EXTINCTION Rebellion marched to Dorset Council to present a Christmas message urging them to rethink plans to build 4,000 new homes in north Dorchester and the Portland incinerator.
Local supporters of Extinction Rebellion were accompanied by local councillors in a socially distanced protest on Tuesday afternoon.
It was a part of a series of public events across Dorset to discuss the climate and ecological emergency and Dorset Council’s strategy as part of the Council’s public consultation.
Prior to the protest, councillor and town crier Alistair Chisholm, stood alongside Extinction Rebellion members and spoke the Christmas message aloud at the Town Pump in Dorchester.
He said: “We seek the gift of a better future, where nature thrives and children’s lives are more secure.
“Reject the plans to burn waste, drill oil or build where nature is displaced.
“Think global, act local. Feel the passion, let’s make it happen!”
The group has called for a number of local developments to be rejected by Dorset Council, including a large housing development north of Dorchester, Portland Incinerator and to drill for fossil fuels in Puddletown.
From Town Pump in Dorchester town centre, the group walked towards Dorset Council on South Walks to deliver the message.
However, due to the building being closed to the public, the envelope addressed to leader Spencer Flower was instead given to a courier to be delivered.
The message was hand delivered by Hazelbury Bryan Parish councillor Ken Huggins and campaigner Caz Dennett on behalf of the recent People’s Assemblies on climate action.
Campaigner Caz Dennett welcomed Dorset Council’s approach of speaking to campaigners about climate issues – but insisted more needs to be done.
She said: “Many councillors in Dorset attended the People’s Assemblies and voiced the need for urgent action.
“We cannot realistically become a zero-carbon wildlife-friendly Dorset, if the Council grants planning permission for new fossil fuel drilling in Puddletown, burning rubbish on Portland or building 4,000 houses on environmentally sensitive land in north Dorchester.
“Please resist the pressure to grant these developments, we know that might not be easy, but it is absolutely necessary.”
Ken Huggins, a parish councillor, who helped facilitate the People’s Assemblies said: “The most positive thing to come out of the assemblies was the passion and drive of local people.
“Clearly many are worried, frightened and feel desperate about the future if we don’t address the very real climate crisis, but they are keen to take positive steps in their community.
“The councils across Dorset need to embrace that energy, and support people to put those good ideas and solutions in place, starting in 2021.”
Julie-Ann Booker from Extinction Rebellion said: “This seasonal greeting recognises the council’s efforts in working towards an action plan to reduce the county’s carbon emissions, prevent wildlife loss and generally improve the health and wellbeing of us all.
“However, the message reminds the council there are bold decisions to be made that will make or break Dorset’s ability to become a zero carbon, environmentally-friendly county in the necessary timescale.”
Dorset Council's reaction to protest
A spokeswoman for Dorset Council said: "Dorset Council is the planning authority and cannot comment about any planning applications before they are considered or on matters that will be the subject of public consultation in the emerging Dorset Local Plan.
"We currently consulting on our Climate and Ecological Emergency Strategy and Action Plan that sets out in detail the action Dorset Council will be taking, and we urge everyone to take part in this survey.
"The Dorset Council Local Plan consultation will start in January. Once adopted, the Local Plan will guide decisions on planning applications in Dorset until 2038.
"It outlines the strategy for the growth Dorset needs, development in suitable places, community services including schools, retail, leisure and community facilities and the appropriate character and quality of development.
"While protecting the environment and acting on climate change. Details of the Dorset Council Local plan can found on our website."
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