Springfield Campaigner Cllr. Mike Mackrory

Mike was elected Liberal Democrat County Councillor for Springfield County Division on 5 May 2005 and re-elected 4th June 2009.

He has represented the Springfield North seat on Chelmsford Borough since 3 May 2007, and also 1995-2003. During that time he was Deputy Mayor and Mayor of Chelmsford and Leader of the Council 2000-2003.

Mike is an energetic local campaigner having campaigned against the erection of mobile phone masts close to houses, for safer road crossings, for pavement repairs and road resurfacing and for keeping Post Offices open. He is also chairman of Springfield Primary School Governors.

Email Mike: mike.mackrory@cmld.org.uk

Recent News from Mike Mackrory

• Oct 7, 2010:
  • Lib Dems call on Essex County Council to generate green energy
    Cllr David Kendall Essex County Council is being asked to start generating its own 'green' energy. The call comes from the Liberal Democrats in a motion to the Full Council meeting on 12 October. Cllr Mike Mackrory County Cllr David Kendall (Brentwood South) has tabled this motion after Liberal Democrat MP Chris Huhne, the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, announced new rules in July that allow town and county halls to sell green energy. Cllr Kendall said: "It is really good news that the council can now generate green energy that will not only cut the council's carbon footprint, but will also generate much needed revenue for the council to spend on its priorities". Cllr Mike Mackrory (Springfield), who will second the motion said: "The council could do this by having wind turbines and solar panels on council buildings and land along with generating electricity using Bio-mass. This will enhance the council's green credentials along with making Essex a cleaner and greener place to live". Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Aug 31, 2010:
  • Call for action on Chelmsford parking chaos
    One local street where car parking is a problem A call for action on Chelmsford parking chaos has been issued by the local Liberal Democrats. The increasing frustrations of residents and others (at Chelmsford's parking situation) were highlighted by the group, in a recent debate they called for at Chelmsford Borough Council. The Lib Dems are demanding an early meeting of a cross-party panel to begin an urgent review of the policy which dates back several years and is now clearly in need of an overhaul Residents' parking schemes are already not ensuring adequate parking in some streets near the town centre, while new flats and their visitors are adding to the pressure. In some areas parking on grass verges is spoiling the street scene. Park and Ride is welcome but is not keeping pace with demand, and many commuters, shoppers and those working in Chelmsford continue to drive in to the town centre. Green travel plans are not producing the results they need to. More and more students at the University with limited and chargeable parking there means students and staff are spilling into residential streets. Reviews of problem hot-spots take an unacceptably long time, and tend only to move the problem on to a nearby area. The bureaucracy bounces problems and ideas back and forward between the Borough and the County Council. At the still growing Broomfield Hospital parking and its cost remain the source of many complaints. In some places wardens seem over-zealous, while other areas seem to get little attention. Charging to use car parks in town on Sundays seems absurd when single yellow lines are all around. The list goes on…. The Borough recently decided to reject the County Council's proposed blanket rewrite of parking policy, on the grounds that Chelmsford had its particular circumstances and pressures and needed its own solutions. We agree, but nothing has happened to start seeing what those solutions can be. Lib Dem Spokesmen. At Full Council, Liberal Democrats Robin Stevens (Lawns ward and Deputy Mayor) and Graham Pooley (Marconi ward) called for an early review of the town's now outdated policies the setting up of a cross party panel to get this underway and push for early results, and for more immediate responses to problems as they arise. Lib Dem Leader Cllr Mike Mackrory said, "We are were angered by complacency shown by the ruling Conservatives. They refused to accept that on street parking by non residents was a problem, probably because most of them represent the village areas. "So far, our call for a cross party group to resolve these matters has been rejected. We will continue to campaign for action." Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Apr 27, 2010:
  • Lib Dems "gagged" about housing plans at Borough Council
    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." Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Dec 31, 2008:
  • Lib Dems oppose 800 houses in north Chelmsford/Broomfield and 3200+ in Springfield
    Coming soon to green fields north of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats in north Chelmsford will continue to fight plans for an "urban sprawl" extension that will close the gap between the northern edge of the town and Broomfield parish. Plans for up to 400 houses on the edge of north Chelmsford and up to 400 more on the edges of Broomfield are contained in Chelmsford Borough Council's final "North Chelmsford Area Action Plan". The Conservative-run Council has published its plan for consultation until 16th February. North Chelmsford Lib Dem Councillor Tom Smith-Hughes commented, "The Liberal Democrats have fought these proposals for years and will continue to do so. The burden on local services and the environment is unacceptable." The plan also contains proposals for at least 3,200 houses on green fields north of Springfield to the east of the A130 Essex Regiment Way. Lib Dem Leader and Springfield Councillor Mike Mackrory commented, "The Conservative proposals will create a vast urban sprawl over what was prime farm land. The Liberal Democrat proposals for a new sustainable community north of Boreham on the old airfield (a 'brownfield' site) would have been far more sustainable and environmentally friendly." Along with organisations like English Heritage, the Liberal Democrats attacked earlier Conservative plans to build around the Grade One listed New Hall. Cllr Mackrory welcomed this news saying, "Thankfully this aspect of the plan has been amended". The houses are now planned to go slightly further north, away from the proposed railway station. Cllr Mackrory added, "My real concern is that the new railway station, schools and new road network will not be in place in good time to support these houses. This will inevitably cause severe traffic problems throughout North East Chelmsford and Springfield in particular. "This consultation process is designed to allow members of the public to have their say about the proposed development. We hope the Council will listen to people's concerns about green field development and further traffic pressures in our town". There is one piece of good news, though. Plans for a cross-valley route over the River Chelmer have been dropped, following a sustained campaign by many residents, backed by the Liberal Democrats. Cllr Mackrory commented, "The impact on the environment and in dragging more traffic through Broomfield was never going to be acceptable." The council's plans plus a consultation form are at: www.chelmsford.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=16352 These 4,000 houses on green fields are in addition to the 10-12,000 new houses that are to be built within the existing areas of housing by the year 2021. Related Links PDF leaflet and map of greenfields where the Conservatives propose to build More on the ongoing Liberal Democrat campaign against overdevelopment Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Oct 21, 2008:
  • Borough Council backs Lib Dem calls to give more power to local people
    Mike Mackrory, Chelmsford Borough Liberal Democrat leader, called on the council to use new powers to help local communities Chelmsford Borough Council has backed a Liberal Democrat call for the Council to use key new powers. At the meeting on 15 October, the council backed a motion to take over specific cash and functions from central government. The new powers come from the Sustainable Communities Act, passed last year with cross-party support. Proposer of the motion, Liberal Democrat Group Leader Mike Mackrory, said: "The aim of the new process is to promote sustainable communities and reverse community decline where it exists, something I hope we can all subscribe to. "It allows local communities to take back power from Whitehall & Westminster. Any proposal to take control of an area of government must involve local people in the process. This is a very good initiative which allows the public a greater say in how things are run. "The sort of proposals could include the highly topical defending local post offices from closure, or promoting local businesses by helping public bodies procuring goods and services produced within 30 miles or so." By opting in to the processes allowed under the Sustainable Communities Act, the Government will have to publish local spending reports which will be a breakdown of all public money spent in a local area, allowing the Council to see which functions they might like to take under their control. Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Jul 23, 2008:
  • Chelmsford continues to wait for public consultation on the Riverside
    Lib Dem campaigners and the Riverside Action Group protesting at the lack of consultation over the Conservative plans At July's meeting of Chelmsford Borough Council, Lib Dem group leader Mike Mackrory presented Roy Whitehead with a petition containing 1,250 signatures. These included over 20 current and former Olympic, World, European, Commonwealth and British national swimmers, divers, coaches and trainers. In particular, Great Baddow swimmer Rebecca Gallantree who (together with Tom Daley, the European Gold diving medallist and Olympic medal prospect) is representing Great Britain at the Olympic Games in Beijing. Following pressure from the Liberal Democrats, the Conservative run administration has at last agreed to produce costed figures for an outdoor pool and for a diving pool. However, it has now been almost three months since they agreed to a Liberal Democrat motion calling for more public consultation. They have yet to produce any details on what this will entail or when it will take place. Cllr. Mackrory commented "Chelmsford residents have a right to know what is happening regarding the future of Riverside. We hear a lot of talk about involving the public in the decision-making process, but we are not seeing any action." The Liberal Democrats want to see the best possible replacement leisure centre, with a wide range of facilities. These should include a multi-purpose main hall and ice rink alongside new pool facilities. The Conservatives, who claim to be 'the party of democracy in Essex' consistently refuse to consult the public on a range of fully-costed options. Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Jul 17, 2008:
  • Conservatives are not 'the party of democracy in Essex' say local Lib Dems
    Lib Dem Cllr. Mike Mackrory believes there is a 'democratic deficit' in the way Chelmsford Borough Council is being run Claims this week to be 'the party of democracy in Essex' - by the Conservatives - have been proved to be false. On Tuesday, the Conservatives dismissed Liberal Democrat plans to allow the public to ask questions at Essex County Council meetings, and on Wednesday they refused to debate a Lib Dem motion querying why so little debate is allowed at Chelmsford Borough Council! Chelmsford Liberal Democrats are increasingly worried at how the Conservatives are stifling debate at Borough Council. They deny opposition party councillors (Liberal Democrats) and even their own backbench members the opportunity to speak on behalf of their constituents. Lib Dem leader Councillor Mike Mackrory commented: "It is unbelievable that the Conservatives deferred to Cabinet a motion calling on them to refer less items to Cabinet and to promote more open discussion! When the cabinet system was imposed on the Council by the Labour government we worried that it could be used to ignore the views of non-Cabinet members. Under the present Conservative administration, that is exactly what is happening". Conservatives on Chelmsford Borough Council also turned down a motion calling for a Chelmsford town forum. This would have brought the urban area of Chelmsford more in line with the villages, who all have parish councils. Those councils can be a voice for their neighbourhood and apply for lottery funding and other support for community projects. The Conservatives also rejected calls to allow the Development Policy Committee to discuss 'neighbourhood centres' (i.e. local shopping centres). These are not currently included in the Town Centre Area Action Plan and, as a result, the councillors for these centres (mostly Liberal Democrats) have no input into their future development. More about our campaign for a stronger local voice for Chelmsford here: http://is.gd/iwcD . Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Jun 9, 2008:
  • Stansted Expansion Plan Attacked
    The Conservatives on the Borough Council's Development Policy Committee on Wednesday 21st May, were forced to abandon the published recommendation after Lib Dem Leader Mike Mackrory led the way in voicing the widespread opposition to plans for a second runway at Stansted. The Committee was being asked to respond to the planning application for a second runway at Stansted now in front of Uttlesford District Council. The original recommendation was to object unless road transport links were improved. "What are we even thinking about!" Cllr. Mackrory challenged the Tories. "Look at the projected land-take, and at the flight and passenger numbers - we are in danger of inviting an airport even bigger than the present Heathrow right on our doorstep. We have a duty to the residents of the neighbouring villages and hamlets whose life would never be the same again". Cllr. Christine Rycroft, the Lib Dem Planning spokesman, reminded the committee of the position adopted by the Council under the Lib Dem administration in 2002 - to encourage the optimum use of the existing runway, but no expansion beyond that. "Of course Transport Infrastructure like an East-West rail-link is hopelessly lacking, but more than that, we should oppose this, full stop", she said. "The mood across Essex is to fight this", she continued, and proposed clear and detailed wording to confirm the Council's opposition. In the end, Tory Councillors seemed somewhat bemused and their Leader Councillor Whitehead agreed with the Liberal Democrats amendment to say no. When it came to the vote, Chelmsford's response to the prospect of Stansted expansion on this scale was unanimous. Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• May 21, 2008:
  • Riverside plans go behind closed doors
    In a shock move the Conservative controlled Borough Council have disbanded the cross party Riverside redevelopment working group. Cllr. Mike Mackrory, Leader of the Opposition, said, "I have been informed by the Leader of the Council that because we have 'made the issue political' he has made this decision. If he thinks representing the views of the people using the Riverside pools is political then so be it. He has denied the official Liberal Democrat Opposition a voice in determining the future of this hugely expensive project. "A Cabinet working group, meeting in private, will now progress the scheme with no opposition members present. This is an abuse of power which only increases our fears that the Conservatives want to steamroller through what they want and not what the public want." To support the campaign against the lack of consultation and lack of options considered for the proposed redevelopment of the Riverside site, please go to http://campaigns.libdems.org.uk/riverside and sign the petition. Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• May 12, 2008:
  • Save our pool!
    Lib Dem Cllrs Mackrory, Smith-Hughes and Gale; Parliamentary Candidate Stephen Robinson and other Lib Dems join Riverside users to protest about redevelopment proposals Chelmsford Liberal Democrats have been out campaigning about the Council's plans to redevelop Riverside. They plan to remove the outdoor pool and diving facilities, and reduce the length of the indoor pool and the size of the car parking facilities. Lib Dem Leader Cllr. Mike Mackrory commented: "We have been out talking to users of the Riverside on this issue - almost everyone we spoke to wished to maintain the current facilities. The Council claim to be trying to make Chelmsford a regional hub - how is this supposed to happen when the facilities we have here are being reduced? "The Council need to look again at their proposals and come back with a set of fully costed options so the public, who have not been properly consulted, can finally have their say." To support our campaign, please go to http://campaigns.libdems.org.uk/riverside and sign the petition. Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Feb 22, 2008:
  • Lib Dems launch Riverside consultation
    Chelmsford Liberal Democrats have launched a consultation over the scheme to redevelop the Riverside Leisure Centre. The current proposal, which would leave Chelmsford without the outdoor pool and no indoor diving facilities at Riverside, was proposed with scant regard for the views of the public who use this facility. Chelmsford Liberal Democrat group leader Mike Mackrory said, 'A facility which fails to meet the needs of the wider community and offers less than what already exists is a backward step. The Conservative Council say that a new facility will be available for the Olympics in Basildon and that diving is available at Southend Pool. To expect our residents to travel these distances is unacceptable. Any loss of swimming facilities would be very sad in this the County Town, with higher aspirations.' Given the level of public outrage over these proposals, the Council should go back to their consultants and come back with a set of proposals which include all the options including an outdoor pool and indoor diving boards, fully costed so the public can make fully informed judgements on what THEY want for the town. To give us YOUR views on the Riverside redevelopment, please fill in our survey here: http://www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/surveys/5/ Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
  • No EXTRA money for Old Moulsham - Tory election promises exposed
    Local Lib Dems examine one of the growing number of local potholes It has been revealed this week that Old Moulsham will not be receiving any EXTRA money for local improvements - only the money long planned for the central Chelmsford area. During the Moulsham & Central by-election, Lord Hanningfield (Conservative County Council Leader) promised that Old Moulsham would be benefiting from an extra £15 million investment in footpath and road repairs in Chelmsford. However, local Lib Dem Leader Cllr Mike Mackrory has questioned Lord Hanningfield about this money and has discovered that it was merely money that was already in the budget, not new money, as implied by the Conservatives during the election campaign. Cllr. Mackrory said, "The fact that the Tories have to stoop to this level shows their desperation to win at all costs. It is shameful to make up these claims when the state of the roads and footpaths in Chelmsford is appalling and all the Conservatives are really offering is more cost-cutting measures as they can't get a grip on their budget". The Liberal Democrats are continuing to argue that plans to leave potholes and footway trips longer before repairing them is hazardous to the public. Their proposals for extra spending on repairs and maintenance of footpaths and residential roads in the Essex County Council Budget were voted down by the controlling Conservative group. Related Links Competition to find Chelmsford's worst pothole Tories Propose Slashing Potholes Maintenance Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Aug 7, 2007:
  • Lib Dems troubled over treatment of citizens as Tories court China
    The Essex partnership with Jiangsu Province in China must be accompanied by a robust expectation of improved human rights for the Chinese people in the province. That was the call from Liberal Democrat Mike Mackrory, in response to the proposal from the ruling Conservatives at Essex County Council. Cllr Mackrory, Liberal Democrats deputy group leader said: "We accept that as China is the world's largest growing economy, it is in the financial interests of Essex to continue a business and education link with China. However, we have deep concerns about doing business with a nation that has such a poor history of human rights abuses against its own citizens. "We are troubled about the lack of law reform and the number of executions that are still taking place in China. We also have concerns about China's censorship of the media and the internet and its treatment of domestic journalists; there is currently a man serving a 12 year prison sentence in Jiangsu Province, in connection with his internet writings "I have asked the leader of the council to use his influence to highlight these issues to our partners in Jiangsu Province. The Conservatives are promoting an improved quality of life for the people of Essex from this partnership, but they must prove that this is not done at the expense of a reduction in the quality of life for the citizens of Jiangsu." Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• May 22, 2007:
  • Mackrory leads new Lib Dem Borough Team
    Cllr Mike Mackrory is Lib Dem Group Leader Following their success at the recent Chelmsford Borough Council elections, where they made a net gain of five seats, the Liberal Democrats have announced their new team. Cllr. Mike Mackrory was elected Lib Dem Group Leader and therefore becomes Leader of the Opposition with Cllr. Chris Rycroft as Deputy. The Group also elected their Shadow Cabinet members. The Lib Dem Shadow Cabinet members are: Planning & Building Control: Chris Rycroft Finance: Tom Smith-Hughes Environment: Trevor Miller Leisure & Culture: Tom Willis Parks and Culture: David Jones Strategic Housing: Margaret Hutchon Corporate Services: Robin Stevens Technical services: Andrew Sosin Projects, Performance Management & Audit: Ashley Final Commenting after his election Cllr. Mike Mackrory said, "Chelmsford is faced with some really big issues. For example the Conservatives' plans for thousands of houses on the green fields around the north east and north west of Chelmsford, the Town Centre developments, the need for much higher recycling, action on vandalism and anti-social behaviour and of course the poor state of repair of our roads and pavements. Having lost seats to us, the Conservatives need to be less arrogant and start listening more to the people of Chelmsford. We intend to be a constructive opposition, working for the good of the Borough." Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Oct 28, 2006:
  • Essex Conservatives don't sign up to "go green"
    Cllr Mike Mackrory signs up a local resident to back a Greener Chelmsford Conservatives in Essex are reluctant to sign up to the green agenda. On 10 October the Essex County Council ruling group initially refused to accept a motion calling on the council to sign the Nottingham Declaration which commits the council to action on climate change. The Tories also failed to commit to publishing an action plan, within a year, stating their proposals for dealing with climate change and cutting CO2 emissions. The motion's proposer, Cllr Mike Mackrory (Lib Dem deputy leader) said: "It is no longer acceptable for the Conservatives at Essex County Council to talk the talk but not walk the walk. They failed to make a real commitment to tackle climate change. The Conservatives must realise that being environmentally conscious means taking real action to achieve real goals; it is not just about giving pretty speeches with all the right buzz words that make them feel good about themselves but achieve nothing. "The effects of climate change are now well documented and urgent action is needed if we are to hold back the consequences of climate change on our community. That is the basis of the Nottingham Declaration. We have given the administration 12 months to come up with a strategy for meeting the challenges of climate change here in Essex and they have failed to commit to doing that," Cllr Mackrory added. Local authorities have a crucial role to play in taking direct local action on climate change and The Nottingham Declaration provides a framework for councils to make a practical commitment. To date about 140 local authorities around the UK have signed the Declaration. After the debate the Conservatives conceded that they would sign the Declaration in the future. The Liberal Democrats will keep the pressure on until they do. Related Links More about the Nottingham Declaration Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Oct 30, 2004:
  • Chelmsford Faces Housing Explosion
    Chelmsford's Parliamentary Candidate Stephen Robinson with campaigner Mike Mackrory. "Green space must be protected" Yet more house-building in Chelmsford came under attack again at a regional conference in Luton. Stephen Robinson, Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for West Chelmsford, attacked the plans in his speech to the Lib Dem regional conference held on Saturday 30 October. Conference details: www.east.libdems.org/conference.htm "Chelmsford is facing a housing explosion over the next twenty years", predicted Mr Robinson. "The Labour Government is forcing 478,000 new homes on the East of England and now they are trying to add another 18,000 on top of that. With 14,000 over 20 years proposed for us in Chelmsford, the implications are enormous." Mr Robinson added, "Liberal Democrats believe that future development should be based on sustainable principles. That means 'brown-field' sites should be developed first and that any further building must have easy access to major transport links. Furthermore, investment in schools, surgeries, community centres and the like is absolutely essential as part of any developments. "All new buildings should be of the highest possible design quality and take up less green space than is the current average for new development. The green belt to the south should be protected but my concern is that this does not extend to the green fields to the north east and north west of Chelmsford. "It is about time that the Conservative Borough Council told us where they are going to put the currently-planned houses. With these sorts of extra numbers being proposed by the Government, no wonder there has been a deathly silence on this subject from the two Chelmsford Labour councillors." Related Links Read more about Chelmsford council's development plans Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY