Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats

The Liberal Democrats have consistently opposed an eco-community at Elsenham on sound planning grounds. We are calling on Uttlesford's ruling Conservative councillors to work with councillors from all other parties, in order to find a solution to this dreadful - and entirely avoidable - mess.

Two things you can do to let the Conservatives know what you think of their eco-community plan:

Elsenham Eco Town News

• Sep 9, 2010:
  • Conservatives climb down on Elsenham new town
    After months of campaigning by Liberal Democrat councillors and local residents, Conservative-led Uttlesford District council appears to be abandoning its plan for a new town between Henham and Elsenham. On his blog Stansted Liberal Democrat councillor Alan Dean writes "The council has tentatively started to switch direction on planning the future of the district. It agreed on September 7th to conduct a review that may lead to an alternative strategy to the Elsenham new town idea that it chose just three years ago. This move is partly because a new town continues to be deeply unpopular and partly because of growing evidence that there are too many practical obstacles in the way of delivering it." Read more at http://alandean.mycouncillor.org.uk/ Related Links Coverage in the Dunmow & Stansted Observer Published and promoted by Paul Westlake on behalf of Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats at 32 Lambert Cross, Saffron Walden. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Aug 23, 2010:
  • It's time the Tories ditched their new town plan
    In a letter to local newpapers, Uttlesford Liberal Democrats' planning spokesman Councillor Catherine Dean writes "The scrapping of the targets for the number of new houses to be built in Uttlesford, which had been imposed by the Regional Planning Panel, gives Uttlesford District Council the opportunity to decide what level of housebuilding is appropriate. The Liberal Democrat-Conservative Coalition Government announcement that all new housing developments should have the support of local communities also gives the opportunity to reject a new settlement anywhere in the District, which from the start was the least popular option." "The Conservative leadership of Uttlesford District Council must make its intentions known sooner rather than later. There has been a deafening silence on this topic since the General Election. It must start by rejecting a new settlement at Elsenham and Henham, a proposal which has many serious flaws and no popular support." Councillor Dean continued "The Liberal Democrats have consistently advocated a dispersal of new houses around the District. We would be upfront about the need for homes based on sound studies, and work with local communities to achieve new developments proportionate to their size. A priority would be to meet the urgent need for affordable housing, so that those who have grown up in Uttlesford can stay if they wish." "Local Conservatives can no longer hide behind the smoke screen of imposed housing numbers. They must admit that they have got the present housing strategy wrong and seek to remedy it as soon as possible." Published and promoted by Paul Westlake on behalf of Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats at 32 Lambert Cross, Saffron Walden. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Mar 14, 2010:
  • Council's new housing consultation is seriously flawed
    Uttlesford Conservatives' proposed new town in Elsenham and Henham. In a letter to the local press, Councillor Catherine Dean writes "Last month Uttlesford District Council published a consultation about housing growth, which includes an assessment of the pros and cons of various options for new housing. The basis of the Council's analysis is flawed, because there has been no decision made by councillors as to what factors matter most or least in deciding what makes a good place to live. For example, the Council's consultation document gives equal value to the availability of water supplies, drainage and cultural facilities. Cultural facilities can be built with relative ease, but, as King Canute showed, water is very hard to control. The Elsenham/Henham option has serious problems with water supplies and drainage." "The Council's consultation document does not consider the inadequate roads to a new settlement at Elsenham and Henham to be important enough to rule out development, even though other sites do not have this problem. There is clear reason to believe that the Elsenham/Henham option would cause grid-lock on local roads and in neighbouring towns and villages. A request by Liberal Democrat councillors for these important issues to be discussed at a committee meeting before the start of the consultation was refused by the Conservative committee chairman. The Conservatives are pressing ahead with Elsenham/Henham as the preferred option, even though there has been no discussion in the Council whether this is still the right option, and they are consulting the public before they have looked at the sustainability assessment which compares the different options and locations. This makes the whole consultation both misleading and flawed. The Conservatives have failed to show leadership: they have left Council staff to do all the work. In responding to the consultation we must now tell the Council that a settlement at Elsenham/Henham which has the potential to cause grid-lock on local roads and in neighbouring towns and villages would not be a good place in which to live." Catherine Dean is a Liberal Democrat District Councillor for Elsenham & Henham Related Links Click here to take part in the Council's consultation Published and promoted by Paul Westlake on behalf of Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats at 32 Lambert Cross, Saffron Walden. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Dec 5, 2009:
  • Council meeting gives go-ahead for fresh housing consultation
    Uttlesford Conservatives' proposed new town in Elsenham and Henham. Last week's environment committee meeting at Uttlesford District Council saw all possible housing options back on the table - ranging from the concentrated Option 4 new settlement approach (preferred by local Conservatives) to a dispersal strategy across all towns and most villages (preferred by local Liberal Democrats). However, Option 4 of 3,000 homes at Elsenham plus 1,000 homes dispersed to various settlements still remains the Conservative-led council's officially preferred option. A report on the meeting can be read at Alan Dean's blog: http://alandean.mycouncillor.org.uk/ Last week's meeting was about the consultation process and not about arguing the merits (if there are any) of NE Elsenham. This is why the Lib Dems voted for the consultation but abstained on part of the vote that described the council's preferred housing option, rather than voted against it. We are against Option 4 but want to see it tested in the court of public opinion against the technical reports that increasingly undermine the council's plan. Discussions are continuing between councillors and council staff to make sure that this public consultation is handled much better than the one two years ago. Published and promoted by Paul Westlake on behalf of Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats at 32 Lambert Cross, Saffron Walden. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Dec 2, 2009:
  • Parliamentary Candidate Slams Eco Town at Saffron Walden AGM
    "Liberal Democrats can look forward to 2010 with optimism," said local parliamentary candidate Peter Wilcock at the Annual General Meeting of Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats on 27th November. "Opinion polls consistently show that Labour is likely to lose the general election that must, by law, be held within the first half of 2010, but they do not show the commanding lead that the Conservatives need to be sure of an overall majority. Polls also show that, under Nick Clegg, the Lib Dems are now much stronger than at this point in previous parliaments." Locally, the Conservatives, who lead Uttlesford District Council, are in disarray over their plan to build an eco-town near Elsenham. Expert reports commissioned by the Council point to serious problems associated with transport and water supply. The Tories are also blindly pushing on with their plans for massive housing development in Broomfield. Local Liberal Democrats have vigorously opposed both plans, and put forward sustainable alternatives to meet local housing needs. Peter Wilcock led a team of local activists who helped Liberal Democrat Dave Hodgson win the mayoral election in Bedford - the last major test of public opinion before the General Election. At the AGM the following members were elected to the Constituency Party Executive to serve for the calendar year 2010: Chair - David Morgan Vice-Chair - Melvin Caton Secretary - Liz Jones Treasurer - Alan Thawley Membership Secretary - Marion Dyer Executive Committee Member - Ben Davies Executive Committee Member - Richard Freeman You can contact the Executive on info@saffronwaldenlibdems.org.uk Published and promoted by Paul Westlake on behalf of Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats at 32 Lambert Cross, Saffron Walden. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Nov 23, 2009:
  • Conservative Plan For Elsenham Eco Town Put In Doubt By Council's Own Reports
    Uttlesford Conservatives' proposed new town in Elsenham and Henham. Long-awaited technical reports on Uttlesford District Council's development plans (the "Local Development Framework") have been emerging in November. These reports indicate that the Conservative plan for a new town at Elsenham would be badly located. Of all the locations that have been put forward by landowners for a new settlement, Great Chesterford has been given the most favourable score in the transport assessment report. Traffic from an Elsenham new town would have to be directed via Takeley with some road improvements. The last time the Council consulted local residents on where to put new homes in Uttlesford, a new settlement (Option 4) came bottom of the poll. You can read the latest about the Conservatives' housing plans at: http://alandean.mycouncillor.org.uk/2009/11/22/yet-more-consultation-but-at-least-with-some-evidence/ Published and promoted by Paul Westlake on behalf of Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats at 32 Lambert Cross, Saffron Walden. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Oct 1, 2009:
  • Conservatives can't abolish people who need houses
    Uttlesford Conservatives' proposed new town in Elsenham and Henham. In reply to Jonathan Rich of Stansted Conservatives, who recently wrote to the Herts & Essex Observer, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate Peter Wilcock said "The Conservatives may be able to abolish regional housing quotas but they can't abolish the hundreds of local people who need homes. Conservative-led Uttlesford District Council is falling behind its own timetable for deciding where to put new housing in our district. At least Mr Rich is honest enough to admit it. "The Council's own research has found that the Conservatives' plan to dump most of the distict's new houses in a new town between Elsenham and Henham will create significant traffic problems. The same research shows that there are plenty of sites across the district that could take some more new housing without destroying the character of the surrounding area. "I am pleased that Mr Rich supports the Liberal Democrat plan for sensitively planned organic growth of existing communities to meet local needs. Perhaps he can bring some influence to bear on his Conservative colleagues who run the District Council? They want to dump 3000 new houses in Elsenham. "The Liberal Democrats want to preserve the special character of our towns and villages, but we also want young people to have the opportunity to leave home without leaving the communities in which they grew up." Related Links Uttlesford Conservatives deny dragging their feet over housing plans Uttlesford Conservatives admit dragging their feet over housing plans Published and promoted by Paul Westlake on behalf of Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats at 32 Lambert Cross, Saffron Walden. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Sep 11, 2009:
  • PRESS TELLS TORY COUNCIL 'GET YOUR HOUSE IN ORDER'
    Uttlesford Conservatives' proposed new town in Elsenham and Henham. The following editorial appears in this week's Observer alongside two readers' letter which both attack Cllr Jim Ketteridge, Tory leader of Uttlesford DC, for saying that the LDF study work is taking so long because it has to be done thoroughly. They ask why the Tories didn't get the evidence before coming up with their plan for a new town at Elsenham. "THREAT OF HOMES IS NOT A POLITICAL FOOTBALL While the elected representatives of Uttlesford's residents take political pot shots at each other, whole villages are being blighted by the threat of massive new housing which will destroy their rural character forever. It is simply not good enough for former Henham girl Caroline Spelman to urge Tory grandees to drag their feet and hope for a Conservative General Election victory to solve the country's planning crisis. Her party's pledge to allow local councils to have greater say in regional planning is welcome, but nobody should be fooled that the thorny issue of large scale development will go away if David Cameron moves into Number 10 Downing Street. Hard and perhaps harsh decisions will inevitably have to be made and it is insulting to pretend otherwise. Those elected to make these difficult choices must realise that homeowners are facing hardship and families are fearing for their future now because there seems no end in sight to their deliberations. It's time for Uttlesford District Council to set its house in order." Related Links The story in the Herts & Essex Observer More comment on Tory Housing plans The Guardian Published and promoted by Paul Westlake on behalf of Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats at 32 Lambert Cross, Saffron Walden. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Sep 7, 2009:
  • Uttlesford Lib Dems Say Come Clean on Planning Delay
    Uttlesford Conservatives' proposed new town in Elsenham and Henham. Uttlesford council's Conservative leader, Cllr Jim Ketteridge, has again been urged to come clean over slow progress with the district's Local Development Framework (LDF) after Lib Dems discovered a letter from Westminster encouraging Tory councils to adopt a 'go slow' on housing plans. Last week five Liberal Democrat councillors had asked Cllr Ketteridge in an open letter to explain why progress on Uttlesford's future housing and related plans had slowed to a snail's pace and why internal discussions between members and officers diaried for last week had been cancelled. In response, Cllr Ketteridge denied any personal role in the slow pace of the district's planning process. Yet within hours of this denial a letter sent to all Conservative council leaders by Caroline Spelman MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Communities & Local Government, was acquired by the Liberal Democrats. The letter encourages Conservative-controlled councils to put on the brakes to slow down the local planning process. Ms Spelman wrote in August: "a slightly delayed Local Development Framework process will make the democratic choice at the general election more stark and clear for the electorate ". Elsenham and Henham councillor David Morson commented: "The Tories seem to be trying to give the false impression that the need for new homes will evaporate if there is a Tory government and that delaying the LDF's preparation will provide an escape route from the mess that local Tories have created. "They should get on now and finish the job they started two years ago rather than leaving this area blighted with uncertainty over new towns." Stansted councillor Alan Dean added: "It's time for Jim Ketteridge to come clean with the residents of Uttlesford. He is allowing at Uttlesford what Caroline Spelman suggests - drift and delay. "The Tories messed up in a big way two years ago with their new town idea at Elsenham. They keep promising technical reports that will resolve the uncertainty. These rarely materialize. They keep promising discussions for councillors. These get cancelled. They promised more public consultation this autumn. It's off until next year. The council is paralysed, I am sorry to have to say." Related Links Don't choke our communities petition Published and promoted by Paul Westlake on behalf of Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats at 32 Lambert Cross, Saffron Walden. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Aug 31, 2009:
  • AN OPEN LETTER TO THE LEADER OF UTTLESFORD DISTRICT COUNCIL, COUNCILLOR JIM KETTERIDGE
    The editorial comment column in the Dunmow and Stansted Observer of 27 August called for planning of homes in Uttlesford for our children's future to be based on 'clear evidence and objective evaluation' without the 'suspicion of politics governing planning'. We agree. In fact we have been calling for an open and informed debate on the location of housing in the Uttlesford district for over two years. The undersigned elected members of the council and the public of Uttlesford have so far been denied that opportunity. Two of the undersigned wrote to Councillor Barker on 18th July offering cooperation in re-examining all housing options in the light of road access problems at Elsenham contained in the recently published housing land availability study. This study shows that sufficient suitable land exists to accommodate the district's housing commitments without the need for a new town. Councillor Barker has not replied to the letter some six weeks later. This and other factors were due to be discussed by councillors at a housing workshop promised for 1st September in advance of further public consultation in the autumn. At the eleventh hour we were told that the workshop was cancelled because consultants have not finished studies that would inform the discussion. We have also been informed that the public consultation has been put back until 2010. This procrastination sends a message to the public of either incompetence by the council and/or its consultants or that the process is being deliberately manipulated for party political purposes. Many residents of the district have seen their lives blighted by your proclamation of support for an 'eco-community' two years ago. Residents have also been blighted by BAA's airport plans, but they neither expect nor deserve a self-imposed blight by their own planning authority. They want an end to uncertainty. They, like us, want competent planning from Uttlesford. Through this open letter we call on you to provide the leadership that is the responsibility of the office you hold. We call on you to put aside party politics and act on behalf of present and future residents of Uttlesford. We ask you immediately to ensure objective and reliable evidence followed by transparent discussion on where future homes might best be provided. Yours sincerely Cllr Alan Dean, Stansted South Cllr Catherine Dean, Elsenham & Henham Cllr John Hudson, Stansted South Cllr David Morson, Elsenham & Henham Cllr Geoffrey Sell, Stansted North Published and promoted by Paul Westlake on behalf of Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats at 32 Lambert Cross, Saffron Walden. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Aug 20, 2009:
  • Tories try to hide the facts about new housing in Uttlesford
    The Conservatives who run Uttlesford District Council have been accused of trying to hide the true facts about their plans for new housing in the district. The claim was made by Cllr. Peter Wilcock, the leader of the council's opposition Liberal Democrat group. Councillor Wilcock said: "The Conservative council has hidden away on its web site a report which is a devastating criticism of its support for a new town between Elsenham and Henham. The report, entitled "STRATEGIC HOUSING LAND AVAILABILITY ASSESSMENT 2008 - DRAFT REPORT", is an expert assessment of possible housing sites across Uttlesford. We are still awaiting the council' s Strategic Housing Needs assessment, but this report clearly demonstrates that the district's housing needs as agreed by the East of England Regional Assembly - can be met without building a new town in the district. It shows that there are areas of Uttlesford that can take some new housing without destroying their character. This is the sort of distributed solution that residents of the district preferred when they were consulted about options for new housing in 2005. Any solution should also take into account housing numbers already granted. " Elsenham and Henham member, Cllr Catherine Dean, who is the Lib Dem environment spokesperson, said: "The report also points out the access problems for a new town between Elsenham and Henham. Now that the government has decided not to proceed with Elsenham eco town at this stage, the Conservatives should think again and abandon their foolish plan." Cllr. Wilcock concluded "I urge all local residents to read the council report - the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment - which can be downloaded from half-way down the page at <<a href="http://www.uttlesford.gov.uk/main.cfm?Type=PLCSD&MenuId=583">http://www.uttlesford.gov.uk/main.cfm?Type=PLCSD&MenuId=583>. Please send your comments to snicholas@uttlesford.gov.uk or by post to the Council Offices, London Road, Saffron Walden CB11 4ER by September 18, 2009. The report is also available at the Council Offices." Published and promoted by Paul Westlake on behalf of Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats at 32 Lambert Cross, Saffron Walden. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Jun 8, 2009:
  • Labour is finished in Essex - Lib Dems are now the official opposition
    The Liberal Democrats are celebrating a significant increase in councillors at County Hall and the re-election of this area's Lib Dem MEP Andrew Duff. The County Council group went from 8 councillors to 12, taking seats from both the Conservatives and Labour to become the official opposition at County Hall. Lib Dem group leader Tom Smith-Hughes, said: "It has been an astonishing result for the Labour group who have been virtually extinguished - left with just one solitary County Councillor. Clearly Labour is finished here in Essex. The shambles that is the Labour government was no doubt a factor in the way people voted this time, although the Labour presence has been in steady decline at County Hall for over a decade." Stansted Division's Lib Dem candidate Alan Dean, who missed out on victory by less than a hundred votes, said: "Whilst it's disappointing to have come so close to success, but to be beaten at the winning post, I have enjoyed meeting over one-third of the area's electorate over the past few months. "Now the Conservatives have won on a commitment to abandon Option 4 and their Elsenham new town plan, I challenge them to deliver their promise while also delivering a much-needed sustainable solution to the housing shortage in this area. It's time they turned their political rhetoric into reality for real people." The Greens failed to gain a single County Councillor in Essex, although the intervention of Green candidates did allow a number of Conservative County Councillors to be re-elected. The Greens also failed to gain an MEP in the East of England. Full details of the election results can be found here: http://countyelections.essexcc.gov.uk/PoliticalBalance.asp http://countyelections.essexcc.gov.uk/ListCandidates.asp?DivisionID=99 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/bsp/hi/elections/euro/09/html/ukregion_32.stm Published and promoted by Paul Westlake on behalf of Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats at 32 Lambert Cross, Saffron Walden. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• May 2, 2009:
  • Tories Voted For Uttlesford's Housing Quota
    Uttlesford Conservatives' proposed new town in Elsenham and Henham It is a sign of Uttlesford Conservatives' desperation that they are relying on a change of government to get them out of a situation caused by their own ineptitude. Cllr Rolfe says that "neither Cllr Ketteridge, Barker or any member of the Conservative UDC group has supported 4,200 extra houses" Well memories are short, and Cllr Howard Rolfe was not on the Council at the time, but the Council Minutes of January 2005 clearly state that the vote to accept the housing allocation from the Regional Assembly was unanimous. Councillors Barker and Ketteridge were present and voted. It is not Cllr Peter Wilcock who is being "parsimonious with reality", but Cllr Rolfe. Anyone who wishes to check for themselves can find the council minutes at: http://ggpweb.uttlesford.gov.uk/CMISWebPublic/Binary.ashx?Document=11117 On the same letters page, Jeff Cochran accuses Cllr Wilcock of "banging on" about the eco-town at Elsenham. Well yes, the Liberal Democrats will continue to "bang on" because we believe that a 5,000 Eco town or a 3,000 house settlement, as proposed by the Conservatives at UDC, would not only be disastrous for Elsenham, Henham and surrounding villages, but for the District. He also says that Cllr Wilcock and I are mischief-making and that we are "having a pop at the people at the sharp end who actually have to make decisions". The decision of where to put 4,200 houses should have been made by cross-party consensus, not by the Administration alone, who did not discuss their preferred option with the other parties. It was left to an officer to communicate it to the other groups half an hour before the committee meeting, even though a new settlement was Uttlesford residents' least popular option. The Liberal Democrats did not get the Council into this mess, and we have every right to criticise what we believe is a wrong decision. We have been calling for over a year for all-party workshops to re-consider the options for housing, but so far these have not happened. Councillor Catherine Dean, Uttlesford District Council Member for Elsenham & Henham Published and promoted by Paul Westlake on behalf of Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats at 32 Lambert Cross, Saffron Walden. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Mar 18, 2009:
  • Robust Rebuttal of Elsenham Eco-town to be Made
    Uttlesford's environment committee last night (Tuesday 17 March) started to live up to the council's public commitment made in April last year to oppose totally and to campaign against an eco-town between Elsenham and Henham. This turn of events was the result of a proposal from Liberal Democrat councillors Catherine and Alan Dean. Until two weeks ago, and before the Liberal Democrats and the Save our Village campaigners started to put on pressure, the council's only response to the latest consultation on Eco towns was to be a short two paragraphs saying virtually nothing about why North East Elsenham was the wrong location for a large, new settlement. Cllr Alan Dean asked committee chair Cllr Susan Barker when the campaign agreed last April had taken place. Cllr Barker admitted that the decision to campaign against the eco-town had not been carried out by the council. Cllr Catherine Dean spelled out a long list of reasons why the developer's proposals were not credible. These included suggestions of a bus-priority road lane to Stansted Mountfitchet on narrow country roads and other claims that eco-town traffic could be kept out of that neighbouring village. She wanted to know what effect the closure and avoidance of the Elsenham railway level crossing would have on other roads and the implications for secondary education of relocating the Mountfitchet Mathematics and Computing College. Cllr Alan Dean was applauded by a large crowd of residents from the Elsenham and Henham area when he claimed the Conservative-led council was spending more time and taxpayers' money trying to work out how the eco-town could be made to work instead of rebutting the proposal and demonstrating why it is the wrong plan in the wrong place. Cllr Jim Ketteridge, the Conservative council leader, introduced a party political note by trying to put the blame for the Eco-town onto the Liberal Democrats. This brought cries of derision from the public gallery and a riposte from the Lib Dem member for Henham, David Morson. He reminded the meeting that it was the Conservatives' own proposal for a new eco-settlement at Elsenham that had encouraged the government's eco-town plan. Despite the political ding-dong, all Liberal Democrats and some Conservatives voted for a robust rebuttal to be sent to the government. No-one voted against. The council's planning officers will now prepare the robust response for members to agree at the next full council meeting on April 21st. The full text of the resolution is: "The promoter of an Eco town at North East Elsenham makes claims for sustainability and deliverability which have not been submitted to rigorous scrutiny. This Committee doubts that many of these assumptions are attainable, and remains totally opposed to an Eco town at this location, as resolved by the Full Council on 22 April 2008. "The Environment Committee therefore resolves to require a robust report rebutting the Elsenham eco-town proposal to be submitted for endorsement at the Full Council meeting on 21 April 2009." Related Links Read what the Save Our Villages campaign made of the meeting here. Published and promoted by Paul Westlake on behalf of Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats at 32 Lambert Cross, Saffron Walden. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Mar 14, 2009:
  • Uttlesford District Council To Discuss Eco-Town On 17 March
    Uttlesford Conservatives' proposed new town in Elsenham and Henham. Uttlesford District Council's environment committee is to address the government's present consultation on eco-towns at its meeting at 7.30 p.m. next Tuesday, March 17th. You can find the agenda and paper for item 7 at: http://ggpweb.uttlesford.gov.uk/CMISWebPublic/Meeting.aspx?meetingID=8771 There would have been no agenda item on this most crucial and controversial subject had one not been requested by Elsenham and Henham councillor Catherine Dean. The council's Conservative adminstration was apparently content to let the whole consultation (which was about to close but has now been extended to 30 April) to pass by with only the procedural comment it made last year - that it was content that any planning decision will have to be handled by UDC (if it gets so far). The report to be found at the above link cannot be described as an analytical response to the government's proposal for a 5000-home eco-town at NE Elsenham. It concentrates on procedural matters and issues of general principle for any eco-town. Most of the report simply repeats what has been said in the government's own financial viability report; that the eco-town MIGHT be able to pay for itself and some local infrastructure improvements. There is nothing to say whether the eco-town makes sense for Uttlesford people at the proposed location or any rebuttal of the developer's and the government's proposals beyond some questions about renewable energy and whether the plan really is to pump water all the way from Colchester. The report is the equivalent of UDC responding to the second runway proposal at Stansted by saying only that the government should review its policy on aircraft engine design. So whereas local residents have been commenting on the realities of the eco-town for this area, Uttlesford District Council, which is the official planning body for this area, seems to be content to stay largely silent rather than to act as a democratic voice for local people. Cllr Alan Dean comments: "I have written to complain about the apparent lack of objectivity by Uttlesford's planning department. I am sure that silence by UDC on this crucial issue will be interpreted by the developer and the government as acceptance by the council of an eco-town at Elsenham". Residents are urged to attend Tuesday's meeting. Published and promoted by Paul Westlake on behalf of Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats at 32 Lambert Cross, Saffron Walden. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Jan 30, 2009:
  • 'Save us from new towns!', say local residents
    In a recent residents' survey people in Uttlesford have given another 'thumbs down' to plans for new towns in the district. The survey was conducted by Liberal Democrat councillors and was returned by several hundred residents and supporters of all political parties from across the district from Saffron Walden to Stansted. An overwhelming 85% of local people said they supported housing growth in all towns and villages of the district to provide homes where people want to live and to support local amenities such as shops and schools. Only 10% of respondents supported the plans by local Conservatives and the Labour government for a new town between Elsenham and Henham. The survey was organised by Uttlesford councillors Alan Dean and Peter Wilcock. Alan Dean commented: "There is fierce opposition across the whole district to the new town plan at Elsenham; as strong as the rejection by the villagers of Elsenham and Henham. "The latest unwelcome suggestion from regional consultants for a 20,000-plus large, new town in the Dunmow-Takeley area has been encouraged by the council's open-door approach to new settlements. The drive for the Elsenham new town came from the council's Conservatives - particularly Conservatives from the Dunmow and Takeley areas. "If the recent consultants' report is allowed to gain acceptance, the Tories' foolish bit of Nimbyism, to dump the homes where they thought no one cared, will have backfired in a spectacular and tragic way." At last week's meeting of Uttlesford's environment committee Cllr Dean called for all party talks on a new strategy for future housing distribution. The Conservatives were unwilling to take up the Liberal Democrat olive branch. Alan Dean added: "The Tories seem paralysed and incapable of accepting help to get them out of the hole they have dug for the entire district. It's time they started listening to what local people are telling them through this survey, because it will soon be too late". Published and promoted by Paul Westlake on behalf of Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats at 32 Lambert Cross, Saffron Walden. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Dec 23, 2008:
  • Local Tories Exposed: They Supported Housing Numbers
    Uttlesford Conservatives' proposed new town in Elsenham and Henham. In a letter to the local press, District Councillor Catherine Dean has blasted the distortions being peddled by local Conservatives, who are trying to deny that it was the Conservatives who are to blame for Elsenham eco-town. Cllr Dean writes:- "My husband, Alan Dean, does not need me to defend him, but Cllr Ray Gooding's letter of 18th December contains so many distortions that I am compelled to reply. I'm not sure whether Cllr Gooding has deliberately chosen to misunderstand Alan's letter or whether he really is ignorant of the history of housing allocations for the Uttlesford District. Let me give some facts, rather than the fictions of Cllr Gooding's letter. The Council unanimously agreed across all political parties to accept the housing numbers proposed for Uttlesford by the Regional Assembly (Council Meeting 15th February 2005). It was acknowledged that accommodating the houses would be challenging, but when compared to the larger numbers allocated to other districts in the region, it was considered that Uttlesford got off quite lightly. So it is complete nonsense to accuse Alan of being the architect of the housing allocation. As for Option 4 (3,000 houses at Elsenham and 1,200 in the main settlements), Cllr Gooding again has the effrontery to lay the blame at Alan's door. Let me remind him that it was the Conservative administration at Uttlesford that pulled the option out of a hat at the last minute in September 2007, without consulting residents or their elected representatives. The public had put a new settlement in tenth place out of ten, and no studies had been carried out to assess the impact of development on Elsenham and Henham. It is Uttlesford Conservatives who should be hanging their heads in shame for "distress and devastation" to the local community. The residents that I represent will not be fooled by Cllr Gooding's desperate attempt to find scapegoats." ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Read here how Tory county councillor Ray Gooding attempts to make out that Lib Dem councillor Alan Dean, as one of a 100 members of the East of England Regional Assembly, is solely responsible for the region's allocation of housing to Uttlesford and for the eco-town plan at Elsenham: http://www.saffronwaldenconservatives.com/index.php?sectionid=3&pagenumber=249 Read here the truth that Tory councillors Cheetham, Barker (formerly Flack) and Ketteridge joined the whole council at Uttlesford in unanimously supporting the housing allocation and that Cllrs Cheetham and Barker (Flack) properly declared their membership of EERA along with Alan Dean: The Minutes of the Full Council Meeting on 15th February 2005 (minute C87 - DRAFT EAST OF ENGLAND PLAN)can be found at http://ggpweb.uttlesford.gov.uk/CMISWebPublic/Binary.ashx?Document=11117 Read here the truth that Uttlesford objected to all new housing being located only around Dunmow. The proposal was removed from the regional plan after Alan Dean made representations at EERA on behalf of the council. Also read here that Uttlesford in 2005 objected to a new village in the district, a principle reneged on by the Tories in 2007 with their ill-considered Option 4 proposal. The Minutes of the Environment Committee on 8th March 2005 (minute E42 - EAST OF ENGLAND PLAN) can be found at http://ggpweb.uttlesford.gov.uk/CMISWebPublic/Binary.ashx?Document=11144 Alan Dean comments: I despair at Uttlesford Tories. Yet again they attempt to rewrite history to mislead the public in a vain attempt to blame others for their own incompetence. Until they accept responsibility for their own mistakes and give the proper leadership for which they are paid by the taxpayer, they will not regain the respect of the public. I suspect some of their own members are ashamed of their collective antics. If they are incapable of delivering on the responsibilities of elected office, are suffering from collective amnesia or simply can't face up to the truth, it is time they stood aside and let people of integrity and competence run the council. Related Links Conservatives want to shun their housing responsibilities Ray Gooding's letter Published and promoted by Paul Westlake on behalf of Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats at 32 Lambert Cross, Saffron Walden. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Dec 13, 2008:
  • Conservatives want to shun their housing responsibilities
    In a letter to local newspapers, Stansted District Councillor Alan Dean has lambasted local Conservatives, who are trying to draw attention away from the fact that it was the Conservatives who first put forward plans for an eco-town at Elsenham. "Sir Conservative councillors Jim Ketteridge and Ray Gooding, together with MP Alan Haselhurst, are all in print recently putting faith in a possible future Tory government to rescue them from a self-inflicted credibility crisis over Uttlesford's housing plans. They seems to think that a different government would somehow disband the system of regional housing planning in favour of future housing numbers being decided In isolation by each district council. That has never been the case; not even under the previous Conservative government. Then there was a regional planning panel. The public hardly knew it existed, but it assessed market needs and derived housing numbers, handing them down to counties and then on to districts. That is what has been done in recent years through the present regional assembly. Councillors from across the regional were advised by specialists; county totals were argued over and district totals were consulted upon. The present government has pressed to resolve years of housing shortage that has led to much personal and financial pain for many local individuals and families. I am deeply saddened that local Conservatives want to shun their responsibilities to come up with a socially and environmentally sustainable solution to Uttlesford's housing needs. It does their reputation no good whatsoever to play party politics by dragging their feet and by attempting to mislead the public into thinking that if they vote in a future Tory government, the need for extra housing will somehow evaporate. The public are not stupid. They are already seeing through the irresponsible game-players at London Road, Saffron Walden and they may resent being misled in the name of untrustworthy and cynical party political mischief." Published and promoted by Paul Westlake on behalf of Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats at 32 Lambert Cross, Saffron Walden. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Nov 24, 2008:
  • Eco-town Back in Uttlesford's Court as Paper says 'It Makes No Sense'
    There was something about last Tuesday's meeting of Uttlesford's environment committee that did not ring true, writes Alan Dean. The committee chairman admitted yet again that it was she who championed the idea of Option 4 in the September over a year ago. On Tuesday she said the future of the local development framework (LDF) preferred option rests in the hands of council officers and the study work that they have commissioned on topics such as access and biodiversity. What doesn't square with the real world is that technical consultants' studies usually come up with advice that suits the client's expectations; in this case Uttlesford's Conservative political masters. So what guidance has the Conservative administration at Uttlesford given? To confirm Option 4? To shift from Option 4? Or truly none at all? Tuesday's committee meeting was one of those bizarre events that have become increasingly familiar at Uttlesford District Council. On a majority vote the committee welcomed without qualification the government's recent concession that it will not impose eco-towns. They must be part of the planning authority's own LDF proposals. The leader of the council said that the only reason that Uttlesford Conservatives have been opposed to an eco-town at North East Elsenham is because it would have been a central government imposition. The social and environmental damage to surrounding towns and villages that a brand new town would cause seemingly have been of no concern to the current administration. So the ball is now firmly back in Uttlesford's court. And the conclusion must be that the council no longer opposes a local eco-town. If it doesn't switch away from new settlements and instead soon reverts to organic growth of existing towns and villages, its present course of action will lead to North East Elsenham under that or some other name. Targets for attack In recent weeks the local Tory MP has said campaigners should attack the Government but not the Council and its Conservative councillors. It will be interesting to see what line he takes now that resolution of the matter is entirely in the hands of Conservative councillors. The Regional Plan There was some discussion at the committee meeting about the revision to the regional plan that is now getting under way. The plan is being extended by ten years to 2031. We can be sure that there will be additional housing allocations to Uttlesford beyond the 4,200 not yet finally allocated by the current LDF exercise. So if Option 4 remains the council's preferred option at 3,000, there will soon be a larger allocation to boost it to 5,000 or beyond. Moreover, while Option 4 remains the council's preferred option it sends a very strong message to the regional planners who are devising proposals for the update of the regional plan that Uttlesford encourages new settlements rather than gradual growth of existing town and villages. There is a lot of open countryside in Uttlesford, so the district may be seen as a place for much more significant growth than we have imagined to date. After all, it is easier to restrain overall housing growth through constrained growth of existing communities than it would be were there a free-for-all in the open countryside. It's not just Elsenham/Henham where 'It Make No Sense' There are real prospects that housing floodgates will stay open unless the current Conservative administration closes them soon. Revised regional planning is gathering pace whilst Uttlesford's current LDF exercise seems set to plod along at least into 2010 before reaching a conclusion. By then the die may be cast. No wonder the Dunmow and Stansted Observer led last Thursday with the headline "It Makes No Sense". Published and promoted by Paul Westlake on behalf of Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats at 32 Lambert Cross, Saffron Walden. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Sep 3, 2008:
  • Lembit Öpik endorses dispersal option
    Lib Dem MP Lembit Öpik is backing the fight against Conservative plans for an eco town at Elsenham. Lembit Öpik, MP for Montgomeryshire, and Liberal Democrat Housing Spokesperson, today visited Stansted, Henham, Elsenham and Newport to see for himself the impact that 5000 plus houses in an Ecotown would have on the local community in this beautiful part of north Essex Parliamentary Spokesman Cllr Peter Wilcock, together with District Councillors for Henham and Elsenham, Cllrs David Morson and Catherine Dean; and Stansted Cllrs Alan Dean and Geoffrey Sell, met Lembit Opik at Stansted station. They toured the area looking at the Rochford Nursery site, Stansted airport, and the roads surrounding the proposed development. He also met with residents at Bowker Close, Newport to see how affordable small scale development can meet the needs of local people, and has been welcomed by all. The visit concluded with Lembit attending the meeting of the Joint Villages steering group at Elsenham Memorial Hall, where he listened to a presentation on the progress of the campaign. Lembit Öpik said "There is a clear need for housing in this area, particularly for young people and families like those I met in Bowker Close. However it is the outcome that is important. It must be honest and have a community-based solution. It is clear that the Joint Steering have achieved a great deal of consensus so far on a scheme to spread the requirements over many villages. Any development needs to maintain the character of this area and meet the excellent quality of life" He offered some ideas to the Steering Group, including the possibility of asking questions in Parliament, and early day motion and an adjournment debate. He also suggested that further work be done to investigate the possibility of flooding with the building of the eco-town. Peter Wilcock commented, "I was pleased the Lembit had taken the time and trouble to visit the area at my request and see for himself how ludicrous large scale development would be in this area. He made a positive contribution to the meeting of the Joint Villages Committee, and I will be following up his ideas when I meet up with him later this month in Brighton at the Liberal Democrat Federal Conference" Related Links Coverage in the Herts and Essex Observer Coverage on the Dunmow Broadcast website The non-party Save Our Village campaign Published and promoted by Paul Westlake on behalf of Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats at 32 Lambert Cross, Saffron Walden. Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY