In a statement this morning, Uttlesford Liberal Democrats have condemned the decision in April by the Council’s R4U administration to withdraw the emerging Local Plan. “It has backfired spectacularly on the district’s residents and environment. It’s a sign of panic that next Tuesday’s Local Plan Leadership Group meeting has been cancelled after the agenda was published and then withdrawn on Tuesday”, said Lib Dem Local Plan Spokesman, Cllr Melvin Caton of Stansted South & Birchanger.

Cllr Alan Dean, leader of the Lib Dem Opposition, said “Back in April, when R4U persuaded the Council to vote to withdraw the emerging plan, the Lib Dems warned that the decision meant the Council would lose control over the number of homes the Government required  to be built in the district. We said it would also leave the district prey to more unplanned development without the necessary infrastructure.

“This week, the Conservative Government has announcement proposals to reform the planning system. The new Uttlesford Local Plan will have to include at least 1200 new homes per annum compared to 715 each year in the withdrawn plan.

“Over the years to 2040, in excess of 25,000 new houses will have to be built in Uttlesford.  This would be a 70% increase on the current number of houses in our towns and villages. This is neither environmentally nor socially sustainable.”

The Liberal Democrats are calling for Council Leader John Lodge to account for R4U’s lack of strategy and for the local MP, Kemi Badenoch, to explain the government’s proposals to councillors.

Lib Dem councillors voted on April 30^th AGAINST the plan’s withdrawal.