WHY ?

Extract from Jeremy Carey’s Report in Council Watch Reports on the planned developent of North Cambourne

The £200k “War Chest” allows for two “judicial reviews” at £50k each plus funds for planning lawyers and advisors - e.g. environmental consultants.

PEPC stated that they feel there is no point in spending a smaller amount (e.g. £10k) because it wouldn’t be enough to make a difference. PEPC acknowledges that we cannot stop the development.

Rather, they aspire to secure a “buffer” around the village to avoid the new town and Papworth merging. Buffers with Boxworth, Elsworth and Knapwell are already visible on the plans. The Parish Councils from these villages have been working collaboratively, apparently without recourse to lawyers.

The rationale for “allocating” £200k to the “War Chest” in one hit now (rather than allocating say 2-3 months worth of spend and then reviewing that month on month) was unclear.

However, it seemed to hinge on the need to make spending decisions without having to come back to a Parish Council meeting, get multiple quotes and vote on decisions.

In other words, there is an explicit intent to avoid the normal processes which exist to safeguard parish funds.