Keeping a Blunt view (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)
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Keeping a Blunt view
6:20pm Friday 28th July 2006 in Search By Paul Wellstead
STRONG FEELINGS: (from left) David Arter, Sue Sowerby, Jacq Dodman and Mike Emmett, of Theydon Bois and Abridge Action Group, outside the Civic Offices, Epping, with a print-out of the online petition (c)
AN online petition calling for a complete cessation of dumping at the Blunts Farm golf course development, Theydon Bois, has been signed by more than 700 people.
Theydon Bois and Abridge Action Group, which organised the petition, wants to give residents an opportunity to record their views over the future of the controversial Coopersale Lane golf course.
Owner Blunts Farm Estates has appealed against Epping Forest District Council's decision to serve an enforcement notice to halt dumping at the site.
The petition has been forwarded to the Government-appointed planning inspector who will consider the comments at a public inquiry expected to start in January.
Action group member Jacq Dodman said: "We thought a petition would be the most direct way of highlighting the controversial issues surrounding Blunts Farm and give residents an opportunity to register their opinions."
Although not surprised by the number of responses Mrs Dodman was surprised by the strength of feeling conveyed in the 713 emails sent to the online petition.
She said: "Residents are worried about the long-term health and safety implications of having hundreds and thousands of cubic metres of waste dumped on green belt land and the terrifying prospect that, if the district council loses the appeal, the developers may resume the dumping."
