Second donation by kensingtons
17th August 2009
Following an article in the Gazette on Friday 14th August, it appears that Kensington Developments have now made two sizeable donations to Blackpool South Conservative Association; the first on 3 July 2008, 18 days before their first planning application to build 670 homes around Moss House Road, and in May 2009 a second donation was received, followed by their revised second planning application for 570 homes on 16 June 2009.
Will there be an annual donation? When will it end? 2026?
The fact that Kensington Developments owns, has options on, or is attempting to buy considerable amounts of land in the area that is covered by Blackpool’s Core Strategy has now compromised this plan. For the council to regain any credibility for the Strategy, we believe that they must regain this land from the developers. Only then will the trust of Blackpool’s residents be restored.
Friday’s article also said that 'it is believed the first councillors knew about it was at a meeting ...on Wednesday night'. However, in a follow up article on Saturday, Jean Kenrick, the chairman of Blackpool South Conservatives, is quoted as saying 'It was in the party minutes and it was reported to the Electoral Commission'. (She was referring to the first donation, details of the second will be published by the Electoral Commission on Wednesday 26 August.)
If that is correct, the following councillors, who are members of the Blackpool South Association, would have received copies of the minutes and should have been aware of the donation:
Ron Bell
Gary Bell (deputy chairman and vice chairman of the council Standards Committee)
Joe Best
Nicola Best
Peter Evans
Ian Fowler
Susan Fowler
Lily Henderson
Jim Houldsworth
Tony Lee
Jim Price
Roger Stansfield
Not one of these councillors thought to suggest that acceptance of this donation might be considered ‘ill advised’.
How can the Blackpool voters feel confident in their Conservative councilors whilst this issue is unresolved? How do they intend to restore their confidence?
Will there be an annual donation? When will it end? 2026?
The fact that Kensington Developments owns, has options on, or is attempting to buy considerable amounts of land in the area that is covered by Blackpool’s Core Strategy has now compromised this plan. For the council to regain any credibility for the Strategy, we believe that they must regain this land from the developers. Only then will the trust of Blackpool’s residents be restored.
Friday’s article also said that 'it is believed the first councillors knew about it was at a meeting ...on Wednesday night'. However, in a follow up article on Saturday, Jean Kenrick, the chairman of Blackpool South Conservatives, is quoted as saying 'It was in the party minutes and it was reported to the Electoral Commission'. (She was referring to the first donation, details of the second will be published by the Electoral Commission on Wednesday 26 August.)
If that is correct, the following councillors, who are members of the Blackpool South Association, would have received copies of the minutes and should have been aware of the donation:
Ron Bell
Gary Bell (deputy chairman and vice chairman of the council Standards Committee)
Joe Best
Nicola Best
Peter Evans
Ian Fowler
Susan Fowler
Lily Henderson
Jim Houldsworth
Tony Lee
Jim Price
Roger Stansfield
Not one of these councillors thought to suggest that acceptance of this donation might be considered ‘ill advised’.
How can the Blackpool voters feel confident in their Conservative councilors whilst this issue is unresolved? How do they intend to restore their confidence?
