Wednesday 18 June 2014

Stephen Metcalfe MP: Victory as green belt land is saved at Little Chalvedon Hall

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.”