Campaign for Morden Tavern
Press Release
04.12.11
It would appear that the Morden Tavern application has been
dropped from the Planning Applications Committee agenda for the 8th December
2011.
Please find attached correspondence copied to us by Natural England,
sent by them to Merton's assigned planning officer.
This may be the reason why the application is not being
presented on the 8th December. Clarification has been sought but so far no
reason for the deferral has been given.
It is clear from the letter that Natural England agrees with
the CMT's position that the legal requirements for habitat surveys have not
been satisfied.
“…it would be
advisable to conduct further surveys at a more optimum time of year, that is
from May 2012 onwards.”
The campaign believes council officers have shown
significant lack of judgement in this matter. This raises concerns as to the
impartiality and the open and transparent handling of this disputed planning
application and the related property transaction by Merton council.
Further, we are aware that the Metropolitan Police Wildlife
Protection Unit has begun an investigation into the possible disturbance or
removal of a Bat Roost at the Morden Tavern site.
This possibility arose when Reef Estates, the developer
applying for planning permission to convert the building and build on the
garden land commissioned an industrial cleaning company to enter the site in
late August 2011.
The CMT had posted a video on You Tube in early August 2011
to demonstrate the existence of Bats at the Morden Tavern due to constant
refusal by council officers to accept the CMT’s and local residents’ statements
that Bats were roosting there.
We will continue to hold public officials to account over
the many questionable decisions and actions regarding the Morden Tavern.
CMT
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