CONSPIRACY?

Whilst trawling through  PC minutes for 2003, I spotted the below quoted item 123. As Borough Green Parish Council have always strenuously denied any consultation or communication with Hanson, except for Quarry Liaison meetings, I smelt a rat, and submitted a Freedom of Information request for the document mentioned. I reproduce below the Parish Council's response.

Mr Taylor, Re Isles Quarry West

1.   Your request for information on the above subject, based on the content
of Minutes of the Borough Green Parish Council meeting 1st December 2003 :
'Item 123 - Resolved to enter into Committee :
Chairman reported on a recent meeting with Hanson's Property Development
Manager. Permitted development rights for Isles Quarry East and West noted.A copy of Hanson's proposals for future use of the land was passed for  circulation.'  is noted.

2.   Since the Act contains a 'presumption to provide' the information if
available, you are advised that the best source of this information is the
originator of the document, and it is therefore suggested that you address
your request directly to Hanson's.

3.   BGPC needs an opportunity to research the location of their copy of
this document and is, as yet, unable to confirm whether or not it is
contained in the archive documentation. [Stored at Potters Mede in a secure
container as a result of recent arson.] It has been established that it will
not have been retained with the copies of the Minutes in which it was
mentioned, as they were afterwards available for public perusal, but the
subject  matter dealt with in Part II in Committee would not have been
included.

4.   Arrangements have been made for a search of the appropriate archives
during the course of the next  week, which will necessarily involve physical
movement of materials, and you will be advised as soon as the location of
this document is confirmed.

5.   Even if located, BGPC will not be in a position to immediately
communicate the content of that document,  without the prior permission of
the originator.

6.  Despite the 'presumption to provide' information the Act embodies
certain restrictions, amongst which are exemptions on the grounds of
information 'provided in confidence', 'commercial interests', and as in this
case; information 'accessible by other means'.

You will be advised of the latest situation as soon as it has been
determined.



Hazel Damairal (sic)

Clerk to BGPC