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Imperial presentation to Parish Council
10 April 2006
The firm of master planners SOM appointed by Imperial College gave a short presentation to Wye Parish Council on Tuesday 4 April.
[Presentation Slides]
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Parish Council update on Imperial
17 March 2006
Yes - another letter, but it’s important we try to keep you informed!
Since we sent you the information booklet in February, we have had a meeting with Imperial. We would like to update you on this, and to advise you about the current position the Parish Council is taking regarding Imperial’s plans.
Meeting with Imperial
On 28 February, we attended a meeting held by Imperial College, to discuss their idea of forming a “Residents’ Liaison Group”. Imperial wanted this group to be a way for them to understand any concerns that the village might have. Given that the details of Imperials development plans are still not known, we restated what the concerns were, and advised them that it was the Parish Council who would continue to represent the parishioners.
Imperial outlined a process they were putting in place, (which includes consultation), that would determine whether they were going to submit a full planning application or not. This process would take place over the next few months, and conclude in June / July this year.
They promised that they would make a statement to this effect and provide us with details of the process with time scales, by the end of that week, but did not do so till 13 March.
The Parish Council wrote to Imperial on 1 March setting out the key points of our discussion including our understanding of the village’s concerns, and our position regarding the “Residents’ Liaison Group”. A copy of our letter is attached, which will give you more details of the discussions.
Parish Council Position
As Imperial continues to say that it has no plans for us to comment on, your views and concerns should and can be taken into account when it does draw them up.
We believe these to be:
- That the redevelopment of the existing College sites within Wye Village is to be welcomed, provided that any buildings are of a suitable size and scale to be harmonious with existing college and village buildings, and in keeping with the AONB setting.
- That the continuing presence of Imperial College as a provider of higher education in Wye is to be encouraged.
- That development outside of the existing College sites in Wye, across the countryside and particularly in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is to be opposed.
- That the sole of land in the countryside for development, is to be opposed.
- whether for housing, buildings, industries, the College. or for other uses.
- That suitable infrastructure must be in place before any development takes place.
We believe that the above Parish Council Position is the one you want us to take at present.
If you do not believe this stance to be the correct one, come and discuss your concerns with us.
We are inviting you to come and meet with the Parish Council in the Methodist Hall on Saturday 25th.
March between 9.30 and 12.30 to tell us if you disagree with the position we are taking. It is very important that you express any disagreement you may have, as otherwise the Parish Council will proceed to support the “Parish Position" above, in all future discussions with Imperial, until such time as detailed plans are available for us all to consider.
John Hodder
[Parish Council letter to residents, including 7 March letter to Borys]
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MP speaks to village on Wye Park project
09 March 2006
MP Damian Green has told Wye Parish Council that he is increasingly frustrated at his inability to obtain information from Imperial College about their £1 billion development propsoals in the village.
Conservative MP, Mr Green met with parish councillors on 8 March to share information on the project and learn how he could best represent the concerns of the village. He began by explaining that although he has repeatedly asked for meetings with Imperial, no attempt has been made to contact him. "No-one has picked up the phone to me or emailed me since January 9. I think their communications are lousy." Mr Green said.
When asked by Councillor John Hodder, Chairman of the Parish Council, if he was prepared to support the project Mr Green replied, "I'm not saying anything until I've seen what they're proposing." Mr Green is concerned that Wye could become a dormitory town of London like Milton Keynes. He would not want to see a significant acreage of the land developed but he was prepared to accept that some of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) may be built on.
Mr Green is calling for a "genuinely constructive dialogue with Imperial" and offered to share with the village all information he receives. If he does have the opportunity to meet with Imperial, Mr Green will ask if an alternative location could be found for the development and will demand true transparency of discussions and decision making.
Questioned on the Conservative party's view of building in an AONB, Mr Green said that "everyone does it with huge reluctance". He also stated that he did not consider this to be a party political issue. He could not account for the fact that Conservative Ashford Borough Councillors had shown little support for Wye residents' concerns over the project while Liberal Democrat and Independent councillors as well as the Chair of Ashford Green Party had already pledged their support to the villagers.
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Violation of democratic principles
08 March 2006
Wye Future Group met members of Ashford Borough Council to find out the local government's position on Imperial's plans to transform Wye. The £1 billion development is proposed on Imperial's landholding in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty around Wye village.
The informal meeting with residents was held at the King's Head in Wye after the Ashford Independent councillors' annual get-together. Sharon Harvey, Chair of Ashford Green Party attended by invitation to give a rallying speech on Wye and its future.
Mrs Harvey condemned the scheme as economically flawed. She proclaimed, "Wye is not the jewel in Ashford's crown - it is its crown". Mrs Harvey continued, "there will be no Garden of England once it's covered in concrete. This should be resisted at all costs." Speaking of the violation of democratic principles, she described the project as "a scandal".
While Mrs Harvey would like to see Wye College re-vitalised and believes the institution has a real role to play, she insisted that the development of Wye campus must not be at the expense of the village itself and its heritage. She offered her full support to the villagers of Wye reminding them that the 2007 borough council elections will give villagers the chance to have their say.
Ashford Independent Councillors gave their own views which were largely in support of Mrs Harvey. They were appalled at the lack of transparency regarding decisions on the Wye Concordat and the lack of any consultation with elected Councillors. They felt this smacked of the erosion of local democracy and that efforts should be directed towards a better decision making process.The Independents support the Parish Plan and Design Guide and want a robust academic future for Wye College. They believe this need not be at the expense of the AONB. They pointed out that the jobs and other benefits of the
scheme had been greatly inflated.
Councillors stated that they were prepared to object to Imperial College's attempts to add representations to planning and economic policy documents of SEEDA and SEERA to pave the way for their development plans. Councillors will offer ongoing support to villagers and hold further meetings with the Wye Future Group to share information and offer advice.
[The full text of Sharon Harvey's rallying speech]
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Tax payers foot the bill for councils' mess
07 March 2006
The Wye Future Group's claims that the original document outlining the villages development was signed illegally by council leaders and shows bias towards the proposals have had a response.
But spokesman for the group Ben Moorhead says they're getting ready for what they're calling Round Two of the fight which he says is now affecting the whole borough:
"Why should the councils say it's just the leaders who are party to it and then on the same token go and get legal advice as to how to respond to our points. The council tax payers are meeting the bill for the mess that's been created by the leaders."
Ashford Borough Council say they've always made it clear that any proposals must go through the normal planning process and we're still waiting to hear from KCC.
Report by KMFM Carolyn Innes
[Listen to Wye Future Group spokesman Ben Moorhead talking to KMFM]
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Is Kent County Council having second thoughts?
05 March 2006
Kent on Sunday reports that the response to the legal challenge of the Wye Concordat by the Wye Future Group indicates that Kent County Council is rethinking its position. In a letter to the Wye Future Group Paul Carter leader of KCC stated that it will "further consider the concordat" and that a meeting will "determine whether any aspects of the concordat can be better expressed".
[Wye project: is county council having second thoughts? Neil Clements]
KoS - 05 March 2006
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Villagers must stand together
05 March 2006
The following leader comment appeared in Kent on Sunday 5 March 2006
Wye should village suffer?
THE phrase ‘between a rock and a hard place’ has a special resonance in Wye and the surrounding area.
This community has already faced the decline in agricultural studies that once filled the village campus and local pubs and shops with the nation’s future pig farmers, cereal growers and plantsmen.
It also lies just a few miles from booming Ashford, the apple of John Prescott’s eye, and everything that the ‘growth town’ honour brings with it.
Now Imperial College London, the inheritors of the Wye College campus and its substantial landholding wants to make the most of its valuable asset.
But at a stroke, 50 per cent of Ashford’s long-term employment target is to be fulfilled by the promise of what Imperial can deliver at Wye and in other parts of Kent.
That’s a projected 12,000 jobs, 5,000 of which could end up based in the village, or rather the town that Wye would become.
Is it fair that Ashford, with its good fortune, should become Wye’s bête noire simply because of its close proximity?
The carrot of major employment in a deprived region is mouthwatering, but it could turn out to be an expensive carrot.
Why must this village, with its education traditions dating back centuries, bear the brunt of such development when it sits outside the designated growth area?
The villagers must feel isolated in their fear, not least because of the paucity of available information about the science park.
But if they stand together they will find that their plight strikes a chord with others in the county who also find themselves up against it.
[Comment: Wye should village suffer?]
KoS - 05 March 2006
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Is it 25, 50, 75 or 100 percent?
02 Mar 2006
Wye resident and editor of the Agricola Club Journal Dr John Walters asks for an official figure on the percentage of college land to be sold off or developed.
In a belated response Prof Borys allows that Imperial could attempt to release a nest egg of up to £400 million pounds of investment capital by developing its landholding in the AONB at Wye.
[John Walters' email] 15 Jan 2006
[Standard letter from Imperial] 19 Jan 2006
[Imperial reply] 02 Mar 2006
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Parish Council meets Imperial College
01 March 2006
In a meeting with the Parish Council on February 28 Imperial College explained that it has engaged a range of consultants including planning and legal experts and Tamesis, a communications and PR team. Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, a well known firm of architects has been appointed as master planners to engage in wide-ranging studies and community consultation in order to advise Imperial College on the viability and
suitability of the £1 billion project. Based on this advice Imperial College will decide in July whether or not to proceed with formal planning applications. Imperial College will be providing the Parish Council with detail of timescales.
John Hodder, Chairman of the Parish Council said, "the village is very concerned about the scope and scale of this project". The council agreed to attend future consultation meetings and to bring any additional individual experts as appropriate.
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Imperial College breaks the silence
28 February 2006
Wye.Org spotted an Imperial camera quietly filming the proceedings of 9 January staged for Wye by Imperial College and subsequently requested footage or a transcript. Imperial's comment was that while a transcript would not be made available a 'summary' would be delivered to every household by the end of January. Finally, an abridged document was posted to villagers, the first arriving on the day of the first meeting between Imperial and Wye Parish Council since 4th January. This is now available online along with a couple of film clips, one of Borys' presentation and another of the question and answer session.
[Imperial summary of meeting with villagers 9 January]
[Bory's presentation to Wye] RealPlayer
[Question and answer session] RealPlayer
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Wye Future Group appeals for moral and financial support
25 February 2006
The Community and Fundraising wing of Wye Future Group (WFG) has delivered a letter of introduction to villagers outlining the formation of the WFG, separate from but liaising with the parish council, to represent the interests of all those in Wye and the surrounding villages who believe the size of Imperial College's scheme is unacceptable.
A launch day is planned for Saturday 1 April to raise community awareness and optimise the opportunity for publicity. Wye Future Group is overwhelmed to have received spontaneous donations including sizeable financial contributions and a generous donation of stationery from an anonymous well-wisher!
Any ideas, proposals or offers of support to help achieve the objectives over this huge development are welcomed. Please phone or drop them into Wye News opposite Wye Parish Church or contact Alan & Val Paterson on 01233 812740.
[Wye Future Group appeal]
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Wye Future Group letter to Imperial management board and council
21 Feb 2006
The Wye Future Group is keeping up the pressure this week with a strong letter sent to each member of the Imperial College management board and council. The WFG letter urges Imperial management committees to reconsider methods of funding the project other than by sales of land for development, and other ways to secure the economic benefits without damaging the AONB around Wye.
In a follow up interview with KMFM Nick Dunlop speaking for the Wye Future Group states, "It's plain wrong. They shouldn't be thinking of doing it and they should rethink their plan. It shouldn't even be necessary in order to bring jobs and science to the Ashford area. There are other ways it could be done."
"We've just sent a letter which the college has received today and our message to the college is really very simple."
"To pour concrete over hundreds of acres of this area of outstanding natural beauty is simply wrong."
"What we are asking them to do is to think a little more about the consequences of the plan and how they could achieve the same result without doing permanent damage to one of England's most beautiful corners."
[Listen to Wye Future Group spokesman Nick Dunlop talking to KMFM]
[Letter from WFG to Imperial Management Board and Council]
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Wye Future Group claim for judicial review letter before action
14 Feb 2006
In an exclusive radio interview with KMFM Solicitor Ben Moorhead speaking for the Wye Future Group explains, "The actual wording in the Imperial press release says, 'A key component for delivering Ashford's economic future slots into place'. How could they say such a thing if they didn't have a plan that this is definitely going to happen."
The WFG is demanding that the councils admit that they agreed to the plans without proper consideration of the consequences.
"What we're seeking to do is to rescind the concordat which means it will be withdrawn and for those councillors to issue a public statement to that effect and if they have not done that in a short period of time we will seek full judicial review."
"We're advised that we do have a good case indeed and we feel we're on very strong grounds. One of our advisors said that he has never ever seen a document like this concordat signed in this way."
The letter before action challenges the whole legal basis of the Concordat, that KCC and ABC and their Leaders had no power to enter into it, that it pre judged the planning process and showed bias to a developer and should be set aside.
Ashford Borough Council and Kent County Council have asked for more time to prepare their response.
[Listen to Wye Future Group spokesman Ben Moorhead talking to KMFM]
[Proposed Claim for Judicial Review: Letter before Action]
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What guarantee is there that funds will not be used elsewhere? None, sir!
27 Jan 2006
Further to the point of releasing greenfield land to raise capital, Dr Dylan Bradley asks of Kent County Council and Ashford Borough Council what guarantee has been secured "that once greenfield land has been sold for development, 100% of the funds raised will actually be used to develop the science park and will not be used elsewhere within Imperial to cross-subsidise other departments [should Imperial] decide that they no longer wish to proceed with the science park?"
"Given the fact that many proposed developments are not carried out as envisaged for one reason or another, would KCC and ABC, should they decide in favour of the science park, impose conditions on the granting of planning permission so that Imperial would be free to borrow against the capital that they could raise from selling greenfield sites in order to fund the science park, but would not be permitted to actually sell the land for development until the science park and associated infrastructure were in place?"
[Dr Dylan Bradley's email]
[Reply from Paul Clokie ABC]
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In the absence of detail we must reject this proposal
10 Jan 2006
Rachael Moorhead calls for hard information to substantiate Imperial's claims and commitment, without which "proper scrutiny becomes impossible".
"Imperial’s Business Plan and Feasibility Studies (as already presented to the Council and financial backers) must be published to the public", writes Rachael Moorhead, resident of nearby Bodsham, in a letter to Kentish Express.
"The local community must not accept the inevitability of the proposed Science Park. The representatives of the Kent County Council and Ashford Borough Council told us that change is inevitable and Wye must move on. That is undemocratic and a breach of their duty towards the people of Wye and neighbouring villages."
"The choice for the local people is either rejection or acceptance because we were told categorically that there is no half way house to this proposed development. For those of us who do not want the last rural corner of East Kent to be covered in hundreds of acres of concrete, I say that we must reject this proposal as a matter of principle."
[Rachael Moorhead's letter]
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Imperial scenario devised to force cash for land, KCC? Of course!
19 Jan 2006
"It is true to say the release of land for development will be one mechanism for the provision of an initial level of capital" says Paul Carter, Leader of Kent County Council in a recent reply to Michael Holland, "while working hard to minimise the inevitable local impact"
Unfortunately, Paul Carter appears to have missed the point that this "would not have been permitted were the science park to be sited at a more appropriate location".
Mr Carter also fails to respond to the idea that "It is a red herring to suggest that the proposed science park builds on the academic skills or facilities that currently exist at Wye. Rather it is intended to “reinvent Wye” by buying-in new built facilities, new professional researchers and support staff (in completely new thematic areas) and new transport infrastructure. The only advantage of the Wye site (to Imperial) is the potential to convert agricultural land (in which Imperial are no longer interested) into investment capital".
[Mike Holland's letter]
[Reply from Paul Carter KCC]
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Village refuses to fear the reaper
29 Jan 2006
A “SINISTER” cartoon showing KCC, ABC and Imperial in the guise of grim reapers has appeared in the village.
Wye artist Ann Sutherland, who drew the gloomy vision, told Kent On Sunday: “Wherever you go, people are very angry, especially with their own councillors, about the lack of consultation. It’s not democratic. It is sinister and that’s why the poster needed a sinister approach. It needed something to show that we feel very strongly.
It was delivered by volunteers all over the village and surrounding areas to keep the momentum going. It is very bold. The idea is to let them know we’re coming.”
[Village refuses to fear the reaper]
KoS - 29 Jan 2006
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Plan, what plan?
29 Jan 2006
"The letter from Mr David Murr (KoS, Jan 22) should be compulsory reading for politicians and planners responsible for the future of Kent", writes Nigel Erricker in Kent On Sunday.
[Nigel Erricker's letter]
KoS - 29 Jan 2006
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Very cosy, Clokie!
29 Jan 2006
Wye resident Ann Sutherland is becoming increasingly disappointed in Ashford Borough Council's Paul Clokie for signing the Concordat.
"Perhaps when any of us apply to The Council with a 'vision' for any future planning permission we should all sign concordats to agree to work in harmony with The Council!"
[Ann Sutherland's email]
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Imperial must come clean and disclose its plans
25 Jan 2006
Kerry Bethel, a resident of Wye, asks Damian Green MP whether he could support the development of any part of Imperial's greenfield AONB land and if so under what circumstances.
"We are talking about a fanciful attempt to coerce planning permission on a massive scale on agricultural land in an Area of Outstanding Beauty that would completely engulf the village. To imagine that a development on this scale would not destroy the local environment or the historic character of Wye is completely unrealistic.
It is accepted that Ashford’s population growth must be accompanied with employment opportunities but there are a number of other areas within the Borough close to transport links that would be infinitely preferable to the beautiful and protected Wye countryside. One of the obvious areas would be between Evegate and the Electricity Station between the A20 and M20, which would be close to the proposed 10a junction.
Imperial do not seem interested in retaining an education presence in Wye so every effort should be made to find another academic body to take the college over. If this is not possible then there would be wide interest for institutional or commercial uses.
If this proposal looks likely to go further the village and its supporters (with or without its elected representatives) will fight it tooth and nail and will resist the loss of even one acre of green land."
[Email to Damian Green from Kerry Bethel] 26 Jan 2006
[Reply from Damian Green to Kerry Bethel] 25 Jan 2006
[Email to Damian Green from Kerry Bethel] 20 Jan 2006
[Email to Damian Green from Kerry Bethel]
11 Jan 2006
[Reply from Damian Green to Kerry Bethel]
11 Jan 2006
[Email to Damian Green from Kerry Bethel]
21 Dec 2005
[Reply from Damian Green to Kerry Bethel]
21 Dec 2005
[Kerry Bethel's email] 19 Dec 2005
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Stop the madness
22 Jan 2006
"As an attractive small settlement next to the River Stour, surrounded by stunning downland scenery and extensive woodlands, Wye is a place that should be cherished, especially given the increasing sprawl of Ashford."
"It is disappointing that some leading figures in Kent seem to believe that it is perfectly OK to go on cramming development into the county", writes David Murr, Chairman Medway Countryside Forum, in a letter to Kent On Sunday.
"A doubtful public may hope that this means essential improvements to services, but what the planners mean is putting in more transport links, especially roads and river crossings, to bring in yet more development. When is one of the bright young contenders for government going to speak out against the madness of piling the bulk of the development into the South East, and set out a balanced strategy for the whole of the UK?"
[David Murr's letter]
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Magnitude of proposed development incongruous
19 Jan 2006 
Dr Celia Timms, a resident of Wye whose family has attended Wye College for four generations, questions Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz as to why and how the proposals have escalated to such a scale. If strong arguments exist in favour of this site and this magnitude, they were not made clear at the public meeting.
"I can fully understand that the ambitious proposals are financially ‘Good for Imperial’, however the public response has questioned whether they are ‘Good’ for the village of Wye beyond settling the uncertainty over the College’s future."
[Dr Celia Timms' letter]
[Standard letter from Imperial]
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Bearman Report finally released
18 Jan 2006
Wye.Org wrote to Imperial College London asking for the removal of protected access to the document on the Wye campus web site. The reply received today confirms that the Bearman Report has had confidential information relating to the destination of Wye graduates removed, and is now freely accessible to all.
The background report by Peter Bearman forms the basis of Imperial's "Vision for Wye" and makes recommendations on the most effective way to implement the development plan. At the time of Imperial's presentations to the Parish Council and residents the Bearman Report was withheld.
[Bearman Report]
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Double standards on congestion?
16 Jan 2006
Dear Professor Borysiewicz,
When planning application was made for an equestrian centre on land opposite to the College library and adjacent to the Carr Lecture Theatre, Imperial opposed this on the grounds that it would increase congestion in the village and contribute to increased light pollution. Could you please comment on the impact on congestion in Wye from building a Science Park and explain why Imperial's view on the issue of congestion in the village has now apparently changed.
With best wishes,
Dylan Bradley
[Dr Dylan Bradley's email]
[Reply from Imperial]
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Bearman Report extract
15 Jan 2006
The Kent on Sunday revealed that the Bearman Report comments on the possibility of the Food Animal Initiative (FAI), which is sponsored by Tesco and McDonalds, becoming involved in the running of the college farm at Wye: "it is felt that with the future directions for Wye being under discussion now would not be a good time to enter into a leasing agreement with FAI".
The Bearman Report was referred to extensively in Imperial's presentation to Wye Parish Council but not released, yet it was not mentioned to residents during the public presentation. The reason given by Professor Borysiewicz for not making the Bearman Report public is an appendix containing confidential information about the placement of individual academic staff, although the report is widely available to staff internally.
[Wye will become a town - get used to it Neil Clements page 8]
read both pages for the full story
[Wye will become a town - get used to it Neil Clements page 9]
KoS - 15 Jan 2006
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Imperial departure from Local Development Framework
Submitted 25 Aug 2005
The current Local Development Plan does not allow Imperial to use their land to carry out the development they are proposing. This plan however will be superseded by the Local Development Framework, (LDF) soon. The Parish Council had an input into the LDF document which has been issued as a final draft for comment. The draft version does not allow for the proposed development by Imperial.
Imperial has however made formal "Representations" regarding the LDF, proposing that it be changed so that their development would be permissible. These "Representations" are made against several of the "Preferred Options" contained in the LDF.
[Imperial Representations to ABC]
read side by side with
[ABC Summary of LDF Preferred Options]
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Parish Council establishes action group
14 Jan 2006
Following the public meeting on Monday 9th January 2006, it has become even clearer that there is a need for the Parish Council to engage with Imperial College on behalf of the community.
Most of us are very concerned about the nature of Imperial’s ‘Vision’, and many of you would like to be involved. We know that the village includes many people with special knowledge and expertise that would be useful in any dealings with Imperial. The Parish Council is therefore seeking to establish a “pool” of people to help, on a purely voluntary basis, in dealing with the challenges raised by Imperial College’s “Vision for Wye College”.
[Chairman's letter]
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No smoke stacks and no industry?
14 Jan 2006
In an email to Prof Les Borysiewicz, Merrilie McLeod seeks unequivocal confirmation from Imperial that there will be neither manufacturing nor industry in Wye or the surrounding area.
[Merrilie McLeod's email]
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Comment on Wye science park public meeting
11 Jan 2006
Dr Dylan Bradley's email to the Kentish Express commenting on the attitude of Imperial to the residents of Wye - published here in full.
[Dr Dylan Bradley's email to Kentish Express]
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Imperial follow-up to Wye science park public meeting
11 Jan 2006
Prof Les Borysiewicz thanked everyone for attending the 9 January meeting and invited people to contact him with further questions.
[Prof Borys' letter]
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Some questions for Professor Borysiewicz
10 Jan 2006
Village resident and Wye College graduate, Dr Dylan Bradley criticises Imperial's public
profile, and seeks clarification on several key points raised at the public
meeting, including planning, infrastructure, manufacturing and publication of the Bearman Report.
[Dr Dylan Bradley's email]
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Imperial presentation to residents
9 Jan 2006
Swanley Hall was inundated with 550 concerned residents who turned out to hear Imperial College's development plans. Deputy Rector, Les Borysiewicz called for the village to support the College vision for the future of Wye, but no plans were available.
Questions came from villagers, Wye College staff and members of neighbouring villages as well as Ashford Rural Trust and the Council for the Protection of Rural England on issues of housing, infrastructure and the impact on the environment.
The Parish Council is now determining the best way forward and plans to communicate this with the village as soon as possible.
[Presentation Slides]
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Imperial presentation to Wye Parish Council
4 Jan 2006
Imperial met with the Parish Council to explain its current position and plans. Prof Les Borysiewicz gave the same presentation, including an explanation of the Bearman Report, to councillors as he had given to Wye College staff immediately after signing the Concordat.
[Presentation Slides]
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Flagrant neglect of community interests
3 Jan 2006
In a letter to Kentish Express, Ben Moorhead writes, "Do the supposed representatives have the authority of their councils as a whole or support of the local community which they do not appear to have consulted?
The secret nature of their approach, with no consultation with Wye, Brook or neighbouring villages makes this a flagrant neglect if not betrayal of community interests.
A scheme that envisions 12,500 employees at fruition, with the inevitable expansion of Wye's infrastructure would destroy forever for our children and grandchildren a village (indeed several villages) famed for beauty and stunning wild landscape.
Ironically, this threat emanates from the very bodies duty-bound to have regard to the future of their fabric and environment."
[Ben Moorhead's letter to KE]
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Wye campus unsuitable for Imperial Vision
23 Dec 2005
In seeking to establish a 'Science Park' Imperial is likely to wind up with yet another industrial estate and is missing the main opportunity which presents itself at Wye.
In a letter to the Kentish Express, Paul Burnham sets out an alternative vision. A genuine opportunity exists for a new and groundbreaking Institute for Sustainable Development on the Wye Campus of Imperial College.
Contrary to Imperial's claims, teaching is a vital academic link and many courses at Wye are experiencing growth. Imperial's plans to clear the site are questionable.
[Dr Paul Burnham's letter to KE]
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Four science parks in East Kent?
22 Dec 2005
If Imperial is given the go-ahead, there will be four science parks within a 10-mile radius.
Kent Green Party opposes any development on greenfield sites since industrial estates all over Kent have vacancies.
[Read the press release]
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WyeCycle conditions
15 Dec 2005
WyeCycle has responded to Imperial's proposals by setting out strict conditions for the new development to limit the damaging effect on the environment. These include construction to take place only on brownfield sites, no so-called improvements to be made to the road infrastructure and no GM crops to be grown.
[Read the full response]
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One and a half cheers - nul points on substance of proposal
14 Dec 2005
In a letter to Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz, Sir Christopher MacRae criticised the "Wye Concordat" for failure to consult the Parish Council and the Wye Design Group.
[Sir Christopher's letter]
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Science park in AONB is opportunistic and reprehensible
12 Dec 2005
In a letter to Kentish Express, Kerry Bethel writes:
"The claimed plight of Wye College would have been known to Imperial when it was acquired from London University a few years ago.
It now seeks to engage in profiteering by using the threat of closure as leverage to obtain planning permission on a massive scale for land that has always been regarded as untouchable."
[Kerry Bethel's letter]
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A serious question of public policy
10 Dec 2005
"When Wye College sought to develop a very small part of its agricultural estate for housing to give it time to reorientate its activities and so remain viable, there was considerable local opposition. The Borough Council maintained its proper neutrality as a planning authority, and the development was not allowed.
By entering into this ‘concordat’ in advance of wider consultation, the A.B.C. and K.C.C. have gravely prejudiced their function as organs of local democracy.
There is a need for a centre of higher education in the Ashford area. It is clear that Imperial College is not interested in supplying this need.
If the Wye Campus were allied to the University of Kent, Christchurch University or the University of Greenwich, Wye would be able to resume its historic function as a miniature University town. It is simply not true that its only future is at the centre of a high technology industrial estate."
[Dr Paul Burnham's letter to KE]
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Parish Council taken by surprise
10 Dec 2005
The Parish Council immediately wrote to all parishioners to express its shock and concern.
It promised to try to find out what exactly the proposals are and meet with the parties to "be able to play our part in safeguarding the interests of the village".
[Read the letter in full]
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People of Wye!