District Councillor June Report

The leader of SSDC, Ric Pallister, is stepping down after seven years in charge and over 19 years as a ward councillor. Speaking of his legacy, he cites getting the council to focus on health, homes, jobs and the environment as among his proudest achievements alongside his commitment to those affected by the floods in 2013 and 2014. Yet, he leaves SSDC without a five-year housing supply and in a period of transition with transformation and income generation yet to be fully implemented. Both are championed as visionary projects designed to protect and improve delivery of council services and make the council more financially sustainable, but both have yet to demonstrate their viability in practicable terms. The Liberal Democrats group will now begin the process of selecting a new leader to take the council forward until the District Council elections in May 2019.

'The Maples' will shortly be applying for up to a further 27 dwellings in Stanchester Way. They have recently undertaken a pre-application consultation contacting residents whose properties share a boundary with the application site as well as sending over 400 postcards to households in the wider community informing them of their proposals. They are welcoming any comments you may have about this development so please either go on the website www.summerfield-curryrivel.info or contact one of the local parish councillors who will then be aware of your views when the time comes for the parish to make a decision on the planning application.

The Somerset County Council library consultation is now closed and a decision is expected in September. Huish Episcopi swimming pool is scheduled to reopen on the 30th June. An update on internet connectivity, which is still poor in many areas of the district, will be given by Connecting Devon and Somerset at the annual meeting with Towns and Parish Councils later in the month.

Tiffany Osborne
District Councillor
SSDC