TBH it looks like scaremongering to me, there doesn't seem to be anything in it to say anything to back up his claim.
If anything he is trying to make a gain out of the supporters of the ground/development rather than anything else.
Oh well, that's politics!!!

IMO it's nothing more than speculation and from what I know of the people involved and their level of commitment to delivering a stadium it's well wide of the mark.

Yorkcourt Master Plan - surely not!



Sorry I_A. I could not resist.

Agree, it sound nothing more than waffle and hot air, to try and score a few brownie points. I've had nothing come through my door as yet, but it will be going the same place as yours.

The planning permission and the LDF are linked - but separate.

The LDF allows the land required for the industrial estate to be developed as such, but does not include for the Stadium / Sports Complex.

The Planning Application is inextricably linked to the Stadium / Sports Complex and any change to this application would result in an application for an alteration or possibly a completely new application being required.

Whilst there is a danger with the LDF that the land could be developed without the stadium there are, to my knowledge, no such plans at this time, and to suggest that there is so is scurilous at the very least.

You would imagine that people standing for election would undertake a little more homework before making such comments, but apparently they do not!



Do not let this man worry you!

Welcome back TRB!

Ditto!

Firstly, I have not seen the flyer despite living in the ward but it sounds like Richard has maybe not expressed himself very well (in his leaflet) and is also looking for an angle on Newmarket to attack Clive Hudson's position (who is likely to be re-elected), while still supporting the development... I would have probably not bothered and left it alone altogether to be honest!

So, what I think he is trying to say, based on Simon Wilson's comments, is that he supports the development as long as it includes the stadium and he is trying to paint the picture that the current labour controlled council have potentially opened the door to the stadium not being built by approving the draft LDF! It is just a very poor attempt to score points against Labour on a local topical issue... and indeed fails given the confusion expressed here!

As for Yorkcourt pulling out of their commitment to build the stadium and sports facilities then nothing could be further from the truth.

This just got me thinking about the poster that claimed Yorkcourt had approached agents in Leeds to sell the land... wonder what happened to him?

To me his reply seems to be breaking the bad news to the NIMBYs; when the LDF is rubber-stamped the industrial units will be built with, or even possibly without, the stadium and sports facilities.

It's certainly achieved that, though i don't think this was the aim, i have emailed Cllr Wilson back asking for an explanation regarding Mr Wakefield's comment and the FACTS he has based his comments on, i shall post it should it be received.
I sincerely hope it wasn't scaremongering, but i have my reservations.

I spoke to the leader of Wakefield Conservatives earlier this year/late last year and they were definately 100% supportive of NM, and Cllr Wilson attended the Residents for Newmarket meeting along with two of the Labour Cllr's, held at Stanley Rangers.

Some potentially good news - Labour have gained overall control of Leeds City Council. Labour were having to rely on two Green Party Councillors on key votes (although it was not a formal coalition) and were a minority administration.

The rumour is that Labour's hard stance in Leeds on Newmarket was in part due to this required relationship with the Greens. As such, while I don't think Labour will back-track and remove it's current objection I think LCC's position on Newmarket may now soften a little!

Lets see!

I'll get some hard core taken down there this aft !

If you look closely enough in the bush's, you'll find there's already quite a bit down there!!!!
Watch out for the needles, dog eggs and jonny's though!!!

It looks like the Ratepayers of Wakefield have paid £150,000 towards the plans after all. This slipped under the radar. Page 3 Ref 14/11 www.wakefield.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyre ... er2011.pdf Wakefield and District Community Trust – Loan Guarantee provided by the Council The decision was taken to settle the Council’s liability with regard to the Loan Guarantee provided to the Co-operative Bank in relation to a loan provided by the Bank to the Wakefield and District Community Trust.

It looks like the Ratepayers of Wakefield have paid £150,000 towards the plans after all. This slipped under the radar. Page 3 Ref 14/11 www.wakefield.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyre ... er2011.pdf Wakefield and District Community Trust – Loan Guarantee provided by the Council The decision was taken to settle the Council’s liability with regard to the Loan Guarantee provided to the Co-operative Bank in relation to a loan provided by the Bank to the Wakefield and District Community Trust.

Isn't this loan guarantee repayable by the WDCT at some point in the future?

It is - WAS a loan of £150,000 from the Co Op Bank to W&DCT for "Design Fees" and is WAS guaranteed by The Council in case of default. It would appear that the loan has been called in and the Council have had to pay up, or they may have paid it off out of the goodness of their hearts.!

I believe so. When Planning Permission is granted I believe the loan will be repaid.

I thought this was always the case and the loan will be paid by the community trust once planning permission is granted. Unless something has changed whats new?

I'm guessing that the loan and the guarantee had some kind of time frame associated with it. The PI may have caused enough delay to warrant the bank calling in the guarantee. Th council were happy to act ad guarantor because they know the money will be repayable when planning permission is granted.

Eminently sensible, unless of course you're a Cas troll, albeit a slightly more educated and articulate one, wanting to make a bit of mischief?

Whats new is that the council appear to have become liable for the loan and the Ratepayers (Including no doubt some Cas Fans ) are to "settle the Council’s liability" to the tune of £150,000

But if the liability (loan) is repayable by the WCST when planning is granted then no ratepayers are out of pocket!

What's the fuss?

It isn't new though is it. It was always known that the council were the guarantor and that if planning permission was not obtained the trust would not have the money to pay the loan off. A relatively small gamble for the council if it gets a multi million pound sports facility in their borough for next to bugger all.

I am sure the tax payers of Wakefield were glad when that Bridge in Cas got built that featured on C4 - was it a few million? I am sure some tax payers funds went towards it.

The fuss is this:

What you are saying is that the W&DCT now have a loan from Wakefield Council. A loan which the council refused to give in 2009 when Sir Rod asked for it. That was the purpose of the guarantee.

If in 2009 "The Council was not in a position to do this" I doubt they are now.