Tory MP John Baron calls for minister to meet public (From Echo)

Tory MP John Baron calls for minister to meet public

7:00pm Wednesday 5th November 2008 in

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AN MP is calling on a Government minister to meet face-to-face with residents and explain why she has allowed 200 homes to be built on a Wickford beauty spot.

Tory John Baron has written to Hazel Blears, Communities and Local Government Secretary, accusing her of “riding roughshod” over the wishes of people.

Mrs Blears overturned the decision of Basildon Council and the Government’s own planning inspector to approve plans for the Barn Hall estate.

A 3,500-signature petition by residents didn’t have an effect and now developer Gleeson Homes can start work on the 200 home estate, off Station Avenue, Wickford.

Mr Baron wrote: “The Wickford North Green Action Group and I lobbied your department on June 23 about this issue.

“We handed in a 3,500-signature petition together with supporting letters, urging you to take into account local residents’ views opposing the proposal. Will you now at least agree to meet the action group, councillors and myself in order to discuss your decision?”

Basildon Council is currently considering whether to challenge the decision in the High Court.

In her report, Ms Blears concluded the estate should be built as it would provide much-needed housing for the district and Basildon Council had failed to demonstrate an alternative supply of housing land.

Scott Chamberlin, Gleeson Homes’s managing director, said: “We are naturally pleased the Secretary of State has found in our favour and the sites sustainability credentials were also endorsed by the inspector who conducted the enquiry.

“It is always our policy to appeal against decisions which we believe to be flawed and not made in light of current planning issues. We now look forward to providing the homes that are much needed in the area.”