Open Letter to Sir Alan Haselhurst MP (Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats)

Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats <info@saffronwaldenlibdems.org.uk>

Open Letter to Sir Alan Haselhurst MP

November 28, 2007 10:00 PM

Map of Conservative Housing Plans for Elsenham

Conservative plans for 3000 new houses in Elsenham are likely to lead to a much bigger development.

Dear Sir Alan, Uttlesford's Conservative leadership under Jim Ketteridge and Howard Rolfe has spearheaded the 3,000 homes eco-town between Elsenham and Henham. Yet housing minister Yvette Cooper requires eco-towns to be 'small new towns of at least 5-20,000 homes'.

Careful extensions of existing towns and villages can be carried out gradually. An eco-town must grow quickly to become sustainable with schools, shops, medical and other amenities. So 'Elshenham' would probably exceed 5,000 homes well before 2020 and continue to grow rapidly. 3,000 homes between now and 2024 would not be enough to meet the minister's criteria.

You have offered to arrange a meeting with Yvette Cooper to reduce Uttlesford's housing allocation. But will Cllr Ketteridge and the Conservative team instead be telling Yvette Cooper they want far more to make their eco-town work?

We have been waiting since July to discuss a more sensible approach to housing needs and the planning challenge it presents. Would you be able to facilitate these local discussions?

Yours Sincerely,

Cllr. Peter Wilcock

Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group

Uttlesford District Council