Alan Lawrance outside Rodford School

At Wednesday’s Corporate Select Committee Lib Dem Councillors demanded the public should be involved in decisions that affect their communities. Lib Dem members asked for a concept statement to be drawn up prior to disposal of the land at the Rodford Way School site, Yate. They said this would lead to consultation with the public but also provide a win-win situation as the Council might achieve a higher price if the land was sold with outline planning permission.

Cllr Alan Lawrance (Dodington) said, “We are in general agreement with the decision to raise valuable funds for the Council from the sale of the land; however what was missed was the expected engagement of the whole community. Especially as this school is in a priority neighbourhood the Conservatives have missed an opportunity to really work with the community to provide regeneration opportunities and a focal point for community facilities and assets.”

He continued, “I was very disappointed that the Conservatives felt there was no need to ask the public their opinion over what would happen in their community. I think the Council has failed in its duty to consult as there had been no attempt to involve the public and in fact Dodington Parish Council was not approached either.”

However the Conservatives voted against this revision of the decision to proceed with the sale of the land and during the debate, Cllr John Goddard (Cons Hanham) said of consulting the public, “In view of the fact we don’t want to see any cuts stopped we will vote against!”

Labour voted with the Lib Dems but were one short so the proposal failed. The sale of the land will go ahead with no further consultation.