Tories try to hide the facts about new housing in Uttlesford

11.43.18pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 20th Aug 2009

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 <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."