SOUTH EAST PLAN IS SLAP IN THE FACE FOR RESIDENTS - HUHNE (Eastleigh Liberal Democrats)

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SOUTH EAST PLAN IS SLAP IN THE FACE FOR RESIDENTS - HUHNE

May 11, 2009 12:05 PM

Chris Huhne MP Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne has rejected the Government's South East Plan as a "slap in the face for local communities which were not consulted and remain resolutely opposed to its proposed 6,000 strong new town."

Mr Huhne whose constituency would contain much of the development said that the plan was "the worst kind of top-down decision-taking with less consultation with local residents in Hedge End and Botley than there would be if a neighbour was building a new porch.

"The body required to consult statutorily - Hampshire County Council - failed to notify residents fully of these ideas. It should now make clear that it will simply not sell the land it owns, which is necessary if this new town is to go ahead. The County could stop this plan in its tracks, and it should.

"This plan pays no heed to the unique character of local settlements like historic Botley as well as to its setting in some of the most pleasant rural areas in Hampshire."

Mr Huhne has made a formal complaint to the Communities Secretary Hazel Blears about the lack of consultation, and has asked for the process to begin again. However, the Government maintains that consultation was adequate.

Notes:

1. The campaign against the plan is being coordinated by the Botley Parish Action Group (BPAG). More information is available on http://www.bpag.org.uk/index.php

2. Chris Huhne lodged a formal complaint with the Communities Secretary Hazel Blears on 20th March 2009, more details of which are here: http://www.eastleighlibdems.org.uk/news/000452/huhne_complains_to_communities_minister_on_sda.html

3. Chris Huhne presented a petition of local residents to parliament on 1st July 2008 which is here: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmhansrd/cm080701/debtext/80701-0019.htm#080701124000108

4. Chris Huhne spoke in parliament against the South East plan in a debate on 22nd October 2008 which is here: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmhansrd/cm081022/halltext/81022h0002.htm#08102245000552

5. Chris Huhne pressed the Communities Secretary to make a fresh start on the South East plan, enclosing the borough motion to the same effect, on 3rd October 2008, which is here: http://www.eastleighlibdems.org.uk/news/000396/huhne_and_council_call_for_fresh_start_on_se_plan.html