Last night saw a vote in south Norfolk council for a single office to be based near Norwich . There is lots of ill informed ‘noise’ on this in the press and some strong views both in support and against . Indeed 3 tories voted against and felt they had no choice to go independent as a consequence. The Lib Dems at South Norfolk had a free vote and were split.
Broadland District did vote for but one suspects there was pressure applied and many councillors simply did not appear and the Lib dems at Broadland were clearly whipped , which to my mind should never happen. What is best for the populace is what should happen in all cases
I voted for the move on simple economic grounds as we and you, will ultimately save money .
I am not allowed this stage to say how much as the matter is still being negotiated
Two old buildings to one eco friendly one has to be a no brainer, to my mind, however there are downsides as trips to the office say to discuss/dispute planning applications will mean travelling further. The number of people who attend or feel the need to go to the council is less than 10 a week both at Broadland and South Norfolk
We agreed to set up satellite office or a mobile for those areas most affected which will be ourselves and the Diss areas
There is also scope for more eco adaptations at the new offices to get to 100% which are simply not possible at the two sites and plenty of car parking with solar panels at the new site on the rooves of the parking area.
It is not perfect by any means and we also have the prospect of further local Govt re organisation but when this will happen and if, is still under discussion. Reducing the number of councillors from 8 @50 each ( 7 districts and county ) to say 100 which would be 2 unitaries possibly just one ( 50 ) also will be a big saving but are currently in the realms of speculation.
Many councillors are opposed as there will be lots of infighting for the ‘new ‘ positions and the opposing colour in Norwich is causing concern as to how that will play out if we have just the one. Egos are also getting in the way on several levels but I digress
An article in today's EDP, states that "South Norfolk House was built by the architect Michael Innes - the man behind the Castle Mall and the 2006 redesign of Norwich Market and was completed in 1974.
Located just outside Long Stratton, it was placed roughly in the geographical centre of the council area.
The architect's website said: "The site was reasonably accessible from a good secondary road network by most of the constituency.
"It was strongly felt that South Norfolk did not wish to be 'lost' in Norwich along with the city and county council but rather wished to assert its own rural identity."
Perhaps more emphasis should be placed on the last line; what of South Norfolk residents if this move does go ahead? Will their identify indeed be lost to the environs of Norwich? Quite apart from that, the building is an architectural gem in my opinion.
Surely being closer to Norwich takes them further away from the people they represent. Surely that's a no brainer.......! Find the geographical centre of both council areas and build it there, not the polar opposite direction. Maybe question their motives for it.
Let's hope they are more restrained in the cost of constructing their new office, unlike Wymondham Town Council and their million pound extravagance.
And I further hope that they don't abuse their powers when it comes to planning, especially judging by their recent history.
If this goes ahead it needs to have independent oversight, be completely transparent and take into account the views of the people who's hard earned taxes will end up paying for it and not be given free reign to bolster their ego's.
The existing rural office is within easy reach for the people it serves. Travelling to a new urban Norwich office will create more car use to visit it which will be an environmental downgrade. Is the existing location going to be sold off for more houses??
