Conservatives can't abolish people who need houses

9.41.05pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 1st Oct 2009

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