Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Torbay Weekly and you can read the latest edition (Published on Thursday 15th December 2022) below:
Johnny Johnson
It is only right I start this week’s column by paying tribute to a true hero who made a major contribution to public life here in our bay.
Sq Ldr George "Johnny" Johnson, was the last surviving member of the original 617 “Dambusters” Squadron and died peacefully in his sleep aged 101. After the war Johnny was both a Torbay Councillor and Chairman of the Torbay Conservative Association.
I first met Johnny back in the 1990’s whilst doing a project for my history A Level. He was modest about his achievements yet spoke powerfully about his time in the Squadron. A true hero in every sense of the word, he always spoke more about those who never came back than himself and wanted them to be recognised for their bravery and sacrifice.
Per Ardua Ad Astra "through adversity to the stars", the RAF’s motto seems the most appropriate way to describe his life. He will be missed.
Wind Power
Last week, the Government confirmed, in response to an amendment I and dozens of fellow Conservative MPs signed, it would launch a formal consultation on new planning rules to allow new wind energy turbines to be built onshore in England.
This is a welcome result and paves the way for additional supplies of domestically produced energy to be built where local communities support it, potentially with residents near new wind farms seeing a direct benefit via reductions in their bills.
Short Term Lets
Whilst an appropriate level of short-term lets rented via online booking services can provide choice for tourist visitors, in recent months we have seen too many examples of family homes being converted into this use by landlords, putting further pressure on our housing supply.
I am therefore pleased the Government has confirmed a registration scheme for short-term holiday lets will be put in place, alongside moves for Planning Permission to be required when converting a long-term home to holiday accommodation in “hot spots”. Devon and Cornwall being cited as examples of a “hot spot”.
These moves will not only deliver greater protection of our housing supply, but a more level playing field between this new form of accommodation and more traditional tourism businesses.
Animal Welfare
I spoke in the recent debate held on a petition urging the Government to bring the Kept Animals Bill back before MPs.
This bill includes measures to tackle puppy smuggling, a ban on live animal exports for slaughter and fattening, a ban on keeping primates as pets and modernisation of legislation around Zoo Regulations. It represents a step change in animal welfare and should be made law early in 2023.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries are on: Saturday 17th December 11am till 1pm at Paignton Library, Great Western Rd, Paignton, TQ4 5AG and Friday 23rd December 10am till 12noon at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD.
For an appointment you can either email me at [email protected] or leave a message on 01803 214989, surgeries are for personal queries from residents they would like me to help them with, rather than a wider policy debate. There are also drop-in sessions at my office 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD between 10am & 1pm Monday to Friday where a member of my team will be available to help with any queries.
