and some public authorities and companies, who have recommended a reduction of use or elimination in working places.

The mentioned international appeal has been launched by scientists, doctors, environmental organizations and concerned citizens  (40,346 signatories  so far) for a moratorium on the deployment of the 5G wireless network due to various serious concerns about the consequences on people, animals and living organisms in general  being bathed in these modulated high frequency fields 24/7 at various levels of intensity. This even apart from considerations on social aspects of this extremely intensive planned networking (see IoT, or Internet of Things, if you haven’t heard about it yet).

As things are now, this mega project is already on course and antennas are being deployed, see
( https://5g.co.uk/news/vodafone-manhole-covers/4644/ )
Plus we are having the first legal cases for objecting, encountered by hostility by the local authorities, e.g. : https://www.technocracy.news/the-people-won-britains-first-5g-court-case/

In fact, the remit to the latter is not to place obstacles in the way of installation of the new coming network as long as they do not infringe the present planning regulations; given that these relate only, I understand, to masts taller than 12 meters, while the new 5G transmitters will be of very small dimensions and able to be attached to various props, street lampposts possibly being some of the preferred ones, it appears that next to no consultation is required for installation. It will be a surprise.

If you are interested in this subject the link to the appeal has enough further links for you to have most of your questions answered; you can try enquiring with your local Council, but I wouldn’t expect much – I have tried and have been referred to the government ‘portal’ on planning regulations. However , from this document the situation is rather clear:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/740441/National_Planning_Policy_Framework_web_accessible_version.pdf

Of particular interest is chapter 10, p.33, which shows how local authorities should try and be favourable to applications for new installations, including 5G – notice the mention of self-certification from companies to be approved. It’s not a long chapter, but will give an idea of how the legislation will encourage this new development bypassing public scrutiny.

I am only presenting what I have found for those who like me were not well informed about the issue and would like to know more . Maybe people concerned could start lobbying various groups that might have a say in this or discuss how to be represented at legislative level.
On the other hand,  most people might  welcome the idea of having a fully controlled house with  a fridge ordering items in short supply while downloading a full ‘action’ movie in 10 seconds flat, or , perhaps more important, know that they would also have a chance of  a much faster automatic response from their surgery; nothing wrong with that, but it would be good to know what would come as collaterals , which would probably be the main reason why all this is being implemented.

For those of you with less time, 3 minutes will be enough time to question the roll out of 5G across our local communities.

 

 

Many, many thanks to all our members who contribute to our website.

S&DRA

A caller to LBC recently stated that there are now 150 pop up truck parks across the UK, as well as mainland Europe, where drivers can register their loads prior to entering the port of Dover. The clear message is: DON’T ENTER KENT UNLESS YOU HAVE DONE SO. Listen to the short conversation between the caller and Ian Dale. There is no more to be said.

 

S&DRA.

OTTERPOOL PARK PLANNING APPLICATION.

Your opinions and thoughts do matter. Don’t keep them to yourselves.

FHDC planning has said that the date for comments has been extended beyond the date set by the minimum statutory requirement.  They say….

“Please make any comments by 27 May 2019. Failure to respond to this date may jeopardise the chances of your comments being considered in determining this application.”

That date has now passed and hopefully you will have made your views known to FHDC planners.

But we also know that this is a very complicated and enormous proposal.  You might think of something else you wish you had said about it; you might read something another resident has said and want to add to that.

Just because the date has passed does not mean that that is an end to it.  It is very likely that further information will be added to the submission documents, and that those will have to be put out for public consultation on their own account.

If you want to add something keep on sending your comments in.  

Or if you missed the ‘deadline’ for some reason still send your comments in.  

Keep on writing.

Let them ignore you at their peril.

For commenting on the outline planning application Y19/0257/FH for Otterpool Park the email addresses to use are …..  

planning@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk

otterpool.applications@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk

For more general questions and enquiries you could try emailing these two addresses…

A thought here is that the planning department will not enter into a correspondence with you from your comments on the application, but the promoters of the scheme might do.

Certainly they are both inviting questions about the development. Try not to disappoint them!

Pillory Barn

If you have a question or would like to learn more about the development and masterplanning process, please contact our marketing partner Pillory Barn on 01622 684407 or email otterpoolpark@pillorybarn.co.uk.

Pillory Barn is a Public Relations company employed to handle marketing/PR for the project. (They were filming at the two latest events. Have a look on their website to get an idea of what they do.)  ( www.pillorybarn.co.uk )

Folkestone & Hythe District Council offers this:-

Any comments or questions should be emailed to: 

Otterpool@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk

Whatever you send in, please remember to copy your comments to us at sellindgeresidents@gmail.com

It really does help us to know what you have to say about this, and what is important to you. If there are things you like about it we need to know that too.  

Keep on writing! Otterpool Park is a 30 year long project! They’ll have plenty of time to read your comments. 

IT WON’T BE OVER UNTIL THE FAT LADY SINGS,

The weather was fine without a cloud in the sky for the Westenhanger Otterpool exhibition, but where were the masses of the Silent majority that support the building of a commuter, dormitory town as espoused by deputy leader Jenny Hollingsbee?

It was PR company ‘Pillory Barn’ headed by Managing Director, Miranda Chapman that were on site to meet and greet local residents as they slowly drifted in to see the wonderful world of Otterpool – an experience that lived up to be, well, probably the worst one of the four exhibitions to date.

Surprisingly, there were no feedback cards to hand back with residents comments and little real expertise on site; just the usual lightly briefed mouthpieces espousing the usual diatribe for the Monk cabal. Is it worth mentioning that Miranda Chapman is also a Director of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce!

And if you’re wondering where the onsite FHDC representatives were, there were none. It’s true that a number of Councillors visited the exhibition but their visit was fleeting compared to our team that pitched up at 1pm and left at 7.45pm.

To get to the crux of the matter the exit poll revealed the following:

Of the 164 people canvassed, 38 offered no comment on the development, 9 people were in favour and 117 people were against the development.

Calculated in percentage terms, only 7.69% of people attending the exhibition were in favour of Otterpool Town. The 38 people that offered no comment are not included in the calculation.

Please don’t forget that the clock is ticking on the planning application date for comments to be registered. Your comments must be in by 27th May.

If you want to comment on the current planning application you can do this directly through the on-line system, but there are limitations on the number of characters/words you can use, and the system does time out without saving so that could be frustrating.

You might find it easier to simply send your thoughts in an email to

planning@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk

…and we would find it helpful if you would send a copy of your email to us (sellindgeresidents@gmail.com) at the same time, and we can see and collate what issues are the most important to you.

Start your email with the application reference number,

Y19/0257/FH – OTTERPOOL PARK 

And say either

“I object to this application.”

Or if you really feel this way,

“I support this application”

and then go on to say what you want to say in more detail.

YOU MUST GIVE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS IN YOUR EMAIL, 

ANONYMOUS CONTRIBUTIONS WILL BE IGNORED.

This is a list of common aspects that are considered relevant, but it is not exhaustive.  The most important thing is that you should say simply and clearly just what you think about it.

A material consideration is a matter that should be taken into account in deciding a planning application or on an appeal against a planning decision.

Material considerations can include (but are not limited to):

• Overlooking/loss of privacy

• Loss of light or overshadowing

• Parking

• Highway safety

• Traffic

• Noise

• Effect on listed building and conservation area

• Layout and density of building

• Design, appearance and materials

• Government policy

• Disabled persons’ access

• Proposals in the Development Plan

• Previous planning decisions (including appeal decisions)

• Nature conservation

However, issues such as loss of view, or negative effect on the value of properties are not material considerations……. 

But that doesn’t mean you can’t say it, ….and the impact on views into or out of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a material consideration, …..so just say what is in your heart! 

https://searchplanapps.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/online-applications/

Until the next time.

S&DRA

Dear Residents,

The farce continues.

We are all being treated to another round of sham consultations organised by the Monk Cabal, aka Folkestone and Hythe District Council alongside his well paid consultants.

Thursday, 16 May, 2pm to 7.30pm, at Westenhanger Castle, Stone Street, Hythe, CT21 4HX

Friday, 17 May, 2pm to 7.30pm, at the Channel Suite, Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone, CT20 2DZ

The Otterpool Park New Town super tanker has been slowed recently by the torpedo from Central Government pulling the plug on the Housing Infrastructure fund of £281,000,000, leaving the Council open mouthed and red faced. Could it be that Mr. Monk is relying upon his rich co developer, Cozumel (Offshore) Estates, aka The Reuben Brothers, to cough up the dosh?  They may just be able to afford it with their worth to be £18.664bn according to the recently published ‘Rich List’. The Sunday Times ranked The Reuben Brothers at number 2 in the official ‘Rich list.’

The fact remains that this Government supported Garden Town notion is meant to be community led. We have never been asked if we wanted it, in fact, 27 Parish Councillors told FHDC that they didn’t want it almost 3 years ago and still the Council pushed on against democracy.

This is your chance, once again, to tell them what they can do with their new town. Ask the question: Why weren’t we asked if we wanted a massive housing estate linking our villages. Why have you pushed ahead with it with less than 3% support.

If you’re asked to comment on paper, write: Not required, not wanted. We already have 14,560 homes for local people in the pipeline. We do not need any more. These are only our suggestions. Please say and write what you feel.

See you there.

S&DRA.

 

Since the announcement of two senior council members having offshore bank accounts was posted, speculation has been rife. Many Residents have already pointed the finger as to who it could be. We are now naming them. According to ‘Shepwayvox’ they are:

Conservative Leader David Monk and Deputy Leader Jennifer Hollingsbee of Folkestone and Hythe District Council.

Mr. Monk, at present, is both a District and Kent County Councillor and is standing in the Folkestone Central ward hoping to be re-elected next Thursday 2nd May.

Mrs. Hollingsbee is Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities and, she too, is hoping to be re-elected in the North Downs West ward next Thursday.

Is it justified for Councillors holding public office to have such accounts and, is it right that such accounts do not appear in their ‘Register of Interests’? In the name of transparency, we only ask the question.

It is not against the law to hold offshore accounts, nor do we imply that both Councillors have done anything illegal.

 

No OTTERPOOL TOWN was the theme of the event with banners displayed, drums banged and whistles blown along Hythe High Street. Police were in attendance that helped the flow of the march through the town, holding up the traffic, putting safety first for all those attending. A big thank you goes out to Kent Police.

A rallying call went out to all candidates standing in next Thursdays election and, the candidates didn’t disappoint.

David Plumstead, co-organiser, was first up concentrating on environmental issues. With water a major concern, or lack of it in the region, it would be difficult to see how Affinity Water could supply the homes already agreed in the local plan. With the Housing infrastructure fund of £281,000,000 denied from central Government, FHDC are already kicking their heels probably relying on their offshore bedfellows Cozumel Estates to cough up the cash. Fat chance of that with a 50/50 collaboration agreement in place.

Labour, The Green Party, UKIP,  The Foundation Party and one Independent candidate all hit the mark with comments about localism and representing the majority view within the District. They were all given a fair crack of the whip with each and every candidate receiving applause from supporters across the board. Tribalism was clearly consigned to the dustbin on the day creating an atmosphere of friendship and camaraderie.

A handful of protesters assembling for the Rally.

Jim Martin, standing as Green Party candidate, clearly spoke out against the Conservative undemocratic regime saying “vote for anyone next Thursday, but don’t vote Conservative. Supported by Lesley Whybrow, also standing as a Green Party candidate in Hythe, the message was one of the same. News of Princes Parade can be viewed here: http://saveprincesparade.org/

Representing Labour, Christopher Deane made the point that exorbitant profits were being made by PLC builders of over £60,000 on a property worth £213,000.  Michelle Dorrell (Labour) spoke passionately about inflated house prices leaving local residents, on a local salary, floundering when it came to stepping on to the property ladder. Council house building has been pitiful under this Conservative Council.

Bryan Rylands standing as an Independent pulled no punches when it came to exposing two very senior Councillors at FHDC with offshore bank accounts. He named and shamed them both leaving the crowd open mouthed and angry. We will leave it to you all to check out the publication on the Shepwayvox website over the coming days: https://shepwayvox.org/

Liz Phillips representing the UK Independence Party spoke passionately about representing the people of the North Downs West ward. Clearly up to speed with the environmental damage that a commuter town would bring, the message was more than clear. Speaking for the issues within the ward she said “It’s a NO to Otterpool and a NO to the Lorry Park.”

A new party on the block is The Foundation Party. Mary Lawes, is a tireless campaigner and a stalwart in supporting our campaigns.  Mary (formerly UKIP and Independent) is already a District Councillor for the Folkestone Harbour ward so will be campaigning on her existing track record notably recognised by her loyal constituents.

Les Barratt, Co chairman of Sellindge & District Residents Association said “We set out to achieve the goal of bringing our campaign back into the media spotlight. With Meridian News in attendance alongside  local press, the coverage was fantastic. If the Council think we’ve gone away or suffering from campaign fatigue they are very much mistaken. Support from political parties and independent groups is now more solid than ever. We are now stepping up our campaign to tackle the Otterpool application. Watch this space.”

To all those foot soldiers who distributed leaflets and displayed posters; a massive THANK YOU. We also had support from Carol and Peter, owners of Potten Farm, Sellindge –  THANK YOU for displaying  our posters so enthusiastically. A prime example of local business supporting local issues, for local people. Well done.

S&DRA.