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This month’s edition is jammed with content, opinion and, hopefully, plenty to make you smile too.
As we race towards the end of the year please can I ask that if you wish to place a festive ad to thank your customers during another challenging year please can you get back to me well before the usual deadline of the 20th.
Not wishing to sound like a DFS salesperson, but space will be tight coupled with my aim of producing the biggest Trumpit ever in the spirit of the old Christmas annuals we used to love as kids back in pre-Nintendo days.
I hope you enjoy this edition and, as always, welcome any comments.
Best wishes
Steve
Editor
Longer Reads
A Tribute To The Late Jeff Potter
Smoke and Wing Mirrors
Our Mission is to increase access to opportunity and to the arts for working-class communities…creating original professional verbatim theatre pieces that explore working-class narratives. www.Bloominbuds.co.uk Chewing the fat with fellow old-Hansonian Mick in his Idle Greetings shop, I chanced upon a promotional leaflet on the counter entitled Idle Is Bloomin’. Deposited a few days earlier, two of the “engagement events” it was advertising had already passed; the next was imminent. You might think that this was along the lines of many villages to enhance their visual appeal during the coming months with a bit of help from Mother Nature; my greenfingers were twitching. Sadly not; the body chosen to deliver this “project” is a theatre company focusing on a term that resonates from the seventies – working-class communities. I felt for my cloth cap. This is from their website: Bloomin Buds is an organisation that encapsulates what it means to be working class while not letting negative stereotypes define you, which is an inspiring ethos. What? If this was to promote the village, I was happy to see if The Trumpit could help so emailed them asking a few simple questions. I also copied in the local hierarchy, the three wise councillors. But first, more waffle: ….we have been commissioned as part of the Spring Back campaign to create some artwork in and around Idle Village…to celebrate what a great place Idle village is…attract more people to come and spend time in the local businesses. We want these designs to be informed by the residents of Idle. I duly replied asking how local people could get involved, reminding our chosen artists that Idle is a conservation area and not one seeking a makeover reflecting a downmarket Bronx? Parts of it may look like Blackpool beach, others are superb. There was an obvious problem; the money had to be spent by the end of March; only now were they “consulting”, a term favoured in local government meaning “ we have not got a clue .” The project is funded by the government £56m Welcome Back Fund; Bradford received £477k announced last August, the same amount it received in August 2020 as part of the £50m Reopening High Streets Safely Fund. The aims of the fund are to boost the look and feel of high streets by investing in street planting, parks, green spaces, and seating areas…to hold events that will boost footfall…supporting local businesses. Install and refresh signage and communications on how people can stay safe. Improve green spaces on high streets and town centres by planting flowers or removing graffiti. The next event was at the Idle Beerhouse, buzzing with locals, albeit not there for the event. I was the only member of the public there – what a saddo! Had I known there would be a lavish publicly funded supper of Boris’s favourite party food, I would not have eaten first and invited the lads too. As people queued in the rain in Bradford centre for food, platefuls would be going in the bin untouched. Square that one? I was seeking simple enough answers to the following: – Who determined the need for this project given the wide remit available? – What was the budget? (An equal share per ward of £477k would be approx. £16k) – What was the selection process re the chosen providers? Nobody could answer, including long-served Cllr Sunderland nor the Labour candidate for the forthcoming local elections. The councillor had sent me her own shopping list which would, at first sight, require most of Bradford’s allocation. The money had to be spent quickly but nothing had been agreed; the main idea - ironically - centred on plastering the village in graffiti. So how could they have conducted a competitive tender as they claimed? With all due respect to the young kids from Bloomin Buds, what do they know about economic regeneration? Woefully out of their depth, I felt sorry for them but at least they got a free feed. Of the events preceding this, one was at a Wellbeing Cafe, the other at the Idle Bakery. Whoever heard of a hungry artist? The real blame lies with the Council; money that was granted last August is now being chucked around like confetti with a process clouded in secrecy with even elected councillors clueless. How many business people have been consulted? It is not an enormous sum I accept; however, managed well, it could have made a real difference to the village. The problem is those in control simply do not have the skill set. Frittered away in this manner will have no lasting value unless David Hockney turns up with a brush. And what of the near million pounds granted to Bradford since August 2020? It is an opportunity wasted.
“Let’s go to the panto!” I suggested to my Mum several months ago, knowing how she had loved the twenty-five years she had worked between the Bradford Alhambra Theatre and St George’s Hall. “I’ve seen all the best shows!” she would say, more like one of Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s inner circle than the lady with the flash lamp, melting ice creams and directions to the loo. These two iconic buildings are testaments to a different age. They are also separated by another, the beautiful old Town Hall, currently – some may say – of far less relevance. Throw in the old Odeon, to be reborn next Autumn, and you might wonder what is not to like about Bradford city centre. She readily agreed to the trip, which was a good job as she was paying via the gift vouchers she’d amassed like a secret hedge fund over several Christmas Days. The lovely lady in the Box Office remembered her well; we were assured a warm welcome. I suggested it would be my first visit but my Mum was insistent we had been before. “You were bored and sulking because you wanted to be out on the bloody cricket field!” As it was the depths of winter then most likely I had missed a muddy game of footie, rugby or golf. Dear old Brownie, the groundsman, would have turned up the following day shaking his head. Contending with the early stages of dementia – or a bit of forgetfulness depending on your take on these matters – she may need to be reminded what day it is. But she can instantly recall the inner workings of the Alhambra to the minutest detail. For the big day she also had a brand new skirt. On a recent trip, when she stood up to get ready, her skirt simply fell to the floor like a stage curtain collapsing. Typically she just stood there perplexed before telling me to “bugger off downstairs and get me a pin!” The Big Day The big day arrived and, although a touch chilly – “it’s winter you dope…did I really drop you on your head as a baby?” – she was ready to go. We were “nicely perched” as she described, sat in the stalls as the lovely old place started to fill up. If Boris and his cronies could party, Bradford, so in need of cheer, was not going to be denied. Mercifully, the doors closed and it was on with the show as one more inane announcement by two local DJs would have done for me; when did silence go out of fashion? The show was quite brilliant and much more than a one-man crusade, albeit Billy Pearce has made this his home for about as long as my Mum. The humour was raw, old-fashioned and uniquely British; all wokes please leave by the exit. The supporting cast from the spectacular dancing troupe to the small band of characters were also clearly up for it. Kids and adults alike lapped it up. Come the interval, the old warrior was quick to note the “slow” arrival of the ice cream. “They should be in position before the curtain comes down!” she muttered, although nobody went without before Billy & Co returned. Encore! The plot may be thin but who gives a stuff as some of the exchanges are comedy genius. There are plenty of well-understood and well-received barbed references to the beleaguered Boris too. When the final curtain came there was genuine emotion from the cast and huge appreciation in return from the packed seats. This was what these guys live to do, be it the West End or simply the Bradford panto. Needless to say they got a well-deserved ovation. I had one more surprise. Having walked little further than the driveway back home in the last year, she was insistent that I would not bring the car back to the rear doors, despite having parked some way around the corner. “I’m bloody walking it!” she said and wobbled her first steps unconvincingly. But she made it – somehow – with the same inimitable determination shared by many of her generation. She grew up not far from the car park. I wondered if I let go, if some distant memory would kick in and she would be wandering the grounds of the University looking for the old back-to-backs. There might not be much room left in the memory banks for such a wonderful day but I know she had had a cracker – and would she sleep! Happy Christmas to you all.
There is a group of local people working all hours to try to stop yet more destruction of our dwindling open, green spaces. In my small way I have tried to highlight issues from the raft of legal documents attached to the formal planning application; it is like swimming through treacle. Many are lengthy, highly technical but all - strangely - are wholly supportive of this application. Now...why would that be? I have used Facebook as the mass medium but have been asked by people who avoid Facebook to summarise my posts and add in anything else. Now, before I lose you, it is easy to object to this vandalism and will take you less than it will to brew a cuppa. SOME COMMENTS ARE ADDED IN CAPITALS. Simply click on this link - https://planning.bradford.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=makeComment&keyVal=QX9RE9DHIX200 It is that easy but time is short because the application was lodged - without public notices nor with our local councillors being aware - on 10/9. We understand that objections must be lodged by 8/10 but we have almost 300 to date. The petition organised before the application hit over 600 signatures - help us please. A SUMMARY OF FACEBOOK POSTS ON THE TRUMPIT FACEBOOK PAGE 2/9 News of the inevitable with a proposed planning application for 45 new homes on Idle Moor. What I find strangest of all, is the request for feedback from the builder's (Gleesons) consultants, a Leeds based firm called Peacock & Smith. It's like doing their homework for them. As they say on their website "As part of the planning process, our clients often seek the opinions of key local stakeholders and residents before submitting their planning applications." TROUBLE WAS THEIR OWN DOCUMENT SHOWING WHERE THESE LEAFLETS LANDED EXCLUDES MANY LOCAL STREETS - HOW BIZARRE? The website does not contain the proposals at this stage. Consider this from the consultant’s leaflet sent to residents. “Public open space will be provided on site.” It sounds like a prisoner of war camp and seems to override the fact that 1.6ha of existing open space will be lost. Remember a year or so ago how we valued open spaces? 10/9 One week on and only 80 odd signatures so far. It may be that people don't care about losing another green space but consider: - the council plan to 2038 has enough provision already for housing in BD10 without this - there are almost 8,000 empty homes in Bradford, which is roughly a quarter of the total target to 2038 - the total new builds are more than one for every increase in the projected population 28/9 COMMUNITY CONSULTATION Part of the process is for a bunch of consultants, working for the developers, to produce a report. They are always, would you believe it, supportive. Amongst the guff written is this: 4.2. There were 55 emailed responses and 3 phone calls...a modest response rate of just over 5%. They claim 987 leaflets were posted but their own map shows that many local streets were excluded. This is Banana Republic stuff. Remember over 600 of us signed the petition so please take two minutes. Do not let them roll us over with a pack of lies. 29/9 Idle Moor - Transport Assessment This is another report, paid for by the developers, written in fantasy land. It is a 61-page beast but basically says that there will be no traffic issues from another 45 homes perched high up on the moor. To satisfy Government guidelines it is intimated that people are more likely to walk, cycle or use the bus - honestly, it really does. Idle is only a ten-minute walk to the doctors and dentists you probably won't be able to get in. "Cycling...would represent an attractive travel option." You could not make this up...except they have...for the usual fee. And it is only 40 minutes WALK to the train station. Finally, they attempt to justify navigating Kenstone by claiming that only 25 two-way trips and 24 at night would take place at peak time. 30/9 Today's extracts are from the developer's submission - Gleeson Regeneration - how can you term destroying open green space regeneration? They cite "health and well-being benefits" which are largely extra council tax and a one-off new homes bung to the council. They pitch themselves as a low-cost, affordable developer but 55% of the development (above the council's own recommended target of 45%) are 3 or 4 bed detached; the market will set the price in time. They claim to engage with local schools but the council's own document confirms local primaries are full. Remember the last development generated a paltry £300k for education; can you tell me where the new classrooms are? The biggest growth in Bradford's residents will be in older people in the next 20 years; this ignores them. STILL AWAKE? As many who know me will testify, because I have nothing better to do, I researched several Council documents to support articles in The Trumpit. Here are some key points so far as the plan for Bradford's housing needs to 2028. Strategic Housing Market Assessment 2019 (SHMA) To view click here - https://www.bradford.gov.uk/Documents/planningStrategy/Core%20Strategy%20Partial%20Review/Preferred%20Options%20Report/evidence//Bradford%20Strategic%20Housing%20Market%20Assessment%20(SHMA)%202019.pdf Some key points: P12-The City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council (CBMDC) Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) 2019 provides the latest available evidence to help to shape the future planning and housing policies of the area. P13-This 2019 study assumes a total of 217,930 dwellings3 . There are an estimated 9,6234 properties (4.4%) which are not occupied, the majority of which are vacant. The latest 2017 Valuation Office Agency data reports that: • 18.9% are 1- or 2-bedroom houses, 43.7% are 3-bedroom houses, 14.1% are 4 or more bedroom houses; • 8.3% are 1-bedroom flats, 7.4% are 2 or more-bedroom flats; • 5.0% are 1- or 2-bedroom bungalows and 2.6% are 3 or more-bedroom bungalows. Stock condition is a particular issue for the district and associated with terraced houses and older properties. Bradford District is home to around 10% of the Yorkshire and the Humber’s population and in 2018 the population was estimated to be 537,1736 . According to the 2016-based population projections, the population of Bradford District is projected to increase by 2.4% over the period 2019-2037 to around 549,540 in 2037. There will be a marked increase in the number and proportion of older residents. The population aged 65+ years is expected to increase by 39.5% from 80,960 in 2019 to 112,950 in 2038 . This compares with an increase of 35.1% across Yorkshire and the Humber and 40.1% across England over the period 2019-2037. P14-This SHMA report considers future housing need based on the standard methodology outlined in February 2019 Planning Practice Guidance (PPG). Using 2014-based household projections and latest (2018) affordability indicators, the minimum local housing need figure for Bradford District is 1,703 dwellings each year. Detailed analysis concludes that the following sizes of dwelling are needed: 25.1% one bedroom, 30.6% two bedroom, 28.3% three bedroom and 16% four or more bedroom. A tenure split of 65% rented and 35% intermediate tenure is also recommended. P15-Over the period 2019 to 2037, the number of older person households is going to increase by around 32,000 and there will be a 39.5% increase in older people living in the district. Given the ageing population in the district and the identified levels of disability amongst the population, it is recommended that a policy to provide new homes built to accessibility standards is included in the Local Plan. P42- Dwelling completions 2003/04 to 2017/18-tabular This is worth a look because it demonstrates how far behind target the Council have been historically. On the flip-side it means that they are desperate for developers to commit. And they then hold all the cards. P70-The 2019 National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (Paragraph 60) states ‘to determine the minimum number of homes needed, strategic policies should be informed by a local housing need assessment, conducted using the standard method in national planning guidance’. P71-For Bradford District, over the period 2019-2029, the total number of households under the 2014-based household projections is set to increase from 210,547 to 226,381, a total change of 15,834 households or 1,583 each year (Table 5.1). P73-Based on the MHCLG standard methodology and 2018 affordability ratios, the minimum local housing need for Bradford District is 1,703 dwellings each year. P76-Edge Analytics comment that ‘in the face of a net outflow of domestic migrants, net international migration has maintained Bradford’s relatively youthful population age profile. However, an estimated fall in long-term international migration, coupled with the continuation of the domestic migration outflow, could have an important impact on labour force groups. Bradford needs to retain its working age population to support economic growth.’ i.e. population is forecast to fall That's all for now as it is more than enough. Please help by spreading the message that local people have had enough of spin and fabrications designed only to enrich a few. Make your voice heard. Thank you.
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