 |
Cllr Jude Deakin receives 1200 names petition, for Linnet Drive crossing |
Chelmsford |
Lib Dems "gagged" about housing plans at Borough Council
April 27, 2010 3:41 PM
Cllr. Tom Smith-Hughes & Stephen Robinson review a field north of Chelmsford where the Conservatives want to build houses
Last Wednesday Liberal Democrats were told that any discussion about the Conservative plans for Housing on green fields was not permitted, as it was too political to debate during the General Election campaign!
A Council committee on the subject was cancelled by the Conservatives earlier this month. It would have heard how 90% of those commenting had yet again said a resounding "no" in response to housing breaching the town boundaries - at Newlands Spring and Greater Beaulieu Park.
Opposition leader Lib Dem Cllr Mike Mackrory had tabled a motion "regretting" that, but hardly had any discussion begun before the Tories voted en bloc to kick any discussion into the long grass. "Too sensitive to discuss at election time" they said, and "not allowed under the rules".
Cllr Mackrory was appalled, calling this a "cynical abuse of power for party political purposes and a sad day for the Council".
The issue has indeed split the Council ever since Conservatives voted out any consideration of development North of Boreham, promoting instead green field development to the north east and north west of the existing urban area, and cramming ever more flats in the Town Centre. "Yet again I feel gagged," said Cllr Graham Pooley, who (seconding the motion) was not even allowed to speak.
"They're right of course: any discussion about the Conservative plans just shows up how flawed they are, but how dare they cancel meetings and stifle any controversy. Conservatives are proving bad for Chelmsford."
Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate Stephen Robinson heard of these antics while out campaigning. He said "I fear it's not surprising. The Conservatives don't like their policies scrutinised. Congestion and over-development are a huge issue for voters here, and voters are telling me over and over again they prefer the Liberal Democrats alternatives and ideas."
What would you like to do next?
-
Subscribe for updates
Follow the party's activity on...
- Twitter:
- Liberal Democrats
- Facebook:
- Liberal Democrats
- YouTube:
- Liberal Democrats
-
Help out or donate
-
Tell us what you think