Wickford homes protest group snubbed by minister (From Echo)

Wickford homes protest group snubbed by minister

1:20am Thursday 27th November 2008 in Search By Gina Marden

RESIDENTS who lost their fight to save a beauty spot have been dealt another blow.

Hazel Blears, Secretary of State for communities and local government, refused to meet with the Wickford North Green Action Group.

John Baron, Tory MP for Billericay and District, asked her to meet campaigners to explain why she allowed the plans to build 200 homes on Barn Hall.

The snub is the latest knockback for residents who, alongside the Echo, fought to stop development of the 100-acre open space in Wickford.

Mr Baron said: “This is a great shame. Local residents have campaigned hard, but the Government has added insult to injury by refusing even to meet them or listen to their concerns. This is Whitehall bureaucracy and arrogance at its very worst.”

Mr Baron now hopes the Government decision will be overturned by the High Court, the next stage for the battle.

Basildon Council originally refused developers, Gleeson Homes, permission and this was upheld by a planning inspector until Ms Blears overturned the refusal last month.

In a letter to Mr Baron from Ms Blears’s office, her representative said: “Once a decision by the secretary of state on a planning appeal has been issued, she has no further jurisdiction in the matter.”