View Full Version : Royal Marine Rejected by local Gov.
By Daily Mail Reporter (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/search.html?s=y&authornamef=Daily+Mail+Reporter)
Last updated at 11:42 AM on 27th January 2009
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/01/27/article-1129143-03326E27000005DC-181_233x357.jpg 'Devastated': Royal Marine Joe Townsend, pictured with his grandfather David Carter, lost both legs when he stood on a mine in Afghanistan
A crippled soldier has been left 'devastated' after councillors threw out his grandparents' plans to build him a specially-adapted bungalow on their land so he could move out of hospital.
Royal Marine Joe Townsend, 20, lost both his legs when he stepped on an anti-tank mine on patrol in Afghanistan 11 months ago.
He is desperate to move out of Headley Court Armed Forces rehab centre in Surrey to be closer to his family in Pevensey, East Sussex, and gave an impassioned speech to his local planning committee asking them to approve the designs.
But his dreams were shattered when Wealden councillors decided his case was not 'exceptional' enough to waive strict planning laws forbidding development on the secluded private land surrounding his grandparents' country home.
Joe said: 'I was devastated by the decision.
'They gave me two minutes to put my points across and I told them I was a 20-year-old Marine injured in Afghanistan.
'I said I had been a local lad all my life and always wanted to live round my granddad's.
'His idea of building me a place in his paddock was a massive incentive for me to crack on, get better and get my independence back.
'The rejection was a kick in the teeth and I don't know what will happen now.'
Councillor Niki Oates, who is also a double amputee, called on fellow committee members to 'damn the rules' and help him.
But her proposal was rejected by six votes to five.
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/01/27/article-1129143-033269DE000005DC-838_468x286.jpg
Rejected: Mr Carter stands by the plot of land he wanted to build a specially-adapted bungalow on for his badly injured grandson
She said: 'I lost both my legs below the knee so obviously, I felt special compassion for him.
'I said, damn the rules! There has to be a way to get round them sometimes in a case like this.
'I tried my hardest, but to no avail. I wish him every luck.
'He is a really genuine guy, a 40-year-old head on 20-year-old shoulders, and he is welcome to come round to mine for a cup of tea and a chat any time.'
Joe, who has already had 20 operations and is due to undergo more surgery next month, said: 'I was really touched by the strength of her support.
'It was nice to see obviously I've put myself out doing service in Afghanistan and other people were prepared to. It's a shame everybody wasn't.'
A Wealden Council spokesman said: 'The proposed dwelling by reason of its siting and detailed design would appear as an intrusive development within this semi-rural area.
'The circumstances in this case are not considered sufficient to warrant an exception to the usual restraint policies.'
The original plans featured a therapy treatment room, an en-suite bathroom and a bedroom for a carer. The bungalow would have been hidden form view of the road and the nearest neighbours and looked out onto open countryside.
Joe's grandfather David Carter, 72 said: 'The local council should be bending over backwards for lads like Joe because there is such a shortage of places for these young lads to live.
'When you think what lads like Joe have been through - he has lost half his body.'
His grandmother, Lynda, 60, added: 'These are exceptional circumstances - our grandson has almost given his life for us so that we can be free from terrorists.'
Neighbour Bob Crouch said: 'I had no objections and I was disappointed when I heard it had been turned down.
'The council was concerned it could have set a precedent but I think they could have approved it on compassionate grounds.'
awbrown1462
01-27-09, 12:42 PM
no matter who's Gov it is they all suck
Aside from disrespecting an honored combat vet, it shows what happens when a socialist (or any) government takes away the rights to your own property. They have been working on that here with EPA rules and Eminent Domain.
Foxtrot Oscar
02-05-09, 11:01 AM
Hey DWG
Hope this finds you well.
Great to see this posting, a lot more has happened since 28th January. Check out my site at "http://www.foxnwolf.com" start from the "Joe Townsend" link on the fisrt (home page) and go from there.
Would appreciate it if you could spread the news of this around our "brothers in arms" the more support we have and presure maintained the better for Joe.
You can reach me directly on "peter@foxnwolf.com" Catch up again soon...
PMPT...............Semper Fi...........................Foxtrot Oscar
oldanglico
02-10-09, 02:21 PM
Happily this situation has now been resolved
A great deal of public pressure was brought to bear and the result was the council caved in. Permission has now been granted to build in his grandparents garden. A custom built home will now be achieved for this brave young man.
Foxtrot Oscar
02-10-09, 02:31 PM
Hi, pleased to meet you "oldanglico".................
Yup finally there after a lot of "Grief", well worth it though. Just have to wait for the final outcome/planning meeting. Just a waiting game now.........
Keep up to date at my website on http://www.foxnwolf.com
I am going to have a well earned rest now.......until the next mission.
Until next time (peter@foxnwolf.com)
Brown steps in to force 'heartless' council to help marine who lost both legs
By Bill Mouland (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/search.html?s=y&authornamef=Bill+Mouland)
Last updated at 4:52 PM on 08th February 2009
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/02/08/article-1139082-034BD468000005DC-38_233x376.jpg
Gordon Brown: The nation owes marine Joe Townsend great gratitude
Gordon Brown has ordered a ‘heartless’ council to think again over its decision to refuse permission for a special home to be built for 20-year-old Royal Marine Joe Townsend who had both his legs blown off by a Taliban anti-tank mine.
‘The whole country owes Joe a huge debt of gratitude for the sacrifice he has made to this country and it’s unacceptable that he has been stopped from having a home of his choice,’ he said.
Mr Townsend, who has had 20 operations in hospital, had hoped to build a specially adapted bungalow in the ground of his grandparents’ home near Pevensey, East Sussex.
But despite no objections from neighbours, Wealden District Council turned down the application because it said the building would be ‘intrusive.’
‘The circumstances in this case are not considered sufficient to warrant an exception to the usual restraint policies,’ it said.
Mr Brown’s dramatic intervention came during Saturday night’s Noel’s HQ show on Sky One when Noel Edmonds highlighted the case and presented the young soldier’s mother Debbie with a state of the art all terrain wheelchair for him.
Mr Edmonds said he had never felt so angry after the council’s spokesman Jim Van den Bos told him: ‘We don’t talk to entertainment shows like yours.’
He replied: ‘I want to feature people like you and your council because I think you are what is wrong at the heart of the country.’
thought I'd add a bit of good news for those anti-government fellows.... sometimes they use their powers for good!
yellowwing
02-10-09, 06:25 PM
Marine Joe Townsend talks about his life-changing tragedy
10:50am Friday 25th July 2008
The Argus (http://www.theargus.co.uk/search/3547198.Marine_Joe_Townsend_talks_about_his_life_c hanging_tragedy/)
By Samuel Underwood
As a boy, Joe Townsend dreamed of being a soldier.
A Marine cadet from the age of 13, he joined the 40 Commando Marines four years later.
But no sooner was he living that dream than it was snatched away from him in an instant.
A week after arriving in Afghanistan, Joe was sent to the front line in the notoriously volatile Helmand Province.
It was there that after only a few months in the war-torn country the young Marine’s life was turned upside down. On February 8 this year, aged just 19, Joe was returning to base from a day’s patrol with comrades.
After a day in the Afghan heat he was looking forward to a rest in the shade and shedding some of the 100lb of kit that weighed him down daily.
But walking across fields just 800 yards from the safety of the base, he trod on an anti-tank mine hidden just below ground.
Describing the incident from the comfort of his sofa at his home in Astaire Avenue, Eastbourne, Joe spoke in a cool, calm manner about the terrible moment that changed his life for ever.
He said: “There was a loud bang. I felt myself thrown up in the air.
“I landed on the ground and tried to sit up and compose myself but I couldn’t.
“Then all the lads swarmed round me and started patching me up.
“I looked down and could see what had happened to me. I was cracking jokes at the time. I said, ‘I seem to have trouble finding my legs’.”
The mine, designed to tear through the bottom of heavily armoured tanks, ripped Joe’s legs from his body at his thighs.
He was taken to the US military’s Camp Bastion base and after 12 hours of surgery was flown back to Selly Oak military hospital in Birmingham, where he spent five weeks in a critical care ward.
Joe’s treatment at the hospital lasted for almost five months and for the whole time his mother Debbie was at his bedside.
Having been told the news of her son’s injuries, she arrived at the hospital on February 9, just before Joe, and stayed with him to care for and comfort him.
His father Dave and brother Charlie made the journey every weekend to visit Joe in Selly Oak.
While there, Joe was awarded the Operation Herrick campaign medal for his service by the Royal Navy’s Vice-Admiral Adrian Johns, who flew there specially to present it.
After fighting off several infections and when his wounds were healing well, Joe was transferred to Headley Court military rehabilitation centre in Surrey.
He is still being treated there but has been allowed home on rest leave several times.
Returning to his family and friends has been a boost to his recovery.
He said: “It’s brilliant to be back home.
I’ve been back for almost three weeks now and it’s great to see my friends again and get back to normal.”
A former pupil at Meads Primary and Ratton Secondary schools in Eastbourne, Joe had always lived in the town until life in the Marines took him around the world.
After finishing his GCSEs, he studied public and uniformed services at Sussex Downs College but left after a year to follow his dream of becoming a Marine.
He passed out after completing his training on August 10, 2006, and joined the Somerset-based 40 Commando – travelling to Gibraltar, Africa, Gran Canaria, Poland, Denmark and, lastly, Afghanistan.
For the former Eastbourne Rugby Club flanker, the loss of his legs means coming to terms with the fact that his life now has limitations, whereas the Marines taught him to think beyond limits.
But he remains philosophical about what has happened to him and knows that he is lucky to be alive.
He said: “It was really gutting at first because I wanted to be back out there with the lads.
“It’s so frustrating that I can’t do my job now, but I have accepted it and I’m getting on with my life.
“I can still do pretty much anything that an able-bodied person can do.
“I go out with my friends and play on my X-Box with my brother Charlie – but I wish I could be back out there again.”
He added: “I’d like to say thanks to everyone who has helped me, especially my mum and Charlie. They have been great and been there for me all the time.”
Looking to the future, Joe’s first aim is to get mobile again with the help of prosthetic legs.
He is already getting used to a pair of “stumpy” legs which, although shorter than the computerised full-size limbs he will eventually have, enable him to get around without using his wheelchair.
Joe said that once he has regained his mobility he will be able to consider his options and forge ahead with his life.
What is certain is that he will do so with the continued support of his family and friends.
Smiling broadly as she recalled watching Joe pass out as a Marine two years ago, Debbie said: “I’m extremely proud of him.
“Firstly for getting through all of his training and for becoming a Marine, and secondly for the way he has coped with everything.
“I am angry at what has happened to him but we cope. We just have to get on with it and take each day as it comes.”
Foxtrot Oscar
02-11-09, 03:41 AM
Nice piece on Joe, hopefully all over now. Keep an eye on mysite for the final update, by end of this week......................
Rod Spinks
02-15-09, 09:35 AM
I thank all of you Guy's of the USMC for the letters of gratitude you have shown Joe Townsend the 20 yr old Royal Marines Commando. who unfortunately lost both of his legs in Afganistan .He now knows that the "Brotherhood" and bond that we Marines have all around the world are with him ,and we got a massive Marines petiton to-gether and bombarded his local council also threatened them that they would personally meet many former "Angry " Marines, this along with a TV talk show did the trick as now Joe is getting his bungalow.
God Bless this Hero
Thanks Guys
Regards aye
Rod
former Royal Marines Commando
1957-68
How refreshing; a government that actually responds to the will of the people. Must be nice!
Nonetheless, good for Joe Townsend!:thumbup: The good guys win one for a change!
Foxtrot Oscar
02-15-09, 10:18 AM
Many thanks to Rod for letting me know about Joes` predicament, otherwise it would have slipped me by.......
Rods birthday today, he is "soixante-neuf" (lucky man) he will "break my legs" for this one :)
Happy Birthday Bootneck......................PMPT.......
mcvet57103
02-15-09, 10:36 AM
:thumbup:Outf-ckingstanding!!!!:thumbup: Nuthins to good for one of our wounded allies. They fought for us, we fight for them.
Rod Spinks
02-15-09, 10:39 AM
Cheers Mate we must never give up the fight especially for our wounded "Brother" Marines
Take care
Regards aye
Rod
1957-68
PER MARE PER TERRAM
Foxtrot Oscar
02-15-09, 10:40 AM
:thumbup:
Rod Spinks
02-15-09, 11:28 AM
Just cottoned on who you are Mate,thanks Peter for your kind words and wishes
R&R
xxx
explain cottoned please.... is it cockney?
explain cottoned please.... is it cockney?
Not a Brit, but seems in context to mean "figured out".
Don't them Limeys talk funny?
:D
Just kidding; don't send a strike team!
that's why I asked if it was cockney, and I'd like the other part of the rhyme... who know's he might become a china of mine.
Are Missing The Bigger Picture The Goverment Do Not Give A Dame About British And There Kit,ammount Of Ammo Issued,out Of Date Body Armour You Are Classed As Cannon Fodder And Human Targets In Hostile Situation Why Don't The Usa And British Goverments Get Together Stop Any Further Innocent Killings And Pull Out All Troops From Iraq
Personal Message To The Marine Keep Your Chin Held High And Wait Still You See My Set Of Wheels Wish All Those Involved Is This Unessary Conflict A Personal Should You You Have Suffered My Heart Wishes Well And Keep Your Chin Held High Stay Motovative And Always Give Yourself Target And Goals During Recovery Wishing You All Well.........
why is this your first post? this is very anti-war.... also maybe you haven't heard but they are pulling out.
I believe a profile is necessary. 2PARA has not posted one.
that was an after thought... but you certainly add to my argument.
oldanglico
02-17-09, 01:29 PM
2 Para, not sure why you are here. You would be better off in grade school.....
oldanglico
02-21-09, 02:07 PM
Well, guys. Who said that public pressure doesn't work? It sure does...
Marine offered free building work
Joe Townsend lost his legs while serving in Afghanistan
An injured marine fighting to build a specially-designed bungalow has been inundated by tradesmen offering to work for free, says his family.
Joe Townsend, 20, who lost his legs in Afghanistan, wants to build the house on land in East Sussex owned by his grandfather David Carter.
Wealden District Council rejected the proposals, calling them "intrusive" but will consider revised plans next month.
Mr Carter, 70, said his grandson was over the moon with the offers.
Approval expected
The council's planning committee voted by a slim majority to reject the planned building, incorporating a bathroom and carers' room, on land at his grandparents' home in Hankham Hall Road in Pevensey, near Eastbourne.
Gordon Brown intervened after the case was taken up by the Noel's HQ programme on Sky1, telling the show that the council "must do the right thing immediately and reconsider this case". We have got a whole load of tradesmen offering to work for free on it
David Carter, grandfather
The Tory-controlled council said it had originally been willing to discuss a revised proposal.
A new application has been submitted and is expected to be formally approved at a planning committee meeting next month, said Mr Townsend's grandfather.
Mr Carter said: "So many people have come forward offering their help.
"We have got a whole load of tradesmen offering to work for free on it, including plasterers, tilers and builders. All of them have come forward wanting to do their bit."
Mr Carter said his grandson was "over the moon" by the public reaction, adding: "He is already on the internet looking for tiles and other things to go in the home. It's keeping him going."
Mr Townsend, who lost one leg completely and one below the knee when he stepped on a landmine has had several operations and rehabilitation at Headley Court in Surrey.
Semper Fi
that's awesome!!!!! if only Americans were the same way.
can we start an organization that puts these kinds of things out there for the public to volunteer help to disabled war veterans????
this would be a wonderful thing for our vets, and with VA funds available the outcome of the improvements with private donations and labor support could yield a much nicer improvement.
oldanglico
03-06-09, 05:00 AM
Full planning permission has now been approved. It would seem that the local Council insisted that the proposed home had to be moved a couple of metres. To comply with green belt planning laws!
Big deal, end result is what mattered....
Full planning permission has now been approved. It would seem that the local Council insisted that the proposed home had to be moved a couple of metres. To comply with green belt planning laws!
Big deal, end result is what mattered....
So basicly, the politicians just had to have the final word, no matter how petty, just to save a little face. Azzholes! But as you say, end result is all that mattered!:thumbup::thumbup:
bobtucker
03-07-09, 08:13 PM
Good to hear that our brother Marine has got some of what he deserves for fighting and losing so much for his country. God bless you mate and all those other bootnecks and leathernecks who gave for us and still do. I am glad to be able to join your site my brothers and you will hear more from me. Bob Tucker. 1971-1993. 12 tours of the "emerald isle" and the falklands for the fighting, plus a few "bits and bobs" as we call them. You know, things where we were never there etc! Semper Fi and Per Mare Per Terram.
bobtucker
03-07-09, 08:24 PM
further to the reply to the guy calling himself "2 para" and a so called "friend of the Marines" I doubt his credibility, and as ssgt Petzold said and also as was commented upon by "Oldanglico" he seems to be misled. With friends like him, we don't need enemies! he should be more careful and caring about what he says as it can be hurtful, whether intentional or not. yours aye Bob Tucker.
bobtucker
03-07-09, 08:29 PM
Good to hear that our brother Marine has got some of what he deserves for fighting and losing so much for his country. God bless you mate and all those other bootnecks and leathernecks who gave for us and still do. I am glad to be able to join your site my brothers and you will hear more from me. Bob Tucker. 1971-1993. 12 tours of the "emerald isle" and the falklands for the fighting, plus a few "bits and bobs" as we call them. You know, things where we were never there etc! Semper Fi and Per Mare Per Terram.
Hemlock
03-08-09, 09:58 AM
that's awesome!!!!! if only Americans were the same way.
can we start an organization that puts these kinds of things out there for the public to volunteer help to disabled war veterans????
this would be a wonderful thing for our vets, and with VA funds available the outcome of the improvements with private donations and labor support could yield a much nicer improvement.
if only Americans were the same way,,, SSGT???WTF???:evilgrin:
Americans are the same way. Don't let Obama tell you different. we are the greatest nation in the world with the greatest people in the world!:marine:
mark king
03-20-09, 04:19 AM
Aside from disrespecting an honored combat vet, it shows what happens when a socialist (or any) government takes away the rights to your own property. They have been working on that here with EPA rules and Eminent Domain.
100% correct.on this one,plus they hate the military anyways.
if only Americans were the same way,,, SSGT???WTF???:evilgrin:
Americans are the same way. Don't let Obama tell you different. we are the greatest nation in the world with the greatest people in the world!:marine:
um, how many people/businesses do you know that are building homes for our wounded warriors???
I haven't heard of a single one, so that means Americans are NOT the same way.... so I'm right.
It has nothing to do with Obama by the way, just the giving nature of the people.... and to call ourselves the greatest nation in the world tells me you don't understand the issues with our foreign policy and why it's causing so many issues overseas.... we saved europe 65 years ago.... the cold war ended 21 years ago... our influence in other countries is gone, it won't come back... we are just a country of self centered, egotistical idiots in many cases... we go around thinking every other country isn't as great as ours... it's sad really to not be able to open our eyes and ears to what other countries feel about US.
so for the record, I think America is a great country with possibilities many people would never have in 80% of the world. I DO think we need to pull way back on our foreign policy though... fix our image.
You seem to have skipped the first few pages of this thread. This Marines family wanted to build a cottage on their own land to fit the needs of their grandson. Local authorities denied their permit because it went against local ordinances. The Brit. gov. is not building him a house, his grandparents are. The outrage was that the local board was putting up obstacles for a wounded warrior.
FistFu68
03-20-09, 10:57 AM
:usmc: All gave Some~Some gave All~God Bless You Joe~2Para go 2 the P.X. @ buy yourself a set of Ball's :evilgrin: :iwo:
:usmc: All gave Some~Some gave All~God Bless You Joe~2Para go 2 the P.X. @ buy yourself a set of Ball's :evilgrin: :iwo:
I noticed 2para has never shown up again!
FistFu68
03-20-09, 11:18 AM
:evilgrin: Maybee His Chute had a Major Malfunction :D :iwo:
Think oldanglico might have scared the "chute" out of him! :D:thumbup:
You seem to have skipped the first few pages of this thread. This Marines family wanted to build a cottage on their own land to fit the needs of their grandson. Local authorities denied their permit because it went against local ordinances. The Brit. gov. is not building him a house, his grandparents are. The outrage was that the local board was putting up obstacles for a wounded warrior.
I read it all... I'm refering to the people who after the permits were allowed volunteered to donate stuff or build it for him.... I mentioned that you wouldn't see Americans doing that sort of thing for wounded warriors in the states.
I read it all... I'm refering to the people who after the permits were allowed volunteered to donate stuff or build it for him.... I mentioned that you wouldn't see Americans doing that sort of thing for wounded warriors in the states.
I believe you probably would in similar circumstances in a lot, if not most, small towns across the country. It just wouldn't get much publicity except locally.