Robert Marshall-Andrews

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News from  Bob Marshall-Andrews QC MP

The following is the text of the letter is being sent to those local residents who corresponded with the MP during the No Airport at Cliffe campaign.

Dear Resident

You will remember that the No Airport at Cliffe campaign was an outstanding success which resulted in the Government rejecting any airport development on the Peninsula.

Following that decision (which involved a new runway at Stansted) Stansted campaigners took the Government to the High Court.  They claimed that the Government had not properly considered the Thames Estuary sites including Cliffe and Sheppey.

On the 18 February, 2005, the High Court rejected this claim and held that the Government had given proper consideration to Cliffe and was entirely justified in rejecting Cliffe after the consultation (and after the campaign against it). This represents a final decisive victory for the campaign.  May I again take the opportunity to thank you personally for your time, energy and support.

One other matter has caused me concern.  There have recently been a number of irresponsible, inaccurate reports relating to development on the Peninsula.  It is appropriate that I should give you some information and assurances:

• There are no Government proposals for development on the Hoo Peninsula outside the Local Plan and the Structure Plan (effectively limited to existing development and brownfield ex-military sites at Chattenden).
  
• The only issue relating to development has been raised in a consultation document by the South East England Regional Assembly.  This is not a Government document (indeed SEERA is Conservative controlled).  The document contains a number of options including the alternative of developing urban brownfield sites which I strongly support.

I recently made a speech on this issue in Parliament and said:

“The Hoo Peninsula is a rare and wonderful green space.  We have fought battles over that land.  I serve notice, not simply on the Government and on local government, but on the developers who for many years have looked upon that area of Kent with salivation. Any attempt to concrete over or build on that wonderful and wild area will be resisted.”

I hope that this is of assistance and will relieve anxieties which have unfairly been created.

My best wishes.

Bob Marshall-Andrews QC MP