Letter: The Local Plan Is Not Sound in Law

Published on: 16 Feb, 2019
Updated on: 16 Feb, 2019

From Julian Lyon

former prospective Independent borough council candidate

In response to: Council Leader Forced Me to Quit, Says Independent Candidate Lyon

Perhaps Cllr Spooner would advise me as to when I have stated that the Local Plan is sound? It is my firmly held view that this is not a plan that is sound in law.

In my professional and personal view, the “exceptional circumstances” test has not been validly applied, the plan is not effective, justified, proportionate or fair. Cllr Spooner can rejoice all he likes, but he must know that this is an almost universally condemned plan.

If he does not recognise this he is even more out of touch with the borough than I thought.

As to any other hidden reasons for my decision, there are none. I will not stand in the way of either development or criticism of development simply by being a distraction. Cllr Spooner has ensured, by politicising my employment, that too much discussion would revolve around any influence I may be perceived to have exerted one way or another.

I have taken soundings from residents, colleagues and clients, and, whilst regrettable, it is clear the crass tweets from Cllr Spooner changed perceptions. I have a lot to offer Guildford but, sadly, not this time.