Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East
Thurrock, was informed by the Government today that the green belt land at
Little Chalvedon has been saved and will not be subject to development.
The Secretary of State for Communities and Government,
Eric Pickles MP, agreed with the inspector that development of the land would
be inappropriate, that it would have harmed the green belt and increase traffic
volumes to an unacceptable level.
The local MP, Stephen Metcalfe, has been campaigning
against the proposals and took the fight to the Planning Inspectorate in March
where he called upon officials to listen the views of local residents who vehemently
oppose the proposals. He wrote to the secretary of state, arguing that the
development plans flew in the face of localism and were an assault on
democratic decision making.
Mr Metcalfe commented: “I am delighted that local people
have been listened to! The Secretary of State has demonstrated that the
Government are committed to the localism agenda, to listening to the will of
the people, and to protecting much loved Green Belt land.”
“I would like to thank each and every person who made
their views known to me on this issue as it enabled me to effectively
communicate the strength of feeling against the plans to the Inspectorate and
to the Government. I look forward to seeing the Green Belt land enjoyed and
cherished for many more years to come.”
