The fete was the launch of our photography competition – click here for entry details. We handed out leaflets advertising the competition.
On Saturday 6th July Capel Greenbelt Protection Society had a successful stand at the Capel annual fete.
Despite the wind and rain. Konrad’s tent held its ground magnificently; Ian’s banners flagged our presence bravely. The sun did appear after the local vicar, Jeremy Ive, popped by.
It was great to see a founder Charity trustee again (Martin Pengeley), who reminded us of how long we have been educating our borough council about our parish. Our work continues with our representations at ongoing Planning Inspector hearings during 2024.
Hugh Patterson, mayor of Tunbridge Wells (2023), discussed the inspector’s progress with us and is concerned about the new government’s plans regarding the Greenbelt. Hugh felt that the Inspector is losing patience with the borough council.
A Tonbridge councillor attended our stand and enquired why we were persisting. After, at a Tonbridge council meeting, the members agreed that the Tudeley Garden Village issue was dead. We corrected him in his misperception and he is taking this news back to the Tonbridge & Malling council.
Longstanding Save Capel members dropped by and were interested in Ian’s latest updates.
A Paddock Wood resident discussed the speculative development of 1,600 houses on our boundary – Persimmon is appealing the council’s refusal of this development on the basis it is not in their Local Plan; but as Tunbridge Wells has no current local plan, Persimmon are appealing; i.e., where a sound plan does not exist speculative developments abound.
So, all in all – a fantastic example of committed team work.
The successful day was happily rounded off by England getting through to the Euro 2024 semifinals!
