19/06/13…..Are we all NIMBYS ? The Elms, Thame, controversy rumbles on

DEAR Editor, Further to all the correspondnce about the proposed housing on Elms Field (Ed. the Elms), I wonder how many people were puzzled by the accusation of NIMBYism in the circular that Cllr Nichola Dixon had distributed? This mailing was actually billed by MP printers to Cllr Dyer. A smaller, A5, circular was paid for by Cllr Dixon, though it was signed by Cllr Dyer. Strange machinations or just incompetence?

And people might like to be told (but don?t hold your breath) who did the distribution and by what incentive they were pursuaded to do so?

The fact is that everybody is a NIMBY, and there’s nothing wrong with that. This is just an accusatory word used any scheme?s promoters to shout down their opponents. In this case, it seems to me that the biggest NYMBY is Rectory Homes which is not planning to put its new houses behind The Elms, but behind neighbouring properties.

Besides, the petition against the development covered many more issues than simply the impact on the houses which overlook Elms field, as proved by the number of signatures.

There is absolutely no need and no benefit (except to Rectory Homes) in building on this traditional pasture, now nominated for inclusion in the Prince of Wales’ Coronation Meadows initiative and designated as an important open space by South Oxfordshire District Council. Some years ago, SODC took action to extend the Conservation Area to include both Elms Field and the adjoining Elms Park.

Although rectory have not allowed sheep farmers to use the pasture, the annual haymaking has just taken place, and long may that continue. Just bring back the sheep.

Town Councillors need to undo their error. It is very apparent how the situation came about and ‘a fall guy’, always needed in these situations, is available.
Readers can write to Councillors to express their disagreement with the plan to destroy valuable green space and they can remind all Councillors that they are there to represent their constituents.

A full list of Councillor email addresses will be provided to anyone who requests it by emailing: elmspetition@hotmail.co.uk

Support for the already submitted petition, by those asking for the addresses, will be taken as read.

Peter Webb (Address supplied)