Questions Raised Over Kingsteignton’s Sibelco Liaison Role
Local councillor Ron Peart voted against woodland protection despite overwhelming public support
Teignbridge District Council has now unanimously voted to confirm the Tree Preservation Order protecting the woodland in Kingsteignton. That decision reflects overwhelming public support to protect the forest and recognise its environmental, community and health value.
Against that clear consensus, one local representative voted the other way.
In a separate Town Council vote Councillor Ron Peart voted against the Tree Preservation Order despite overwhelming local support for protecting the woodland. He sits as a Conservative councillor and represents Kingsteignton.
During public sessions, Councillor Peart was unable to explain to residents or to the Town Council why he voted to support the quarry company and oppose the protection of the forest. That absence of explanation has caused significant concern.
Councillor Peart has also acted for many years as Sibelco’s liaison to the town. A liaison role is intended to scrutinise, question and represent the interests of the community in dealings with a powerful industrial operator. It relies on trust, independence and transparency.
That trust has now been badly damaged.
When a councillor who has held a liaison role for decades votes against woodland protection that is supported by the vast majority of residents, and cannot clearly justify that decision in public, it raises unavoidable questions. Residents are asking whether the liaison arrangement has become too close, too comfortable, and no longer fit for purpose.
Kingsteignton residents have been clear that they want the forest protected and, ultimately, restored as a nature reserve. When elected representatives act contrary to that mandate, they owe the public a clear and reasoned explanation. When they cannot provide one, confidence is lost.
For that reason, residents are now calling for a change in the Sibelco liaison role. A new liaison should be appointed who is demonstrably independent, willing to challenge the operator, and trusted to reflect the views of the community.
Large-scale quarrying proposals affect health, environment and quality of life for decades. They require robust oversight, not quiet agreement behind closed doors.
Kingsteignton deserves representation that is transparent, accountable and clearly on the side of its residents.
Please join us in writing to the clerk of the council asking for a change of liaison
Save Our Trees 🌳✨Please email: clerk@kingsteignton.gov.uk
Dear Michelle Lewis-Clarke,
I am writing on behalf of concerned residents following the recent vote on the Tree Preservation Order at Rackerhayes.
While Teignbridge District Council voted unanimously to confirm the TPO, significant concern has arisen locally regarding Councillor Ron Peart’s vote against the Order and in favour of Sibelco’s position, particularly given his long-standing role as Sibelco liaison.
Residents have been further troubled by the absence of any clear public explanation during council sessions as to why this vote was taken, despite overwhelming community support for protecting the forest.
The liaison role is intended to provide independent scrutiny and to represent the interests of the town in dealings with an industrial operator. When public confidence in that independence is lost, the arrangement becomes unsustainable.
We therefore request that Kingsteignton Town Council formally reviews the Sibelco liaison role and considers appointing a new liaison who is demonstrably independent, accountable, and trusted by residents.
Given the scale and duration of quarrying proposals affecting the town, restoring confidence in this relationship is essential.
We would be grateful if this request could be acknowledged and confirmed for discussion at a forthcoming council meeting.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
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