LLRA has been asked by those opposed to developing a plan for a shop, community hub and community growing centre what a vote by residents at the LLRA AGM on Tuesday 1 November against the Village Centre project would mean.
To clarify, LLRA is a democratic body that exists to serve the interests of Long Leys residents. We have had clear feedback from the Long Leys community in the past on the desire for facilities, and the Village Centre project is considered the best way to deliver what the community, rather than a commercial developer, wants. However, there needs to be majority community support for the project to progress further.
YES Vote Outcome: LLRA would employ a (grant funded) professional planning consultant to undertake consultations with the community to evolve the project to best meet the needs of residents. The final project detail would then be scrutinised by a planning examiner to ensure it meets national planning requirements. As a final stage the Long Leys community would vote, in a formal election just like the local city council elections, on whether to approve the final proposal. Project financing would still need to be obtained, based on the business case developed by the planning consultant and the volunteer project team.
NO Vote Outcome: LLRA would cease active work on delivering additional facilities such as a general convenience store and a community meeting place in Long Leys.
Please come to the LLRA AGM 6.45pm on Tuesday 1 November at Discovery Cafe, St. George’s hospital to vote on what you would like to happen. See long-leys.org/agm for details.
Notes:
- The Village Centre Resolution being voted on at the AGM: The Long Leys Community approves the further development of a plan to deliver the Village Centre Project as broadly described in the February 2022 launch leaflet and requests that Carholme Councillors take an active role in helping deliver these much-needed local facilities for residents.
For full details on the Long Leys Village Centre project visit long-leys.org/village - LLRA considers a community controlled and managed project is the best way to make sure Long Leys residents get new facilities such as a shop and community hub. However, commercial developers could still submit a planning application on their own terms, without community involvement, through the normal planning process.
Many of those also opposed to a shop are only opposed to a shop being built on the allotments.
A Community Centre with seating for 120, a bar, stage, sound and lighting is not required because The Grandstand is within 1 mile, or wanted by residents who live close by.
A Community Growing Centre is not necessary…. That’s what Allotments are.
I have a general question.
For residents who may not be able to attend the AGM – 1st November – 18:30hrs at Discovery House and would like their vote to be registered, is there any way their vote can be pre- register and counted. Many thanks.
Thanks for your query.
Constitutionally, voting can only be done in person at the LLRA AGM. (Clause 6d: Only full members present at the meeting may vote. No absentee votes will be accepted)
One of the proposed changes for the 2022 constitution is to allow proxy voting in exceptional circumstances (mainly in response to issues arising from COVID), which would give us some flexibility in the future. However the change to the constitution needs to first be approved by voting in person at the 2022 AGM! Not much help to you for now but hopefully will help in the future.
If the Village Centre resolution passes at the AGM then in the future there will be a full blown vote, similar to local elections where postal votes are permitted, on the final details of the project.
When are you posting that the LLRA have now abandoned the RTB as per the email we have received. Also we do not feel the minutes of the AGM reflect accurately the points made, the objections raised and the abandonment of the resolution. Given this issue has caused many people a great dealt of distress and anxiety it seem unprofessional and inconsiderate not to give an update that is headlined in the way you have devoted space to the roadwork next year that are on Carholme Road. We are posting this as we have not had a response to our email. .
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