Hi everybody,

I thought that a final update before Xmas is upon us may bring some cheer at this odd time when we are all locked up and wondering what the latest new event might be from the Government.

A big thank you for all our supporters; your voice is really making a difference. Taylor Wimpey has removed every scrap of signage that might remotely connect the Thames Farm site to them, so I think 3 broadcast features on the BBC South Today programme and countless column inches from the Henley Standard together with the strength of feeling by over 1100 signatories here, means that they are taking this issue very seriously indeed!

A complaint to SODC has rather placed them in a flat spin as they don't appear to have a 'policy' to cover off a serious complain against their more senior officers when we pointed out to them that if they were really saying that the CEO and Chair of the Council could not react to a petition on a planning matter and offered the complaint to be investigated by someone who has already been directly involved in this matter. How they ultimately find a way out of that particular quandary I'm not sure, but it seems to have sent them off in a huddle to reconsider the issue. No doubt a new complaints policy will emerge in time and at some point, they will answer the questions! So whilst all of this has been going on, we have done a forensic analysis of the points made by those who are responsible for making sure that the proposed drainage solution is fit for purpose and proven I think beyond any reasonable doubt that the application is defective, and once again requested that it be rejected. on the grounds that it contains in sufficient detail for it to be seriously considered. We wait with baited breath for a response!

At the end of last week, 4 members of TFAG's Steering Group had an online video call with 3 senior executives of Taylor Wimpey. The Regional MD responsible for the Thames Farm site; his technical Director; and from HQ, the Planning Director for the Group.

The call lasted for about an hour and a half, and the following key points were the outcome:

1. Taylor Wimpey are looking at other options for draining the scheme.

2. The Lashbrook option has not been withdrawn but is on the back burner whilst other things are examined. This includes taking their waste water straight to the Thames.

3. They will develop a communications strategy and present it week 1 of the new year.

4. They will review their 'housekeeping' re fencing, tidying up the site etc.

5. They will come and talk to us before they submit anything to SODC.

6.They are unlikely to have completed this review and be ready to table things until spring 2021.

7. They apologised for submitting an incomplete scheme without full information and for the angst that their clumsy non-consultive approach has caused to dozens of residents.

So the good news, is that the Lashbrook option is on the back burner and other options are being actively evaluated.

TFAG has also retained a specialist firm of solicitors to represent the Group, and a firm of specialist water/drainage engineers has been retained by the Parish Council to ensure we are ready for the next actions in the New Year.

Should there be any breaking news over the festive period I will let everyone know, but in the interim can I and my colleagues at TFAG wish everybody a happy and safe Christmas break.

Peter Boros

Chairman 

Thames Farm Action Group