On January 29 I resigned both as chair and as a member of Rother’s planning committee. I remain a councillor for Southern Rother ward.
The reason for my resignation was a refusal to delay endorsement of a draft planning enforcement policy for elected members to be properly consulted. Pushing a new policy through formal cabinet and council process without detailed democratic scrutiny was not acceptable to me. This was especially so on such an important issue. The draft would have given freedom to council officers to chose the level of service without reference to members.
Happily, following my resignation and representations from myself, my vice-chair and others, Rother’s cabinet has put the matter back for discussion by councillors.
Despite the hard work involved I shall miss the committee. I have been a member, latterly chair, for four and a half years with lengthy meetings almost every month. It was time for a change. Without committee responsibilities I shall have more freedom to speak freely on ward planning issues without worries about predetermination or appearance of bias limiting what I can say or do. This is especially true as Rother’s new local plan is likely to go out for consultation anytime now, with public inspection to follow. I do not know the contents.
Maintaining my independence so I could speak and vote on important applications has been like walking on eggs. It is hard to explain this to residents who have, not unreasonably, expected me to take sides. I shall also have more time to concentrate on ward issues and on home and village life.
Andrew Mier
Cllr Andrew Mier
Rother District Council
Southern Rother Ward (the villages of Fairlight, Guestling, Icklesham and Pett)
Telephone 07941 693737
Email cllr.andrew.mier@rother.gov.uk
