The Treachery of Images, Rene Magritte 1928-29
The Treachery of Council Officers, Bristol City Council 2008
The Green Bristol Blog has just published a leaked briefing note on the Railway Path sell-off rushed out to concerned councillors this afternoon by arse-covering senior officers on behalf of David Bishop, the council’s head of planning.
The Blogger will be returning to it soon but suffice to say for now it demonstrates a total disregard for the democratically agreed process set out in the council’s Park and Green Spaces Strategy and even invents a non-existent committee they may be consulting – the Parks & Green Spaces Board. There’s no such thing, guv!
The surrealist angle! I hadn’t thought of that.
Bristol City Council? Surreal???
Surely not.
The way Bristol City Council officers seem to be getting in a state over this makes me think of Francisco Goya’s “Saturn Devouring his Son”.
With any luck this could lead onto “The Third of May 1808″… Iwonder who we could see up against the wall in this third of September 2008 re-enactment…
….. oooh, don’t get me started
Letter registering an objection to sell-off sent this morning.
Dear Sir/Madam,
Railway Path land sell-off, Greenbank
I’m very concerned about the proposed Railway Path land sell-off at Greenbank, Bristol, linked with the planned development of the former chocolate factory. I’d like to register an objection to the sale of this land.
I dont want any of the green corridor of the Railway Path lost. The mature vegetation supports a wide range of biodiversity which would be adversely affected by the plans. In addition the greenery absorbs carbon from the air and the area would be less effective at doing so if developed. Users of the path are likely to experience a loss of visual amenity and the feel of the place will change negatively if developed as suggested.
I’m dismayed and unhappy that consultation on the land sell-off is completely lacking. The City Council are breaking at least the spirit of their stated openness and participation policies. One cant help but feel that behind the scenes its all a ‘done deal’ before it eventually reaches the public domain via planning processes.
I’d appreciate a response telling me exactly what the current situation is and how the council and developers respond to accusations of cutting biodiversity, reducing the carbon sink effect and reducing visual amenity with their plans.
Yours sincerely
Glenn Vowles
http://vowlesthegreen.blogspot.com
Hi everybody, some local residents have now set up a blog with the aim of promoting discussion on this issue.
I’ve just fired off emails complaining about the lack of consultation for this sell off too Glenn.
In the meantime, let’s see what else comes to the surface…
… I have a sneaking feeling that there are more well rotted deals down there.