GREEN BELT "NOT SAFE IN TORY HANDS"

11.46.09am GMT Thu 5th Jan 2006

"The Green Belt is clearly not safe in Tory hands".

That was the angry comment of LibDem Deputy Group Leader Cllr Philip Goldenberg after the Borough's Planning Committee, on the Tory Chairman's casting vote, approved a proposal to build expensive houses on the Loampits Farm site in the Green Belt in Mayford. Loampits Farm is owned by Mr Bill Bocking, a former Conservative Councillor.

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Goldenberg said: "This was an extraordinary debate, and an extraordinary decision."

"The whole basis for the proposal was that we should make an exception to Green Belt policy so as to provide affordable housing for the frail elderly.

"But, in the course of the debate, that argument fell apart. The housing will only be available to people with significant assets, with an existing property to sell and free cash of £250,000. Indeed, the Committee actually resolved to delete the 'affordable housing' argument. Nor is the accommodation limited to the frail elderly - it will be open to anybody over 65 and that person's partner, which would include a 65-year-old man with a 25-year old girlfriend (or vice versa)!"

"The other alleged justifications for building in the Green Belt were secondary, and cannot stand on their own."

The voting at the Committee was on Party lines, with Tories voting for the proposal and LibDems opposing it, together with the only Labour Councillor present. It was supported by Tory ward Cllr James Palmer, against widespread local opposition, including the Mayford Village Society. Immediate past Tory Leader Cllr Jim Armitage spoke against it, then voted for it. And it would not have been carried if Labour Cllr Elizabeth Evans had bothered to turn up. Cllr Goldenberg said: "This is a Tory decision, carried on the Chairman's casting vote, to bust open Green Belt policy, coincidentally benefiting a landowner who is a former Tory Councillor, on the sham excuse of providing affordable housing for the frail elderly. It stinks."

Because the land is in the Green Belt, the Council's decision requires the approval of the Government office for the South East (GOSE).

LibDem Group Leader Cllr Sue Smith, who attended the meeting because of the importance of this item, said: "I was shocked and angry. Affordable housing is a key Borough strategy, and I support it. But this is a scheme for the wealthy elderly, and drives a coach and horses through Green Belt policy. The LibDem Group will be writing in the strongest terms to GOSE urging them not to endorse this flagrant violation of Green Belt policy, but instead to order a public enquiry."

Philip Goldenberg

LIBERAL DEMOCRAT BOROUGH GROUP DEPUTY LEADER