It’s another busy week in Parliament with important topics being worked on. The European Scrutiny Committee of which I am a member is looking into defence cooperation with other countries which is particularly relevant in these challenging times and in the context of defence procurement so mportant to our area. It also has a particular role scrutinising the Government over reform and repeal of EU law that is in the news.
I am really pleased there are positive developments at Yeovil Town Football Club and hope this can be the start of better results and more unity among fans. Development of the ground is controversial for some but an opportunity to garner the income needed to sustain a proper footballing structure as the club rebuilds and hopefully progresses up the leagues. I am seeking a meeting with the new owners to see what I can do to help. While many clubs have faced financial difficulties during Covid the communication from some at the Club has not always been what it might be and it is good to see the new owners trying to take a new approach.
I am continuing to try to help solve issues with the granting of planning permission due to phosphates in the Somerset Levels. South Somerset District Council were not proactive in thinking how to manage this appropriately and we need a larger scale mitigation system which I am lobbying Ministers and talking directly to the Environment Agency about.
Planning has been in the news lately and just this week Keir Starmer announced plans for more building on green belt areas. We need more homes in the right places but I don't think gobbling up green belt and high quality agricultural land is the way to go. The North London Labour Party leadership doesn't understand rural areas and it seems to me there needs to be more intense development in urban areas and brownfield sites close to where the demand is in places like London.
In our area town centre sites that have lain idle for years need to be brought forward with development incentives. Yeovil's Cattle Market, Glovers Walk, Bus Station and Stars Lane areas need to be redeveloped with enough residential to make the numbers work, drive footfall for town centre businesses and get more eyes on the street against antisocial behaviour.
Small businesses and retailers are having a difficult time at the moment and I've been out and about talking to them about how we can help. In South Petherton the small business rates exemption is definitely helping and encourages new ideas but I would like to see further reform to support local shops and will keep talking to Ministers about this. Competing against online retail isn’t easy but our local shops and hospitality are really important for the community. I am urging Somerset Council to speed up works in Yeovil to give businesses more certainty about the town centre experience.