Joe Townsend Noels HQ

[nikki2970]

Good for Noel for standing up and saying what many people have wanted to say about this story.

Whether he did it in the right kind of way or not, the point is, Joe had every right to have his independence and his own house, especially after everything he went through.

People need to stop slating Noel for speaking out. It's not like people in this country don't moan about the government and councils every day. So why is he any different?

[MrChilledout]

wenger1972

What an absolute wanker you are.

It's ironic that someone like Marine Townsend fights for this country and preserves democracy. The exact same democracy that allows you to post the vile, spiteful shit that you did on here.

I can't comment on Mr Edmonds but from where I'm sitting there's only one twat around here. Take a look in the mirror.

[wenger1972]

Right okay lets put this bearded twat right

1) The Council rejected it. But they were willing to look at alternatives.

2) Being in the armed forces does not give you special privileges like not having planning regs apply to you just because you had your legs blown off. Nor should it. The same rules apply to everyone.

[MarxBakuninMe]

What exactly does he mean when he says its' "your show"? Does he believe that every one of his viewers agree with him? And if its "our show" then why do you need to pay to watch it (on Sky)?

[TimothyJarman]

well done, really well done. the UK is a complete joke.

[mellowNdark]

True but so is Noel and this show. slight hint of emotional black mail but i agree it stinks they wont build it.

[Markcl10]

Noel Edmonds is an absolute washed up dick. His nasty little character keeps seeping out on naff shows like this. Maybe thats why Sky didn't buy his personal rant show for a second series.

[mellowNdark]

Is he a tory?

[simon0diamond]

Is this a joke?

[BstrangerUK]

Cheggers, a hero

[UpThaOwls]

Well Said Noel.

I Totally Agree.

x

[Electrozonelectronic]

I agree with the cause totally, but Noel was a bit out of order suggesting that the press officer wasn't doing his job properly. The press officer wasn't responsible for the permission being declined. Maybe he simply doesn't like Noel's HQ.

[kylebond1981]

'Actually, I created this show'. It looks more like cheggers did during his drinking days.

[2DD]

Erm.. The guy is still young and has his life ahead of him, is it really best to be hidden away in the corner of some field of his Gran and Grandads? It might be nice for them, but I would have thought a road to independence and living among other young people in a more social environment near modern ammenities might address his future needs better.

Isn't he going to feel a bit 'written off' here?

[mbb05jb]

i suppose you have a point but if he is a country boy at heart, he may well want to live there.

[samholdsworth]

hmmmm well where he is isnt far from the town and i doubt he would be there all day everyday, i dont think he could handle it he likes being out and about n doin stuff, he's been skiing already.

[2DD]

Thanks, glad to hear it. I think thats the problem with these programmes and their manipulation of the facts. They like to portray people as 'victims' for the emotional impact of TV, while ommiting the fact the guy is being positive, and living life. The way they showed the grandad, saying he was putting him "next to the paddock", gave the impression he was a lost case, like some old workhorse. Noel's highjacking of the problem for his own pomposity and promotion of the show didn't help either.

[samholdsworth]

i think the reason he they are building there is mainly because its his grandads land and its really nice looking scenery. and would have worked out cheaper and easier then looking for an apropriate place or having something built on someone elses land lol. but then dont take this as facts coz its just a guess really i aint spoken to the guy for a long time so i dunno the facts behind it all

[2DD]

I wasn't criticising the decision, just the way the programme portrayed it and edited it etc. Anyway, obviously I'm glad something seems to be sorted and wish the guy and his family all the best for the future.

[originalwaggy]

As a ex-serviceman myself I fully support the campaign for Joe. However I do find it a bit rich for Gordon Brown to give the statement that he has considering that it it HIS Labour policies that dictate what can be built within a green belt area. Get off the band wagon Brown and sort this and all the other mess that you and your so called caring party has caused!

[2304Laura]

Ten out of ten to Noel for saying exactly what the rest of us are feeling. And congratulations to Joe for having permission to build the bungalow granted. We must stand together as Britons and NOT allow for the do-'gooders' to take away what is rightfully ours. Our dignity.

[rmjh1961]

Permission to build has NOT yet been granted. Please read my previous comments properly. You will see a joint announcement on the Wealdon Council website with Joe's Grandfather saying that he has agreed to put in a new planning application (which has not yet been decided).

Hopefully, this new application will be OK.

[samholdsworth]

its all been given the ok they are going to start building, and there has been floods of workers offering to built it 4 free, so that his compensation money will go towards other things.

[samholdsworth]

i feel terrible that i havent been able to support joe as much as i could have as he is my cuz and i went to school and college with him. when i heard about everything that had been going on i was sickened by some peoples ignorence, its just not human. this show has made me feel incredibly proud of joe, my auntie debbie and everyone that helped. i believe many soldiers are treated badly and something seriously needs to be done about it, its a disgrace. i havent seen joe since college as he.....

[samholdsworth]

left before the course finished to join the royal marines. but i really hope at some point i can see him n buy the guy a drink. again im sorry i didnt get involved as much as i could have. good luck joe!

[grahamgrot]

I think its a shame that this post has been taken over by discussion about Noel Edmonds ego. Get back to the point, who cares what you think of Noel Edmonds.

[circusskateco]

NOEL EDMONDS is such a dick.

[bluebellnutter]

Shut up Edmonds, just open the box already...

[hamshanks]

this is hilarious - "come on everybody let's burn down some Pediatrician surgeries"

[rmjh1961]

The home page of Wealden District Council has a link to a new joint announcement from the council and Joe's grandfather.

Joe's grandfather has agreed to submit a revised planning application (ie. he has now listened to the council's advice about what would be a suitable application design and location).

The council has indicated that - in principle - the new proposal is expected to be OK when it comes up for a decision.

IE. The grandfather has now listened to the council's advice.

[28019ab]

You can see him veering between the Alan partridge-esque comic farce to the sinister demagogy, playing the 'saviour figure' in the best tradition of the far right. Phrases like 'the politicians have had their say' bring echoes of the weimar republic, the II Republica in Spain and numerous others to mind.....as do silly, short arsed little men with angry demeanors and exaggerated oratory...

Fortunately, this prick has not gone uncriticized see screenwipe 2008 review pt 2

[GILLBY64]

mrjh1961 so you the policy for planning above human suffering. hope you are never in the same position as Joe Townsend. Keep up the good work Noel.

We seen to care less about corrupt politicians expence accounts when thats what needs looking into. So lets go ahead and give Joe what he wants.

[dizzywhore1804]

Haha, yeah let's see Noels HQ do a VT on politicians dodgy accounts, shall we?

I can guarantee you that will never happen because it's not clear cut, exciting, sexy or televisual enough. Which is why shows like this are dangerous! They ignore real poltics for fuzzy feel-goodery.

If people start voting based on what is said on teatime telly, to please the baying audience then real politics will suffer.

This show should NOT be taken seriously.

[rmjh1961]

The planning application was refused because it was contrary to the policy which protects the countryside from development and allows housing within the allocated zone (as shown on the district plan).

Noel is bullying officials just for doing their job, which requires them to comply with the Law and strict planning rules.

It is plain silly to expect officials to throw away the rule book when it would be illegal.

The council would be accused of illegal activities if it ignored the rules.

[carZ123123]

"The planning application was refused because it was contrary to the policy which protects the countryside from development and allows housing within the allocated zone (as shown on the district plan)."

if our country was blown up because of this idoits who tired to blown up our own stations and underground stations a few years ago and they did this further to our own country who would care about the protection of the countryside when it is blown up

[dizzywhore1804]

And well fucking done to Jim Vanderbose (sp?) for refusing to be pressured to come onto this ENTERTAINMENT show.

Whatever Noel Edmonds thinks, the whole point of this show is to feed his massive ego, and that's all Sky care about too.

The day decisions of legality and politics are thrashed out before a baying mob of thick audience members (listening to opinions of people wearing large foam hands?!) overseen by a kids TV presenter is the day that the country truly has gone to the dogs.

[MidniteRaver06]

so you think that if you were in his position you wouldnt use your power & stature on the telly to try and help people like this and all the other organisations & causes he has helped? if it wasnt for Noels backing of THE KIYAN PRINCE FOUNDATION it wouldnt have the support that it has today!!

its got fuck all to do with his "ego"

more genuine causes need exposure like this

[dizzywhore1804]

There is a major difference between raising awareness of a just issue, and blackmailing officials to make watchable primetime tabloid telly.

[MidniteRaver06]

blackmailing?? wtf?!

its because of fucking pencil pushing councillors & the lack of common sense in this country that is killing it!!!!

for fuck sake hes wanting to build the BUNGALOW (not a million pound mansion) on his grandparent's land!! if the land is privately owned it should be at the land owner's discretion as long as surrounding neighbours do not have any objections (which there hasnt been!!)

[dizzywhore1804]

I'm not going to pretend to know the full case but if they're seeking planning permission and are refused there was obviously a reason, likely a precedent, I doubt that the reason was spite, and to suggest otherwise is nonsense.

The reason I chose the word 'blackmail' is that from Edmonds rant he seems to take it personally that someone who was doing their job doesn't want to appear on 'The Daily Mail: TV Edition' to explain himself, and Noel seems to take that personally (again, ego?).

[MidniteRaver06]

if you watch the video you will know.. it was refused because of "Intrusion"?!? FROM WHAT?!?! they went around and asked the surrounding neighbours and asked if they had any objections.. and there wasnt... so therefore there is no grounds to decline!!

and why is it so wrong for Noel to be passionate about this??

[MidniteRaver06]

IMO there should be more people like noel that are trying to fight the pencil pushers!! its a fucking disgrace!

the care of injured soldiers is ridiculous!!! i mean ffs a Lesbian received compensation because of "hurt feelings" WTF!! and not only that but received more compensation than that of any soldier that has came back from war with less limbs than they had wen they went!!

theres one thing for sure... this would not happen in america

[dizzywhore1804]

For what it's worth I completely agree that injured soldiers should be better treated by the government.

But focusing on specific cases, belittling others, and releasing charity singles is not the way to do this.

Politcs and problems won't be solved on teatime telly.

[MidniteRaver06]

wont be solved by corrupt politicians & councillors either because all they care about is the money that goes into their back pocket!! unless the public group together & show them up for what they are doing which is what the show is trying to do.

as is stated on V for Vendetta... "People should not be affraid of their government... The Government should be affraid of the people!" yes its only a film but its true!

[dizzywhore1804]

To write off all politicians as corrupt and greedy is a very lazy generalisation and will not help solve anything.

Think of all the hundreds of people involved in policy making compared to the dozen or so cases that make the papers. They're doing a pretty good job, for the most part.

And please don't be naive enough to think this show is anything other than a ratings grabber - it's not 'trying' to do anything but fill an hours telly.

[MidniteRaver06]

well then you could say the same about the Children in need show being on the telly to be a Money grabber.

i like the show. i support Noel. End of.

[dizzywhore1804]

To stop people putting up buildings left, right and centre? To stop traveller camps being built? To stop people building farm buildings without permission? It was not a rule set in place to stop 'Our Boys' living near their grandparents. They're not the first people to have their planning permits refused, are they?

Edmonds shouldn't be upset because a councilman refused to appear on his entertainment show. It'd be like Gordon Brown on X-Factor talking about Guantanamo Bay. Innappropriate.

[bravozulu82]

Well actually there is an illegal traveller's camp in the village concerned, the council have done nothing................

Oh and an application going through for 14 affordable houses in a field virtually across the road from this application.

So you see, exceptions can be made, but in Joe's case 6 councillors decided it wasn't exceptional enough, but 5 did.

[GumboWatches]

@dizzywhore1804 Why thumbs up. Sure those laws and regulations are there for a reason. To make society just and not to upset the majority. But he is letting some guy who has fallen down the cracks out. He offered his life and when he lost a leg, people didnt want a bungalow built near them in the middle of no where. common sense prevails ratehr than law. hence why we have jurys and appeals courts. The poor guy deserves a home near his parents. Although Noel is an egomaniac.

[WestHamTaff]

This is the sort of decision that has taken the Great out of Britain. Ironic that the lad was fighting to bring about democracy, the sort of democracy that ensures free and fair elections, just like the ones that ensured the election of Wealden councillors.

I'd wager the rules would be bent a little if a relative of theirs suffered similar circumstances.

If only they had an ounce of the courage this young lad has shown.

They have nothing but my utter contempt and disgust.

[rmjh1961]

I'd wager that if the rules were bent anywhere for any reason to build homes on land outside the allocated zone for development (ie. on protected countryside) that the council decision will go straight to the High Court for Juduicial review and the officers and councillors concerned would be investigated for malpractice.

You cannot tell people to throw away the rules and ignore serious laws and expect them just to do what you say - regardless of how good the cause is.

New laws are needed.

[dizzywhore1804]

Has anyone seen Paul Dacre and Noel Edmonds in the same room at the same time? Or Peter Hitchens and Mr Blobby?

Edmond's ego is almost unbelievable...

[MidniteRaver06]

and how many other "celebrities" with a big a fan base or bigger in fact do you see doing something like this?!?!

NONE!!

Noel for PM i say!!

[dizzywhore1804]

And thank GOD for that! Why do you care about Mr Blobby's mate's opinion on current affairs?! Maybe the orbs told him to do it....

It's typical tabloid behaviour: to go bundling into the middle of something complex, pick a side and just bully an emotive reaction out of people.

Do you think the council might have had reasons for turning it down? Or are they, like social workers apparently, just in it to be evil? Or possibly are they just doing their job?

[dizzywhore1804]

This show is clearly a joke, isn't it? It's a brilliant piece of satire of the 'factual entertainement' genre. Isn't it? PLEASE say it is.....

[ian9outof10]

In the UK, you can object to a development if you think it's badly placed. I think, for cases like this, the public should be able to lobby FOR a development.

This is one of those things where veterans SHOULD get a little extra given back to them.

[swanhammond]

Why don't you just pass a new law that allows television producers to overturn laws, since no one seems to object to a profit making entertainment company playing god.

The cause is fine, but how did Noel Edmonds get to be the conscience of the nation? By pouring slime on mums and dads every Saturday evening.

And as for the hi-tec wheelchair, was this a heart-felt gesture to a war hero or was it a lovely feel good angle to end a television segment?

[JohnnyRawhide]

This sort of decision is typical of the petty minded jobs-worths that you come across in Council Planning Department. They have a little power and they wield it indiscriminately. They should hang their heads in shame, the lot of them and their senior managers should drag them across the coals for being so inflexible. Planning rules should be enforced with a bit of flexibility to allow for this type of case. This is clearly one of those situations where they should allow it.

[fezzaf6]

Anybody else think Noel is a bit pissed?

Good on you Noel for sticking up for a real good cause!

[brendaianandconnor]

Noel has spoken on behalf of common sense and decency of all of the nation, whether you agree with the war in the Middle East or not - its irrelevent. What is relevent is that we have a collective responsibility for all the men and women we send out into war zones. The thought of this 'item' just being on an agenda in a dusty committee meeting led by completely inept and talentless prats really pisses me off

[brendaianandconnor]

I have never been a fan of Noels...until now, what a guy, thank you for talking the common sense and anger that this country feels towards inept public servants. the thought of this just being an item on an agenda to pass or not makes me furious. If I were a citizen of Wheeldon I would be demanding an early vote!!

[imjackcooper]

I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore!

[madammoments]

Damn guys, I think Noel should help fight our arguments in future! :) The really important ones, like Joe's. :)

Congratulations Joe! :) All the best for the future!

[gwyndafbach]

Just been mentioned on the facebook site that Joe has FINALLY been granted his Bungalow, Power to the people Well done

[rmjh1961]

Is this the same site as originally proposed?

If the council grants consent to a home on land which is not allocated for housing contrary to clearly establish planning policy, the council will be open to Judicial Review for malpractice (ie. for not making the decision correctly and rationally in accordance with the law).

[brendaianandconnor]

I think there may be a vacancy in Wheeldon soon, you seem to be the sort of person to consider taking the post!!

[rmjh1961]

The council's real reasons for refusing the planning application have not been explained properly to the audience ...

The field is obviously outside the allocated zone for housing, so the council is unable to legally give the planning consent.

The planning officers are trying to "negotiate" to help the family come up with a proposal that does comply with the planning policies.

The family is basically asking the council to throw away the rule book, which it is legally not allowed to do.

[madammoments]

@ rmjh1961 - Did you not hear the PM's statement? He just politely overturned their refusal.

Your aguments are piss-poor my friend, the point is that we're not supporting and respecting what our soldiers are doing and going through. It takes courage to be able to stand up with a gun and shoot another human being, regardless of whether they're terrorists.

He's done his duty to his country and he deserves rewarding. Its high time we were just as proud of our country, just like the Americans.

[rmjh1961]

madmoments

Th Prime Minister has done no such thing. He has no power to overturn a proper council decision.

Mr Brown is jumping on a bandwagon and misleading people.

To change the law, the his Government must pass new laws and regulations and empower the councils to make legal decisions which ignore housing land allocation policies and / or which give badly injured military heros the right to over-ride normal countryside protection policies.

Planning law is very complex.

[brendaianandconnor]

I wonder if you would like them to throw away the rule book if your legs, or those of someone you love had been scattered across the Middle East?

[rmjh1961]

I fully support our military personnel. They are heroes and desrve the best treatment.

I am simply trying to explain that Noel Edmonds and the Prime Minister are making very misleading claims.

The fact is that the council MUST abide by the Law and strict Planning Policies.

The family are trying to create a home on land which is not designated for development. The council is trying to help by showing where suitable land is located.

Permission has not been granted for anything yet.

[LonLeb]

Wealden District Council are a bunch of insensitive tossers. What more of a reason could you have to build something?

[Chumbleton]

Go on Noel!

[misfit1978]

Thank you for highlighting this Noel, it looks like our Facebook group paid off.

We won!

:O)

[ScuderiaRuss]

He could have Dick and Doms.

[lottiebelottie]

Well done Noel. Job well done.............Joe deserves and must have his bungalow!

[mafiamule]

talk about shooting the messanger......

[KiefsAngel]

Thank you for posting this. I saw this last night on the live show. And I couldn't believe it! Joe deserves everything for what he has suffered. Wealden District Council should be ashamed of themselves! I'm so glad Noel Edmonds came in to help them. I hope the council saw/heard what he said!

GET THEM TOLD NOEL!

SHAME ON THEM!

[alfieadkins]

Thanks for posting....