From the Chair:

18th July 2018 - What Next ?

Following Mr. Justice Holgate's rejection of Gladman's challenge to the Inspector's report, we have now heard that the High Court case is officially closed and so is the original planning application.
This is very good news indeed, however, we are aware, with regard to Bewdley's Neighbourhood Plan and Wyre Forest's Local Plan, that submissions may be made by interested parties, including developers and planning promoters. BSNTG will be following and scrutinising the progress of both plans until completion.
With this in mind we have turned our attention to our campaign fund. This money, which was given so generously, has been used to fund campaign promotion and publicity, including banners and last summer's art competition and winter exhibition. The bulk of spending was directed at the professional Landscape report by Pleydell Smithyman and this has proved to be money very well spent. Thank you to everyone whose donations enabled us to commission that report.
It has always been our intention to donate any surplus funding to a local cause(s) for the benefit of Bewdley residents and ultimately this will be done. However, until both development plans are finalised and ratified we will retain the fund, just in case!
In the meantime, a full financial statement of income, expenditure and current balance will be published shortly.

25th June 2018 - Gladman's High Court Challenge refused !

The Bewdley Says No to Gladman campaign group is delighted that the High Court has refused an appeal lodged by Gladman against the Government's Planning Inspector.
The Planning Inspector had said NO to Gladman and dismissed Gladman's appeal against WFDC's refusal to allow development across this valued and significant green landscape.
Gladman had appealed but this has now been refused - and Mr Justice Holgate's decision to refuse permission for judicial review on the grounds that Gladman's claim is "hopelessly unarguable and bound to fail" is very much welcomed.
It proves the appeal was an unjustified attack on the landscape and Gladman were just trying to play the system.
We are pleased that this decision will help protect this valued green landscape.
Had it been allowed to go ahead, Gladman's proposal would have done very serious damage to the rural character of the locality and the incursion of development into the countryside.
We have been told that the 800+ individual letters and emails from the community, expressing strong and well-reasoned objections, was unprecedented.
So I want to take this opportunity to thank all those from the community in Bewdley and Wyre Forest who have supported the campaign in any way, whether it was written, financial, time, energy or moral.
We hope that this draws a line under the issue once and for all, and that all community members can now go about enjoying these wonderful fields, and the rare flora and fauna, rather than worrying about their future.

25th May 2018 - Gladman's High Court Challenge: Update

Dear Campaigners,
BSNTG Chair, Rod Stanczyszyn, has been in consultation with High Court representatives and has been informed that the paperwork, to challenge the appeal decision, has finally been submitted by Gladman, following their initial request which was made four weeks ago.
In fact, Gladman's documentation was presented to Court Officials on 17th May, and it could take the High Court up to three months to process, with a judge's ruling, on whether to proceed with the challenge, expected before the end of August.
The High Court process is by nature both complex and lengthy, to ensure fair play and maintain justice. Although, it is our contention that such a challenge is totally unnecessary following the Planning Inspector's clear-cut appeal report and decision.
As ever, the BSNTG team will monitor and report findings as and when there is any further news.
Once again, many thanks for your unprecedented support to protect our valued and wonderful landscape.

24th April 2018 - Disappointing News

Dear Campaigners,
This afternoon, just one day short of the deadline, we were informed of Gladman's application for a judicial review of the planning inspector's decision to dismiss their appeal. This, in practice, will be a court case against the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.
It is disappointing news but not wholly unexpected. WFDC are seeking legal advice and we don't have any other information at present. The process and timing will be subject to court procedure.
The Campaign continues!

14th March 2018 - Planning Inspector's Decision

Dear Campaigners,
It is with the the greatest of pleasure, and some relief, that we write to inform you of the Planning Inspector's decision to dismiss Gladman's Appeal. Mr Nunn stated in his conclusion that Gladman's proposal would cause 'very serious material harm to the rural character of the locality and incursion of development into the countryside'
We were expecting the decision to be published by next Monday, but were taken by surprise when it appeared on the Inspectorate's website this afternoon. The full report is now available on the BSNTG website.
Gladman do have the option to challenge the Inspector's decision within 6 weeks, but we are hopeful that they won't.
Once again, we thank everyone for their support; this has been vital to the campaign in so many ways.

17th December 2017 - Diary Dates.

Dear Campaigners,
A couple of dates for your new calendars:
Firstly, the artwork created for the 'Bewdley Fields Forever' competition will be on display in St George's Hall Community Cafe, from Monday, 8th January until Saturday, 17th February 2018. We are grateful to the management of The Hall for kindly allowing us to use the space. Please have a look at the paintings that were inspired by the landscape and the BSNTG campaign, whilst enjoying the warm atmosphere and tasty fare on offer in the cafe.
Secondly, according to the Planning Inspectorate's website, the Inspector's decision will be published on 19th March or shortly before.
Finally, very best wishes and thank you for your support.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, 2018 from the BSNTG Committee.

16th November 2017 - Post inquiry update.

My first duty is to say a very big 'thank you' to the BSNTG campaign group, whether committee or supporters, for their hard work, time, energy and financial contributions. Our commitment has resulted in a substantial body of written and spoken evidence submitted to the public inquiry and has produced a robust and, hopefully what will be, a successful opposition to Gladman's Appeal. There is no doubt that BSNTG's efforts not only enhanced Wyre Forest District Council's case but also stand alone as significant evidence for the Inspector's consideration.

From the start of the inquiry process, the Planning Inspector was prepared to listen to our statements in full and he, very fairly, allowed residents to question the witnesses who had been called by Gladman's barrister. However, despite the evidence presented in regard to the AQMA in Welch Gate and to the inevitable increase in traffic in general, we remain unconvinced by the mitigation proposals advanced by Gladman.

After the closing statements were made on the final sitting day, the Inspector sincerely thanked us for our civilised attitude to the process and this was echoed by Counsel on both sides.

We were also extremely pleased that so many Bewdley people attended and gave their support throughout the eight days of the unusually-long inquiry.

I think I can say, on behalf of those who attended the public hearing and those who followed its progress online, that it was an interesting experience; that we are satisfied that it was conducted well; that the Inspector bears a heavy burden of responsibility and that we are relieved to be on the other side of the formal process

We do not anticipate the Inspector's decision, either to refuse or uphold the Appeal, before Spring 2018 at the earliest. Following it there will be a number of possible outcomes: Gladman or WFDC could take the case to the Appeal/High Court under section 288 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, but only on a point of law; the Secretary of State could 'call-in' the case for examination under another section of the TACP 1990; or the decision could be accepted by both parties and not 'called-in'.

So for now we keep the campaign gently simmering on a low heat through the festive period and Winter months and hope for good news in 2018.

Rod - Chair.

21st October 2017 - Bewdley Fields Forever' Art Competition results announced.

Dear Campaigners,
The 'Bewdley Fields Forever' competition entrants, and their friends and family, gathered at Hilary Baker's studio last night for the announcement of winners and to view each other's work. The high standard of the finalists' entries was evident, as was the inspiration supplied by the landscape, wildlife and footpath that prompted 'Bewdley Fields Forever' in the first place.

Winners:

Under 18 - Bewdley Cubs Team: Flynn Beacham; Henry Fradgley; Euan Barley; Elliot Munn

Adult Runner-up - Katie Lloyd

Adult Overall Winner - Helen Whatcott

Congratulations to these talented artists and many thanks to all those who entered the competition.
Photographs of the finalists and winners will be available to view on this website in the near future.
Many thanks to Bewdley Mayor, Anna Colman, who presented the prizes.
Finally, thank you to Hilary for her generosity and support throughout the competition.

One final reminder,, but you probably don't need it!
The Public Inquiry into Gladman's Appeal begins on Tuesday, next, 24th October. As a committee and a campaign group we have been preparing and talking with experts and advisers. We are determined to ensure that the Inspector is aware of all aspects of our opposition to this unwanted application.
If you would like to attend the Inquiry, we understand that there are approximately 30 seats available for members of the public during the possible 8 days of the Inquiry.
Thank you for your continuing support.

20th June 2017 - Wyre Forest District Council Planning Meeting

Dear Campaigners,
Just a quick update on last night's planning meeting. I'm very happy to report that WFDC Planning Committee voted unanimously to endorse the Planning Officer's recommendation to refuse Gladman's Lakes Road application.
Mr Baggott, development manager, gave a thorough and balance summary of his report which included a number of photographs.
Our Chairman represented BSNTG and was permitted to speak for 3 minutes, in which he summarised the campaign so far and eloquently expressed the strength of feeling of Bewdley residents in relation to the main objections to the application - see below for full text of his address. Cllr. Calne Edginton also addressed the meeting on behalf of Bewdley Town Council and was able to give an overview of  their concerns in relation to the inevitable increase in traffic and the ongoing issue of air quality. She also focused on  the significance of Bewdley's heritage and its relationship to the landscape of the Severn Valley and the railway.
Committee members, Cllr Marcus Hart, Cllr Fran Oborski and Cllr Ian Hardiman, all voiced their unequivocal opposition to the application. Clr Hart stated that WFDC had worked hard to ensure that the requirement for a minimum five year housing land allocation was met and that their ethos was for "plan led development not developer-led development".
So now the campaign moves into the Appeal process, fully committed and united in our endeavour to defeat this application.
A reminder that you have until 27th June to make comments or further submissions to the Planning Inspectorate, at the following address :
The Planning Inspectorate,
FAO Peter Kozak, Room3/0,
Temple Quay House,
2, The Square,
BRISTOL BS1 6PN
Please quote Appeal Ref. No : APP/R1845/W17/3173741 on all correspondence.
Or online here:APP/R1845/W/17/3173741.
Thank you for your continuing support.

Our Chairman's statement to the committee:

"Thank you Chair and Councillors.
I speak this evening as the Chair of the 'Bewdley Says No to Gladman' campaign group which was set up last August in response to the pamphlet from Gladman of Congleton, Cheshire. We decided to seek the opinions of the immediate neighbours, and other Bewdley residents, by calling a public meeting attended by more than 300 people. It was no surprise that there were many forceful views expressed at that event, leading to the 800 plus formal objections. Since then I have had numerous discussions with these residents and, from the many colourful adjectives used to describe the application, I will pick just one - inappropriate.
I wish to list four ways in which this term is correct.
Firstly, the effect on the landscape. 
The site is crossed by a long-established public right of way - a highly-valued route between the parishes of Bewdley and, originally, Dowles used regularly for more than 200 years according to N.M.Barrett's 'Portrait of Dowles. In fact, the 1926 'Guide to Bewdley' describes the outlook from the path in this way: ';A halt should be made at the third field, and from its very elevated position you have indeed a lovely view of the woods and magnificent valley of the Severn beneath'. No roadside path 
through a large housing estate could ever compensate for the loss of the 'glorious views' as promoted by Worcestershire County Council in their guides for circular walks around Bewdley.
Secondly, the site access and local road network. 
The housing in the Bark Hill locality pre-date the arrival of the affordable motor car. Many were built on a steep gradient and provision was never made for the parking of vehicles, making on-street parking inevitable. At the busy local convenience store, customer parking often over spills from the shop frontage on to The Lakes Road at the 'abnormal' crossroads, as stated in Mr. Baggott's report. This position would always remain 'abnormal' and potentially dangerous wherever the give way lines are positioned. This situation could only deteriorate inline with the inevitable increase in traffic.
Thirdly, I must emphasise the social aspect of this site. 
When someone is travelling along Dry Mill Lane, whether on foot or by bicycle, or following the footpath down to the Severn, they will comment on how their spirits are lifted by the experience. There is no doubt that this has a hugely positive effect on the well-being of many in the community.
Lastly, I wish to comment on the term 'affordable housing' in the context of this particular locality. 
A few months ago, a terraced property bordering this site, 1 The Old Dairy, was advertised for sale. For the asking price of £229,950 
the purchaser would have one room downstairs and two very small bedrooms upstairs. A starter home - ? ; affordable -?- not by many. No, Gladman's Lakes Road. proposal is not the solution to any need for affordable homes in Wyre Forest.
I urge you to endorse this report to demonstrate a united approach to this unwelcome, inappropriate and unsustainable application.
Thank you."

1st June 2017 - 'Bewdley Fields Forever' Art Competition launched to celebrate our much loved landscape.

After almost 10 months of saying NO to Gladman, the BSNTG committee has just launched 'Bewdley Fields Forever', a Summer Art Competition, in celebration of the landscape, footpath and wildlife that we know and love.
We are privileged to have the support of a local, professional artist, Hilary J. Baker, who has produced a fantastic piece of artwork based on The Cockshutts fields off Lakes Road. Hilary has agreed to lead the judging panel, and has very generously offered a first prize masterclass at her studio, plus a signed, limited edition print of her work.
The competition is open to all and will run until 9th September, so there is plenty of time for inspiration and to summon your creative talent.
The full story with photos, further details and the competition entry form can be found as a link - Art Competition - on the BSNTG website.
You can also read about the launch and Hilary J. Baker in this week's Kidderminster Shuttle.
So, while saying 'YES' to a Summer of art, beauty and love of landscape, we will most definitely be saying 'NO' to Gladman!

4th May 2017 - Response to Gladman launching an appeal before the application has even been heard by the Wyre Forest planning committee.

We received a wonderful response from the people of Bewdley to our campaign with hundreds of residents expressing their anger at the application and 600 writing to WFDC with objections to it.
Of course, Gladman’s answer to that was to draw on more money from their deep accounts and submit extra papers to “solve” those refusal points – papers which suggested some ridiculous ideas, such as a roundabout at the most congested and polluted part of Bewdley.
Now Gladman have decided that those suggestions must be worthless and have jumped to an appeal process.
We always expected this to happen and now ask people who love Bewdley to help us with financial support for the continuing fight.
We urge people to contribute to our collecting boxes in Bewdley shops, St George’s Hall or via the Fundraising page of our website.
Rod - Chair.

1st May 2017 -  Gladman launch appeal.

Dear Campaigners,
You have probably already heard the news of Gladman's Appeal to the Planning Inspectorate on grounds of non-determination by WFDC. This is predictable behaviour by Gladman, in spite of the fact that their numerous, additional submissions have caused months of delay.
It is pleasing to see that Mark Garnier, MP, has re-stated his opposition to the Lakes Road application, and in a letter to Sajid Javid, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, has urged him to do the same. This letter can be viewed here.
Thank you for your continuing support.
Rod - Chair.

20th January 2017 - Welcome to the new 'From the Chair' page.

Welcome to the Bewdley says No to Gladman website – especially if this is your first viewing. As you can see from elsewhere on the site, our campaign is to stop the attempted despoilment of a plot of rural land with a public right of way and beautiful views of the Severn valley. This town is, after all, a derivation of the French "beau lieu", meaning beautiful place! What is most galling about this situation is the Gladman factor. This company exists solely to exploit the national planning system by trying to identify councils whose housing supply situation is below an arbitrary 5 year figure – not the position in Wyre Forest who have a figure of close to 6 years. Gladman then approach landowners and promise them a planning approval as long as they allow Gladman to walk away with a large cut of the land value. You can hear them describe it as a win-win situation! Of course, they usually make no attempt to talk to the planning officers in the area and any approach to the local residents is along the lines of "here are our superb plans, how do you think they could be improved? - not that it matters as we are putting in the application next week". 

The campaign started with a public meeting which showed just how deeply 300 + people felt about this inappropriate scheme – you can see the press reports elsewhere on our site. Thanks to the work of all our committee members, we have brought the campaign to the attention of the residents of Bewdley and our surroundings. We have had site meetings with a variety of officials and specialists and we have been heartened by their realisation that this is the wrong place in Bewdley for any housing development. 

The current situation is that Gladman are nervous – they have asked for deferments of the Wyre Forest Planning Committee meeting where the application will be determined; the next possible date will be 21st February. We are well prepared for this and ask for a turn out on that evening to demonstrate the strength of people power in showing the council how strong is our love of our neighbourhood. Thanks once more for your interest and your support. 
Rod - Chair.

 

17th January 2017 - Concern and Opportunity.

As always, last night's committee meeting was well-attended, lively and inspiring. However, one point of concern was the news that some of the gates on the proposed development site have been damaged.
There is no evidence that Bewdley says NO to Gladman supporters were involved in perpetrating this damage and there is a public right of way, interrupted by very high stiles along the footpath, nevertheless, the committee would like to stress that we do not condone any form of damage to, or trespass on, the landowner's property.
We strongly urge our supporters not to do or say anything that could reflect badly on the campaign or bring it into disrepute.

As far as the opportunity is concerned, we were contacted recently by Adam Zerny who has organised an online petition of Parliament on behalf of 50 campaign groups across the UK. Bewdley says NO to Gladman is one of these groups and we are encouraging all supporters to sign the petition which is calling for a Parliamentary debate on communities and their rights with regard to development in their areas.
A minimum of 100,000 signatures are required for this petition to be considered for debate, so each group is aiming to generate at least 2,000.
PLEASE SIGN HERE

More information and a full list of affiliated groups can be found at: All 4 Better Development

Bewdley says NO to Gladman has also affiliated to another umbrella group, Community Voice on Planning, which is also backing this petition.

 

23 December 2016 - Seasons Greetings.

Hello Everyone,
This will be the final message of 2016 so thanks again for your continuing support which will be just as vital in 2017.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 
from the 
'Bewdley says NO to Gladman' committee

29th November 2016.

Hope you're keeping warm.
As some of you may have already seen on Facebook, we were informed this morning that Gladman's application, 16/0550/OUTL, will not be determined at WFDC's Planning Committee on 13th December.
We understand that this is due to a request from Gladman for an extension to the preparation and response time.
This does mean that  we can indulge in seasonal preparations and celebrations before we gear-up for more hard work in the new year. 
Rest-assured, we will keep you informed of any further news.

 

29th September 2016 - Thank you leafleteers.

Can't believe it's 7 days since I dished out those bundles of leaflets. 
Firstly, many thanks to all the 'leafleteers' who delivered to approximately 4,100 homes in Bewdley and Wribbenhall. The delivery was completed in 3 days, which is impressive!
Secondly, thank you to all those who have submitted their letters of objection to Wyre Forest District Council. Strength in objection and strength in numbers!.
Keep those objections rolling in; there are no restrictions on age or the location of your address.

4th September 2016 - HoldingHandsforBewdley.

Hi fellow campaigners/supporters,
What a wonderful morning – the sun was shining (I think I saw it once!), the breeze was gentle, the scenery was (and will always be) magnificent and, most importantly, the people were INCREDIBLE. I hope you enjoyed yourselves and perhaps even met some new friends. Thank you so much for being there.
So you will be asking now "what is going to happen next?". I can assure you that we (the committee) are going to be working hard on an Action Plan to combat this threat from Gladman. We all have to remember though that there is no actual planning application for this proposal at the present moment. If that does occur then we will need help from everyone in all sorts of ways.
Tomorrow's Bewdley Town Council Planning Sub-committee meeting contains an agenda item to discuss a letter sent by Gladman concerning the need for an Environmental Impact Assessment for the site. This is not the occasion to flood the meeting. I know I can't insist that you don't attend but that is what I ask of you on this occasion. Two members of our committee will be present. There will be other times when a full-on approach will serve our campaign better.
Please pat yourselves on the back for making it happen today and – if you haven't already seen it – watch BBC1 Midlands Today news at 10pm tonight Sunday to view yourselves HoldingHandsforBewdley.

 

3rd September 2016 - Hands across the Fields.

If you are coming to help us make a human chain tomorrow, please remember the following points:
Keep to the public right of way
Do not obstruct the path for other users
Keep dogs on a lead
Do not cause any damage
Do not leave any litter
Sorry to sound so prescriptive, but we need to ensure that nothing happens at this event that could result in a negative image for the campaign.
If you wish to approach and join the chain from the Dowles Road end of the footpath that will be fine, there is no need to come up to the Dry Mill Lane meeting point.
Above all enjoy the walk and the views and remember to smile for the cameras ! 

 

3rd September 2016 - Committee formed.

Many thanks everyone that has supported us so far with help advice and financial donations.We as a campaign group are planning lots of activity over the coming weeks and months – so will be needing lots of help and support from everyone.
Its been a very busy week organising all that is needed getting us prepared to face the battle ahead to Say NO to Gladman.So far we have organised a meeting & some media coverage and also tomorrows Human Hands event in the fields.Under our now official name of Bewdley Says No To Gladman. We have appointed a working party/committee to steer us through.
Elected posts are as of today: 

Chair  -  Rod Stanczyszyn
Vice Chair  -  TBC
Treasurer  -  Melanie Brittain
Secretary  -  Lyn Stanczyszyn
IT Co-ordinator  -  Barry Maloy
Media & Communications  -  Adam Fradgley
Social Media  -  Gordon Roberts
Planning Consultant  -  TBC
Environmental Consultant  - Ian Machin
Legal Consultant  -  TBC
Local Society/Organisation link  -  Mark Moreton
Assistant Treasurer - Avril Maloy

We need to be professional, have joined up thinking so not to duplicate efforts but also be sure that public postings on social media are not of benefit to Gladman or any other developers watching our activity As time passes we are going to need more support and volunteers to take up specific roles. If you feel that you have a skill to add to this fight please contact LoveBewdley@gmail.com and tell us what you can add to our team. Skills of every form are needed – First Aiders, Legal advisers, Marshalls, Graphic Artists, Photographers and Videographers, leaflet delivery – whatever you can add to the team will be a benefit – so please get in touchThe offers of additional support and donations are still rolling in so please keep them coming.

Again a big thank you to all that have assisted so far – lets keep going so we can protect our town