It wouldn't be the first time that we have seen large FTSE-listed development companies using their deep pockets to gain favourable treatment. Some of us can well remember the two Persimmon managers jailed at Plymouth Crown Court some ten years ago, for financial irregularities, at the same time as the company were digging up the new Treffry Road site aka Cathedral View, or as some now call it, the rabbit warren, despite huge local opposition. www.thetimes.co.uk/article/tower-hamlets-scandal-planning-corruption-endemic-in-uk-fd0whnzhs So at what point do "donations" to a political party become bribery for planning leniency? And are there more shadowy deals going on behind closed doors, given strict rules on party donations, especially given the very deep pockets of some companies (Persimmon have just awarded their CEO a £128m bonus, and their managers a £600m profit share, akin to £4m/head)? www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/news/labour-fixer-boasted-2m-seals-the-deal-b0hlvtw57 And is the new Cornwall Council appointment of a semi-retired OAP, John Betty, who is in fact himself just another planning consultant, worth greater scrutiny? Not because he's costing Cornwall taxpayers more money, for somebody we shouldn't actually be needing, but for his close ties to some of the very companies currently enjoying a concrete gold rush in Cornwall? www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/newsreview/bricks-bribery-and-mortar-theflaw-built-into-our-planningrules-c7q50d0kf More information about his company below; conflict of interest? Perhaps... Hammonds Project Management Services Ltd 21 Canynge Square Clifton Bristol BS8 3LA Hammonds Project Management Services Ltd is owned and run by John Betty, and specialises in management across a wide range of projects and programmes for high net worth individuals, private companies and public sector organisations at government or local level. PROJECT MANAGEMENT Hammonds PMS works with clients to create a lean Intelligent Client model and utilises a network of experienced and trusted associates to review the existing capacity and skills, identify obstacles and embed the systems and processes to enable clear management, reporting, control and decision making. Through its network of partners Hammonds PMS is able to provide expertise and strategic input into economic strategies, major infrastructure and transport investment, project administration and delivery, commercial management, regulation, organisational development, HR and capacity building, dispute resolution, project turnaround, advocacy and PR, and connections at the highest levels. Project Delivery and Recovery Hammonds PMS is especially experienced in projects requiring turnaround, or rescue situations where programmes or initiatives can benefit from an independent review and the implementation of an action plan. CONSULTANCY SERVICES Hammonds Consultancy Services offers clients working or operating in the built environment, whether public sector bodies or private companies, analysis and diagnostics of both technical and behavioural issues within organisations. Change Management The behavioural and organisational development expertise supports the culture, skills, capacity and behaviours, and designs the appropriate training and development of your workforce to enable them to deliver the level of performance required of the business or improvement plan. Contact: John Betty Hammonds Project Management Services Ltd E jbetty@hammondspms.co.uk M 07799 862512 In other news: BODMIN www.cornwalllive.com/news/cornwall-news/two-crashes-causing-a30-tailbacks-958562 HEALTH www.cornwalllive.com/news/cornwall-news/thousands-speak-out-furiously-over-952638 www.falmouthpacket.co.uk/news/15780336.Moving_radiotherapy_from_Truro_to_Plymouth__will_kill_people__claims_former_nurse/?ref=mr&lp=18 PENRYN www.falmouthpacket.co.uk/news/15787183.Penvose_Student_Village_plan_decision_deferred_as_university_criticised_for_not_attending_planning_meeting/ FALMOUTH www.falmouthpacket.co.uk/news/15780300.Menehay_development_appeal_sees_535_signature_petition_submitted/ HELSTON www.falmouthpacket.co.uk/news/15782200.Last_chance_to_save_garages_in_Helston_and_prevent___39_bad_blood__39_/?ref=mr&lp=11 A comment from one supporter: "We get development madness because of nimbys, mafia type parish councils, looking after the old boys clubs, incompetent planning officials without architectural wisdom or dynamic foresight. We have a planning system that supports mass house builder that build pure shite housing developments that nobody really wants, but mostly they tick all the planning boxes. Until planning supports local small scale developers and development is spread throughout our county nothing will change. We need housing but the right housing in all areas, but quality housing, Regards" When Planning Consultants boast this on their website, you know you have a problem with the council's planning team, who are at the very least, very weak: "A year in review It's been another year of business growth, planning successes, and ambitious design projects at Laurence Associates. During the last 12 months, we've rebranded, relaunched our website, and hired five new members of staff. We’re proud of our reputation for attracting planning permission for even the most challenging sites. This year, our planning team has secured 123 positive decisions for our clients and won 15 appeals." And finally a Christmas message from another supporter to the council: "Councillor Paynter you are a Liberal Democrat. Around nine years ago, Liberal Democrat Councillors Whalley and Ansari made a pact with the devil which imposed the unwanted Unitary Council on us all, against the will of the majority who were never properly consulted. This proceeded to garrison Kremlin Kernow and turn against the People of Cornwall, whom it nominally exists to serve. Policies have repeatedly been introduced that work against our Cornish interests by a cumbersome gaffe-prone maladministration, that in the manner of the immaculate conception, thinks it is perfect and beyond reproach. Liberal Democrats alone created a bed of thorns which we the People of Cornwall are compelled to lie on, and you, in your naivety, honestly expect us to be happy with! You have ascended into the hot seat as current leader, and like your predecessors, have grasped and drunk from the poisoned chalice that a pact with the devil has delivered. Cornwall Council, during its entire blighted existence, has been a weak money-grabbing institution brooding over Kremlin Kernow, lacking the courage to make a stand, by calling Cornwall’s six MP's to account for the austerity the Conservative Party has imposed, and which no amount of misspent EU funding or borrowing can paper over. We are deeply saddened by the situation we have all been led into, but even more so by the increasingly evident lack of wit or even more concerningly, the will to change course, as the good ship Kremlin Kernow maintains its current course and speed in the manner of the Titanic, towards an almost inevitable collision with an iceberg that will plunge us all into very turbulent waters. We earnestly pray that you, as an inherently decent man, may summon up the courage and the wisdom to right these grievous wrongs, in order to lead us out of the dark vale that we, the People of Cornwall find ourselves in, on this the longest night of the year. Nadelik Lowen ha Blydhen Nowydh Da."