Deputy Leader Keeps It Clear
Two planning applications have recently been submitted to the London Borough of Bexley, for proposals to develop the former Woolwich site in Bexleyheath, which involve a new Tesco store. The site is located in Barnehurst Ward, where Cllr Simon Windle, Deputy Leader of the Council, is also a Ward Member and where there has already been strong local opposition to the Tesco proposals.
The Council is also currently involved with a separate tendering process for the redevelopment of its Civic Offices site in Bexleyheath. Tesco also have an interest in one of the long listed consortia who are interested in redeveloping the Civic Site.
Cllr Windle has announced:
“In view of my role as a Barnehurst Ward Councillor, I am keen that there is no scope for misunderstanding over my position on these two separate issues and therefore I want to avoid any confusion from the outset.
"I am first and foremost a local Ward Councillor and, as such, I am absolutely committed to representing the views and concerns of my Ward residents. I will therefore act in support of their opposition to the development currently proposed on the ex-Woolwich site.
"However, as the Deputy Leader of the Council, I recognise my opinions about the Woolwich site proposals could be interpreted as having some influence on the ultimate decision to appoint a developer for the Bexleyheath Civic Site.
"In view of this I have decided that I will take no further part in the decisions concerning the future of the Civic Site until such time as a conflict of interest ceases to exist.”
It is expected that the Council will be deciding on a short list for the Civic site redevelopment in September 2008.
