AN OPEN LETTER TO THE LEADER OF UTTLESFORD DISTRICT COUNCIL, COUNCILLOR JIM KETTERIDGE

10.02.19pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 31st Aug 2009

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