Realising that being a local councillor is primarily about our local community and local issues, nonetheless I am forever asked, or should I say “told” that Reform UK don’t have any policies. Well, I just thought I’d try and guide you to their policy statements so that just maybe you’ll have a look at them…
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If you have something to say in general, then please do in the form below. You might have something important to say about what is or isn’t going on in the community, something I can add to the ongoing blog. It will be moderated (of course) so best behaviour please.
Padnell Grange Planning Application Simplified
Hiya Cowplain, this blog entry is an attempt at simplifying the Havant Borough Council Planning Application APP/26/00332 documentation. Very often I find I lose the will to live ploughing through these documents and often think a summary would really be useful. So please do click on the link above but also please do make use…
APP/26/00332 Planning Application update 17/09/2026
Article concerning planning application APP/26/00332 – Padnell Grange Summary of public comments received to date (17/09/2026) I’ve tried to give a neutral overview of the public representations supplied in relation to the proposal for 90 dwellings at Padnell Grange. It summarises the views expressed; it does not assess the planning merits or independently verify individual…
The NEEM Project
What was the NEEM Project in Greenland between 2007 and 2012? The NEEM Project—North Greenland Eemian Ice Drilling—was a major international ice-core project conducted in northwestern Greenland from 2007 to 2012. Its central goal was to drill through roughly 2.5 km of the Greenland Ice Sheet and recover ice dating back to the Eemian interglacial,…
A resident’s right to light
Do we as residents have a right to light? In England and Wales: potentially, but not automatically A right to light is a property right, not a general personal right enjoyed simply because you are residents. It is an easement protecting sufficient natural light passing over neighbouring land through particular windows, skylights or other defined…
What does Unitary Authority mean?
If one of the advantages of a unitary authority is having one administration why is the mayor’s administration and Parish Councils separate? “One administration” in a unitary authority means that the former county council and district/borough councils are replaced by one principal council. It does not mean that every form of local governance is merged…
The simplest way to understand LGR
The simplest way Three separate structures are being discussed at the same time: The 2027 election is for the new unitary council.The 2028 election is for the regional Mayor. They are not elections for the same body. Why is reorganisation happening? In Fareham, Gosport, Havant and most of Hampshire, responsibilities are currently divided between: The…
When Scrutiny Becomes a Formality
Observations from a shiny new Councillor Local democracy depends on more than simply counting votes. It depends on genuine scrutiny, robust debate, and a willingness to engage with ideas regardless of where they originate. Over recent months, one pattern has become increasingly difficult to ignore in the council chamber. Reform-led motions, amendments and lines of…
Padnell Grange Planning Applications
Looking into the Planning Applications over recent years to develop Padnell Grange, APP/19/00224 and APP/26/00332 Yes. Looking at the planning history, there is an important distinction between planning applications and site allocation in the Local Plan. The history is a little more nuanced than it first appears. 1. The 2019 planning application (APP/19/00224) In February…
Overgrown Hedges
Hedge growing onto an adjacent pavement or footpath from a private property. In Havant borough, an ordinary hedge growing out from private property onto an adjacent pavement or footpath would normally be dealt with as a highways matter, rather than by Havant Borough Council’s planning enforcement team. The usual process would be: So, in practical…
The Great Unravelling: A Warning to Our Generation
There are moments in history when a civilisation stands at a crossroads, though few recognise the significance of the moment until many years have passed. The changes are seldom announced by the sound of cannon fire or the collapse of governments. More often, they arrive quietly, disguised as progress, convenience and entertainment. By the time…
