Support

Representation ID: 8275

Received: 26/09/2021

Respondent: Amanda Quince

6. GENERAL CONSULTATION ACCESSIBILITY
As mentioned earlier in this consultation response it has been a very challenging time to engage
in a process like this during a transition phase in a global pandemic. Not only is this
unprecedented, it is very clear, not just in the local community, but further afield that individuals
are adjusting to changes in government guidance in different ways depending on their personal
circumstances. This has meant enormous complexities for stakeholders and consultees, in
Renhold, which has a sizeable demographic who are not online, a generation who much prefer
face to face interaction, yet understandably at present do not feel comfortable attending an
event with lots of people. The practicalities of trying to make this consultation on something as
significant as this, has simply not been done in a way that is accessible and fair to all.
It must also be documented that having this consultation following directly on from the East
West Rail consultation which has caused additional pressures to the Renhold community given
the unexpected prospect of having a new railway built within metres of homes in the village.
Renhold is a pro-active parish, even as a close-knit village it has been exceptionally difficult to
arrange volunteers to raise awareness of the consultation, whilst managing and supporting
residents’ questions, fears and upset from afar.
The Parish Council are concerned that the consultation paperwork is ambiguous and already
shows a preference, which then removes integrity from the local authority consultation process,
making it questionable. In addition to this has been the difficulty residents reported on locating
all the strategic growth options forming part of this consultation, as well as the misleading
inclusion of Renhold parish within the shaded maps for Strategic Growth Option 2.