The phrase “There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics” is attributed by Mark Twain to Benjamin Disraeli, a 19th Century British Prime Minister. Neither Twain nor Disraeli had to deal with the Statement of Community Involvement from Taylor Wimpey in regard of their White Dirt Farm proposals… Perhaps I can gain personal notoriety for the phrase “Lies, Damn Lies, Statistics and Developers Reports…” This would of course be grossly unfair to Taylor Wimpey, who have simply drawn together the feedback from the consultation on White Dirt Farm and produced a summary document on the community views. The feedback they are submitting to the case officer though seems to bear little resemblance to the community view as I understand it. Here are a few examples to show why I am concerned. According to the Taylor Wimpey Statement of Community Involvement:
13% of people at the consultation took the opportunity to oppose the development.
4% commented that another location should be found for the development
2% thought there was a lack of infrastructure to support the development
4% said it was important to retain the views of the site in question
3% felt there would be an increase in traffic on the local roads.
1% felt White Dirt Lane was not suitable for pedestrian or cycle paths.
These facts are of course distorted by this being merely a summary of some of the comments. They are however presented in a manner that might suggest 87% were not opposed to the development, or that 99% are clearly not worried about the traffic on White Dirt Lane.
It will be interesting to ask the questions again, with a strict yes, No, Don’t Know format, so here they are below. There is already a poll running about building on White Dirt Farm on an earlier blog, so I will not repeat that one here.
And finally, a multiple choice question:
The results of the polls will be passed to the case officer to give a clearer picture of the community view!
If you would like to see the Taylor Wimpey Statement Of Community Involvement then click On This Link Here: Taylor Wimpey Statement Of Community Involvement
Yes Minister – Getting The Consultation Result You Want. Thank you Andy for sending in this very relevant clip.
horndeanmatters 
I have voted, but I was somewhat reluctant to record any views on final 2 questions as I do not think there should be any development of the site. Responding to the last questions feels uncomfortable. If I answered the questions it feels as if I am accepting that inevitably there will be some development, if not now, some time in the future. I am certainly do not want to provide answers which could be interpreted in this way. I am firmly opposed to any development at WDF.
Hi Carolyne, I fully understand. The questions only mirror the statements made by TW but only answer the ones you are happy to. Guy.
its a no vote by a majority, but again I say it will pass planning whatever any one says
How about a friendly wager? This application should not be passed and I am confident enough of the process that we can put this case to the planning committee!
Guy . I am truly shocked that Wimpey have published these “facts”. If it wasn’t so important it would be laughable . North Korea election results come to mind . It must bring all consultation done by developer’s into disrepute . Still it does highlight what you have said from day one , to copy our views to the planners . ( I didn’t , I trusted a major UK builder ) I will give these ” facts” to all my neighbour’s in the hope they will then send their views to East Hants Planning. Your link to the statement goes to a blank page. Thank you for all your hard work.
Hi Nigel, I enjoyed reading that, thank you. Will check the link, thanks for letting me know, guy.
Guy, sadly I am not surprised. Having seen the so-called public consultation that Southcott did in Lovedean earlier this year; execrable at best, at worst,an absolute insult to the intelligence of the folk of Lovedean. It can only be concluded that developers do this as a tick-box exercise, have no intention whatsoever of taking note of opinions of local people and do their very best to bury as deeply as possible any analysis that doesn`t suit their cause. Every such submission should be subject to the scrutiny you are giving this one, well done.
The Residents of Lovedean have always been quite specific in their opposition to the 4 Developers proposals for housing on the remaining green land at Lovedean. However, it seems that their views have been sidetracked and unwarranted and unsuitable developments are now being forced through despite the majority oppsition. What else can one do? Civil disobedience?