The Masterplan – a timeline October 2007 Informal discussions on the Masterplan begin between Cllr Peter Moakes, Cllr Mike Rouse, Council Leader Brian Ashton and partner agencies begin. Consultants URBED appointed to draft the Ely Masterplan. Decembe

The Masterplan - a timeline

October 2007

Informal discussions on the Masterplan begin between Cllr Peter Moakes, Cllr Mike Rouse, Council Leader Brian Ashton and partner agencies begin.

Consultants URBED appointed to draft the Ely Masterplan.

December 2007

Exchange of emails between Shirley Blake at East Cambridgeshire District Council and London based consultant URBED's Dr Nicholas Falk reveal that both parties favour Lisle Lane as a site for a new leisure park.

January 8 2008

Informal Steering Group meeting with consultants held in private. Notes taken by the consultants but no minutes, and kept private, none of which is illegal.

January 21 2008

'Visioning event' includes an initial report by London based consultants URBED (Urban and Economic Development), led by Dr Nicholas Falk. No mention of Lisle Lane as an area for leisure or retail development. Local businesses and key stakeholders are invited to the event at the Maltings.

February 17 2008

Brian Ashton emails consultant Nicholas Falk telling him: "Lisle Lane should not include leisure. Sorry. I have to go with what will sell."

February 17 2008

Nicholas Falk replies: "Thanks for your comments, and rest assured we are taking them on board, especially the comments about Lisle Lane."

April 2008

Strategic Development Committee meeting at East Cambridgeshire District Council HQ. Formal announcement, in public for the first time, about who is on the steering group for the Masterplan. The Draft Ely Masterplan is formally adopted as a council document

April 18 2008

The Ely Masterplan goes out for consultation, in theory for six weeks, until May 30 2008.

April 2008

Liberal Democrat Cllr Ian Allen issues a Freedom of Information request for all draft documents for the Masterplan, and all emails between councillors and consultants.

May 2008

Cllr Allen complains to the Standards Board (watchdog for local government in England). They have until the end of August to investigate his complaint.

May 20 2008

Cllr Ashton resigns as leader but will stay on as councillor. Masterplan consultation is abolished the same day.