Latest from the planners

We spoke to the case officer this morning to check progress. They say that they are awaiting the Employment Land Report, due on the week beginning 9th January 2011. They will then call a special meeting of the Strategic Planning Committee mid to late February to decide the fate of all the superstore applications.

Panorama on supermarkets tomorrow

The BBC Spotlight team was around Wadebridge today filming material to accompany Paul Kenyon's analysis of the impact of supermarkets for BBC1's Panorama programme tomorrow, Wednesday 22nd December, at 9.00 pm . Be interesting to see the debate we are having here in a wider context.

WREN launch on Saturday 22nd January

The benefits of the low carbon economy for jobs, local investment, and the environment are getting closer with the launch date for the Wadebridge Renewable Energy Network now set for Saturday 22nd January 2011 in Wadebridge Town Hall. Dan Rogerson, MP,  is giving his support, and there will be exhibitions, local and outside speakers, as well as the chance for households to see if they want to generate their own solar energy. So put that date in your diary, and see www.wren.uk.com for more details.

No news is still fairly good news

Still no word when the superstore planning applications will return for consideration. The fact that it is taking so long is helpful, as the policy and case law environment is, at last, shifting steadily towards protecting the vitality and viability of town centres. The levels of impact predicted in the official documents upon Wadebridge town centre by these out of town developments are off the scale, so the planners may be having second thoughts. However on past experience it would be very unwise to be too optimistic that sense will prevail. We will find out in the New Year. So enjoy the thriving town centre of Wadebridge while it is still there, and especially so tonight for late night shopping and carols in the Town Hall.