Victory

Breaking News

"In a decision announced this morning communities secretary Hazel Blears has rejected the council-backed Arrowcroft arena, homes and offices scheme planned for the Gateway site at East Croydon."

Excellent!

A lot of good people put in much time, effort and energy into opposing this scheme, today is their day.

Let us not forget that had the council not tried to push through this unwanted scheme, the eyesore that is Dingwall Road would have been redeveloped by now.

The people who have suffered because of the council's arrogance are the citizens of Croydon. It is now time for high level resignations from the council.

A copy of the full decision can be downloaded here: Decision

Gateway Decision Update

I am advised that Hazel Blears, in her wisdom, is posting the decision by Royal Mail today and won't tell anyone the result until they have all received it in the post.

Has she not heard of email?

Hypocrites

I see that Labour, which foisted the unwanted arena project on Croydon in the first place, has now had a change of heart.

Pathetic hypocrites!

"Tony Newman, leader of the Labour party, said: 'I think if we are going to have an arena, a series of questions need to be asked.

Things have changed since we first considered this 10 years ago.

We have now got the O2 arena and in the current economic crisis is there still the money to build one?

Any development must incorporate the modernisation of East Croydon station'."

Source Croydon Guardian

D Day

Next Wednesday (30 July) is Decision Day for the public inquiry into the arena development on Dingwall Road.

Given the departure of Goodwin, director of planning and transportation at Croydon Borough Council, my guts tell me that it will be a victory for the citizens of Croydon and a defeat for the council's plans to impose an arena on us.

I could of course be 100% wrong!

Our Non Listening Council

With very few weeks left before the results of the public inquiry, Stanhope made a full presentation to the Shadow Cabinet on 30 June.

It was, I understand, well received with extensive questioning on all aspects of the scheme including; housing mix, the new Warehouse Theatre, public performance space, build time, committed financing and the future of Fairfield Halls.

This is in stark contrast to the ruling Conservative administration of Croydon, who have refused a similar offer from Stanhope.

Leaving The Sinking Ship?

Is it possible that the resignation of Phillip Goodwin, director of planning and transportation at Croydon Borough Council, is a straw in the wind indicating that Croydon Council will fail in their bid to build an Arena in Croydon?

Property Week states:

"Goodwin has also been a key backer of Arrowcroft's arena-led plans for the Croydon Gateway."

I hope that is an augury of the future.