Bob Spink

Independent | Castle Point

Letter - LDF Plans

Dear Mr Marchant and Cllr Challis,

I have been contacted by leaders of the 'Hands Off Our Green Belt' campaign who are deeply concerned that some councillors may be coming under pressures to change their vote or even prevented from voting in order to secure the LDF plans to build on our green belt.

As evidence of this, some councillors say they are now afraid to respond to their constituent's requests for information or comments as this may result in them being prevented from voting.

I have raised before the issue of your council seeking improperly to prevent councillors doing their job of representing the interests of their constituents in planning matters during the Calor Gas campaign. This is not how democracy should operate. You must take action to ensure no councillors are bullied and you must facilitate the fullest and most open possible representation.

This is a very serious charge and I am therefore asking the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to investigate it as a matter of urgency.

Can you let me know by return

i) when the vote will be taken in council

ii) if any councillors are being pressured by the Conservative Group to support the LDF and the proposed destruction of our Green Belt

iii) if any councillors will be prevented from voting, if so,

iv) on what basis

v) if the council stands to receive a financial reward and the size of that reward, if it meets a particular target on a) timing and b) ability to place a certain number of units to be built, and, finally,

vi) Why you have failed to hold meaningful public consultation on this matter.

I await your response.

Dr Bob Spink MP