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| Stephen speaking against the proposals at a public meeting last year |
Stephen Metcalfe, local MP
for South Basildon and East Thurrock, took the fight for Green Belt land in
Little Chalvedon Hall to the Planning Inspectorate last weekend.
The local MP and Basildon
Council strongly oppose proposals that would see 750 homes built on Green Belt
land and are committed to ensuring that the views of residents, who are
vehemently against the proposed development, are heard.
Mr Metcalfe was joined by
other concerned community members at a public enquiry to express their views
and appeal against any action that would lead to the destruction of much loved
green space.
The local MP took to the
floor to put forward the arguments against the development and asked the
inspectorate to respect and listen to the views of local people and their
democratically elected representatives.
He commented: “These
proposals fly in the face of localism and are an assault on the democratic
processes that are supposed to underpin such decisions. I sincerely hope that
the inspectorate will listen and appreciate the strength of feeling against the
plans.”
The Inspectorate will now
consider all submissions before forwarding their decision to the Secretary of
State for Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles.
Mr Metcalfe added: “In light
of the public enquiry I will be writing to the Secretary of State to once again
ensure that the views of my constituents are heard. I will also be monitoring
any developments very closely and hope that the interests of South Basildon and
East Thurrock are protected.”
