Latest news with #FreedomofInformation
The Advertiser
13 hours ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
'Extremely difficult to swallow': developer's frustration at decision to preserve urban bushland
The state government has declared it wants to save the vast majority of a parcel of bushland on Newcastle's outskirts for conservation rather than housing. In a landmark decision that went against an Independent Planning Commission recommendation, only a small section of 505 Minmi Road at Fletcher will be built on. Under the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure's rezoning determination released on Friday, about 3.6 hectares (just under 15 per cent) of the 26-hectare site has been zoned for residential use. It represents a reduction of 9.7 hectares from what was originally proposed. It is estimated that the rezoned land could be used to build 35 to 40 lots compared to the 180 lots originally proposed. The area zoned for environmental conservation has increased from 12.98 hectares to 22.7 hectares. Peter Durbin, who bought the site 23 years ago with a view to developing it, expressed "disappointment and frustration" at the determination, which he said flew in the face of the state government's push to build more housing. "We requested a six-week extension from the department so we could apply under Freedom of Information to get the koala habitat data from the council. We believe the koala habitat is a great distance away from our property, but obviously, we can't prove that until we see that (data)," he said. "The council denied our application, and so did the department. To request a six-week extension so that we get an opportunity to use the documents that have put a nail in the coffin after 23 years doesn't seem like much of a request to me, but they denied it. We find that extremely difficult to swallow." Residents who have been campaigning for the site to be used as a green corridor and City of Newcastle celebrated the department's determination. "This is a great day for urban conservation in Newcastle, but it is also the final milestone for the Green Corridor Coalition, which set itself the very ambitious task of connecting together all national parks in the Lower Hunter to form the 65-kilometre-long Stockton Bight to Watagans Regional Biodiversity Corridor, with the regional park corridor being a prominent part of our 2003 vision statement," lead community campaigner Brian Purdue said. Mr Durbin said he was considering the implications of the rezoning on his plans for the site. In addition, he had written to Planning Minister Paul Scully to express his concern about the rezoning process; however, he had not received a response. "The Department of Planning was pushing hard to get housing in the area and all of a sudden it changed and we don't know why," he said. "They can say it's because of the koala, but if they really wanted housing, they would let us have a look at the report and comment on that, but they won't." The state government has declared it wants to save the vast majority of a parcel of bushland on Newcastle's outskirts for conservation rather than housing. In a landmark decision that went against an Independent Planning Commission recommendation, only a small section of 505 Minmi Road at Fletcher will be built on. Under the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure's rezoning determination released on Friday, about 3.6 hectares (just under 15 per cent) of the 26-hectare site has been zoned for residential use. It represents a reduction of 9.7 hectares from what was originally proposed. It is estimated that the rezoned land could be used to build 35 to 40 lots compared to the 180 lots originally proposed. The area zoned for environmental conservation has increased from 12.98 hectares to 22.7 hectares. Peter Durbin, who bought the site 23 years ago with a view to developing it, expressed "disappointment and frustration" at the determination, which he said flew in the face of the state government's push to build more housing. "We requested a six-week extension from the department so we could apply under Freedom of Information to get the koala habitat data from the council. We believe the koala habitat is a great distance away from our property, but obviously, we can't prove that until we see that (data)," he said. "The council denied our application, and so did the department. To request a six-week extension so that we get an opportunity to use the documents that have put a nail in the coffin after 23 years doesn't seem like much of a request to me, but they denied it. We find that extremely difficult to swallow." Residents who have been campaigning for the site to be used as a green corridor and City of Newcastle celebrated the department's determination. "This is a great day for urban conservation in Newcastle, but it is also the final milestone for the Green Corridor Coalition, which set itself the very ambitious task of connecting together all national parks in the Lower Hunter to form the 65-kilometre-long Stockton Bight to Watagans Regional Biodiversity Corridor, with the regional park corridor being a prominent part of our 2003 vision statement," lead community campaigner Brian Purdue said. Mr Durbin said he was considering the implications of the rezoning on his plans for the site. In addition, he had written to Planning Minister Paul Scully to express his concern about the rezoning process; however, he had not received a response. "The Department of Planning was pushing hard to get housing in the area and all of a sudden it changed and we don't know why," he said. "They can say it's because of the koala, but if they really wanted housing, they would let us have a look at the report and comment on that, but they won't." The state government has declared it wants to save the vast majority of a parcel of bushland on Newcastle's outskirts for conservation rather than housing. In a landmark decision that went against an Independent Planning Commission recommendation, only a small section of 505 Minmi Road at Fletcher will be built on. Under the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure's rezoning determination released on Friday, about 3.6 hectares (just under 15 per cent) of the 26-hectare site has been zoned for residential use. It represents a reduction of 9.7 hectares from what was originally proposed. It is estimated that the rezoned land could be used to build 35 to 40 lots compared to the 180 lots originally proposed. The area zoned for environmental conservation has increased from 12.98 hectares to 22.7 hectares. Peter Durbin, who bought the site 23 years ago with a view to developing it, expressed "disappointment and frustration" at the determination, which he said flew in the face of the state government's push to build more housing. "We requested a six-week extension from the department so we could apply under Freedom of Information to get the koala habitat data from the council. We believe the koala habitat is a great distance away from our property, but obviously, we can't prove that until we see that (data)," he said. "The council denied our application, and so did the department. To request a six-week extension so that we get an opportunity to use the documents that have put a nail in the coffin after 23 years doesn't seem like much of a request to me, but they denied it. We find that extremely difficult to swallow." Residents who have been campaigning for the site to be used as a green corridor and City of Newcastle celebrated the department's determination. "This is a great day for urban conservation in Newcastle, but it is also the final milestone for the Green Corridor Coalition, which set itself the very ambitious task of connecting together all national parks in the Lower Hunter to form the 65-kilometre-long Stockton Bight to Watagans Regional Biodiversity Corridor, with the regional park corridor being a prominent part of our 2003 vision statement," lead community campaigner Brian Purdue said. Mr Durbin said he was considering the implications of the rezoning on his plans for the site. In addition, he had written to Planning Minister Paul Scully to express his concern about the rezoning process; however, he had not received a response. "The Department of Planning was pushing hard to get housing in the area and all of a sudden it changed and we don't know why," he said. "They can say it's because of the koala, but if they really wanted housing, they would let us have a look at the report and comment on that, but they won't." The state government has declared it wants to save the vast majority of a parcel of bushland on Newcastle's outskirts for conservation rather than housing. In a landmark decision that went against an Independent Planning Commission recommendation, only a small section of 505 Minmi Road at Fletcher will be built on. Under the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure's rezoning determination released on Friday, about 3.6 hectares (just under 15 per cent) of the 26-hectare site has been zoned for residential use. It represents a reduction of 9.7 hectares from what was originally proposed. It is estimated that the rezoned land could be used to build 35 to 40 lots compared to the 180 lots originally proposed. The area zoned for environmental conservation has increased from 12.98 hectares to 22.7 hectares. Peter Durbin, who bought the site 23 years ago with a view to developing it, expressed "disappointment and frustration" at the determination, which he said flew in the face of the state government's push to build more housing. "We requested a six-week extension from the department so we could apply under Freedom of Information to get the koala habitat data from the council. We believe the koala habitat is a great distance away from our property, but obviously, we can't prove that until we see that (data)," he said. "The council denied our application, and so did the department. To request a six-week extension so that we get an opportunity to use the documents that have put a nail in the coffin after 23 years doesn't seem like much of a request to me, but they denied it. We find that extremely difficult to swallow." Residents who have been campaigning for the site to be used as a green corridor and City of Newcastle celebrated the department's determination. "This is a great day for urban conservation in Newcastle, but it is also the final milestone for the Green Corridor Coalition, which set itself the very ambitious task of connecting together all national parks in the Lower Hunter to form the 65-kilometre-long Stockton Bight to Watagans Regional Biodiversity Corridor, with the regional park corridor being a prominent part of our 2003 vision statement," lead community campaigner Brian Purdue said. Mr Durbin said he was considering the implications of the rezoning on his plans for the site. In addition, he had written to Planning Minister Paul Scully to express his concern about the rezoning process; however, he had not received a response. "The Department of Planning was pushing hard to get housing in the area and all of a sudden it changed and we don't know why," he said. "They can say it's because of the koala, but if they really wanted housing, they would let us have a look at the report and comment on that, but they won't."
The National
21 hours ago
- Politics
- The National
Scottish Parliament won't release files on trans toilet policy
The National lodged a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the Parliament asking for documents, emails, memos, or other correspondence relating to the decision, or around the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) guidance. Holyrood officials released one email sent to parliamentary staff from the senior executive team setting out its position but did not give out any background information. In its refusal letter, the Scottish Parliament admitted it held the documentation we had requested, but cited several exemptions. READ MORE: Scottish Government changes guidance that led to Supreme Court ruling They claimed it would 'inhibit substantially the free and frank provision of advice', that disclosure would 'prejudice the effective conduct of public affairs' and that it refers to legal advice, which is exempt. On May 9, Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone announced that trans women would be barred from using female toilets following the Supreme Court judgment on the definition of a woman and the subsequent EHRC guidance. The move led to MSPs and staff writing to Holyrood's governing body expressing 'deep concern' over the decision, but the policy has remained in place. We previously told how the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) defended the decision in the Holyrood chamber last week. (Image: PA) The Scottish Parliament said it was refusing our request as correspondence related to a 'sensitive topic'. 'While an interim position concerning single sex facilities at the Scottish Parliament has been taken, work is planned to inform further practical changes which may be needed,' it stated. 'As such, this remains a live topic, and parliamentary officials must be able to communicate with each other freely and gather information for the purposes of provision of advice to the SPCB. 'The SPCB agreed to conduct an extensive consultation to inform what further changes may be required to facilities in the medium to longer term. 'This consultation will also take account of the updated EHRC statutory code of practice when it becomes available later this year. 'Disclosure of information in response to a freedom of information request has the effect of releasing information into the public domain.' READ MORE: I spent all day counting Keir Starmer's 17 U-turns — see the full list The refusal notice also claimed releasing the documents would discourage officials from 'engaging freely with each other when gathering information'. It added that it would not release correspondence or complaints as it was not in the public interest. 'It is important that members of the public feel free to express themselves on the matter they are corresponding about without the fear that their correspondence or our reply will be released into the public domain,' the notice added. In the one-page document that was released through the FOI, officials told staff in an email dated May 8 that they wanted to 'reassure you that we are managing our response at Holyrood with the utmost care and sensitivity'. 'We remain deeply committed to ensuring that all our staff feel supported, and we will continue to uphold our values of respect and inclusiveness as an employer,' they said, before explaining that all staff and visitors were able to use gender neutral facilities on the parliamentary estate. 'Holyrood must be a safe, respectful and inclusive environment in which to work and visit and one feature of an inclusive environment is the availability of convenient facilities for all individuals,' the email added. Officials then pointed staff to support and counselling services. 'In the meantime, Directors and I are happy to answer any questions you might have and we encourage all managers at Holyrood to take steps to support their trans and non-binary staff, offering ongoing wellbeing support,' the email concluded. Last week, Scottish Tory MSP Jackson Carlaw, responding on behalf of the SPCB, insisted the governing body had 'legal responsibilities'. READ MORE: Labour's 'minor' U-turn will leave benefits system 'woefully inadequate' 'Our job, even though we are politicians, is not to debate the politics of an issue, but to ensure that we are implementing the law as the law is communicated to us,' Carlaw told the chamber. And, on Monday, the Westminster Parliament implemented the same ban, after stating they would wait for official guidance to be published. It came after a transgender barrister was accosted by gender critical activists outside of a women's bathroom on the parliamentary estate. The EHRC was forced to rescind part of its interim guidance amid a legal challenge. Full guidance is expected to be published following a consultation, which is currently underway.
Belfast Telegraph
a day ago
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
Former NI council chief facing prosecution in case linked to alleged deletion of emails
A lawyer for Anne Donaghy said she denied any wrongdoing and would 'vehemently contest' the 'technical' offences. It is linked to the alleged deletion of e-mails related to a Freedom of Information (FoI) request, the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) said. Ms Donaghy is being prosecuted for three offences under section 77 of the FoI Act. The other is facing one charge under the same act. A total of four people were reported on a police file submitted to the PPS for consideration. The PPS said that the available evidence in relation to the other two people being investigated is insufficient to provide a reasonable prospect of conviction and therefore the test for prosecution is not met. Previously the BBC Spotlight programme reported the police investigation was connected to alleged attempts to delete correspondence relating to the decision to withdraw council staff operating under the Northern Ireland Protocol. Police twice searched the council offices in October 2021 and then the following April. Ms Donaghy was the chief executive of Mid and East Antrim council at the time. News Catch Up - Friday 27th June Staff, who were carrying out checks on goods arriving from Great Britain, were removed because of apparent threats from loyalist paramilitaries. It later emerged that Ms Donaghy had written to the Cabinet Office before the decision to remove staff was taken. She told the Government that graffiti had been directly targeting council staff working on checks. The then Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots subsequently withdrew inspectors performing the checks at ports in Northern Ireland. However, shortly after, all staff had returned to duties with the PSNI issuing a written threat assessment stating it had no information to support claims of loyalist paramilitaries threatening staff safety. Solicitor Kevin Winters, who is acting for Ms Donaghy, said she has an outstanding High Court legal action against the council alleging discrimination together with extant tribunal disciplinary proceedings. A statement added: 'Today we received notification that she will be prosecuted on three counts of allegedly concealing records; aiding and abetting another person to erase or conceal a record and attempting to erase or conceal a record contrary to FOIA and other legislation. 'Our client denies any wrongdoing during her time in office and will vehemently contest these three technical offences.' He added: 'Anne Donaghy has an impeccable record and service working for the council. 'She wants to put on record her sincere thanks for the all the support she has received from former colleagues in the council and beyond in the wider community. 'Our client takes a lot of strength from this and knows it will serve her well going forward when confronting what are essentially contrived politically motivated allegations.' TUV MLA for North Antrim Timothy Gaston welcomed the PPS decision to bring prosecutions. 'The integrity of Freedom of Information processes is essential to public trust in local government. If officials or others interfered with those processes, there must be consequences,' he said. 'This case has taken years to come to this point after the Raid On The Braid back in October 21. I will follow proceedings closely.'
Daily Record
a day ago
- Politics
- Daily Record
Lanarkshire MSP calls for end to "woke obsession" in the public sector
A Freedom of Information response from the Scottish Government reveals that they are spending almost £4 million a year on 'woke' jobs in the public sector. Central Scotland MSP Meghan Gallacher says it is time to 'end the obsession with fringe woke issues in the public sector'. The Tory MSP believes the focus should be on delivering frontline services, as she backed her party's proposals which would ban new roles in the public sector that are exclusively focused on equality, diversity and inclusion. A Freedom of Information response from the Scottish Government reveals that they are spending almost £4 million a year on 'woke' jobs in the public sector. Meghan has accused the SNP of aiming to impose their gender ideology across the public sector, which resulted in the outrage of a rapist being housed in a women's prison. She said: 'Frontline services in Central Scotland are under huge strain, yet the SNP are still squandering millions on unnecessary jobs. 'We believe it is time to stop funding roles with equality, diversity and inclusion in the title and fund frontline services instead. 'The SNP have spent far too long trying to impose their gender ideology across the whole public sector in Central Scotland, which resulted in the grotesque outrage of a rapist being housed in a women's prison. 'The Scottish Conservatives would end the production of guidance documents which focus on fringe obsessions like gender identity, as well as cracking down on the lobbying powers of taxpayer-funded organisations. 'All too often their lobbying of SNP ministers results in policy changes which are not in the interests of people in Central Scotland or in some cases unlawful. 'The SNP are squandering too much money on these issues when local NHS services, our schools and policing are under huge strain and we need that approach to urgently change.' The Scottish Tories said they would ban public sector roles focused on equality, diversity and inclusion, with this cash being used to fund frontline public service roles in schools, NHS and the police, with staff already employed this way moved elsewhere. The party would also end the production of guidance documents related to 'gender identity' or 'trans' issues, freeing up staff. A Scottish Government spokesman said: 'Diversity, equality and inclusion roles exist to ensure fairness, tackle discrimination and help build a Scotland where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. 'This government is proud to stand up for a more equal society and to protect the rights all those who call Scotland their home. The Scottish Government funds bodies to deliver services and not to fund lobbying.'
Powys County Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Powys County Times
Powys council misses information request deadlines
The number of requests for information met on time by Powys County Council plummeted during 2023/4, a meeting has heard. At a meeting of Powys County Council's Liberal Democrat/Labour Cabinet senior councillors received a historic annual report on Information Governance covering 2023/2024. The report showed that during that year the council received a total of 1,271 information requests under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) and Subject Access Requests (SAR), 16 per cent up on the 1,093 received in 2022/2023. FOI and EIR requests are supposed to receive an answer within 20 working days while for SAR the deadline is 30 days. The performance during 2023/2024 saw was 73 per cent for FOI, 77 per cent for EIR and for SARs only 32 per cent were completed on time. This is down on the 84 per cent for both FOI and EIRs and 57 per cent for SARs that the council achieved in 2022/2023. The Information Commissioner expects the compliance rate to be at 90 per cent. The report explains that the team have had staffing issues during the reporting period. Cllr Raiff Devlin (Liberal Democrat) who was installed as the cabinet member customers, digital and customer services only last month said that an 'Information Management, Assurance, and Governance plan' was in place to try and improve things. As of the end of March last year only 35 per cent of this plan had been completed. Cllr Devlin said: 'Further work is required to meet the targets. 'Compliance rates have seen a decline, and this is as a result of resource challenges within the department. '66 per cent of non-compliant responses were due to delays in the provision of information by the service enabling a response to be drafted or released. 'Complaints to the commissioner are mainly linked to late requests.' 'The commissioner made decisions on two complaints, over an exemption applied and information held. 'The commissioner found in favour of the council on both occasions.' He said that the report provided 'reasonable assurance' that the council's arrangements and plan 'adequately' reflect the principles of good information governance. Cllr Devlin added: 'It is important to note that this report is from 2023/2024 and many of the forward plan priorities have already been actioned by the department and that the 2024/2025 report is in development.'
