Protesters pressure town MP after losing Hagley homes battle (From Bromsgrove Advertiser)
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Protesters pressure town MP after losing Hagley homes battle
3:16pm Wednesday 16th January 2013 in News
HAGLEY protesters are turning up the heat on their MP after losing their battle against a controversial housing development.
Following a vote by Tory-led Bromsgrove District Council to approve plans for a 175 home development on a site in Kidderminster Road, Hagley Action Group is demanding answers why their arguments were rejected.
The group has written to Bromsgrove's Conservative MP Sajid Javid insisting on his support and help, after they say they were "kicked in the teeth" by local democracy.
In the letter, campaign leader Francesca Evans, said: "I voted for your party because I am passionate about local issues and being able to influence the things that matter to me - my community, my kids schools, our local health and safety."
She is demanding an explanation of the Localism Act 2011, which promises to give local communities more control over housing and planning decisions.
Francesca Evans told Mr Javid: "I feel completely betrayed because this was the only policy quite frankly I understood and believed in.
“I know you believe you have supported us but an open letter to the local press is not enough to win Hagley voters onto your side."
Mr Javid said: "The depth of local opposition to Cala Homes’ proposal is very clear to me, and I know how long and hard Hagley residents have fought this development.
"In representing their views, I have done all that I can to make sure that my constituents’ concerns have been aired and considered robustly.
"The Localism Act means planning decisions are taken at the lowest level possible, rather than being imposed from the top down.
“This, though, does not mean residents and individuals now have the direct power themselves to accept or reject planning applications.
"Concerns over local services in Hagley are, of course, entirely reasonable and legitimate. I have discussed this issue with officials and the leaders of both Bromsgrove District Council and Worcestershire County Council on numerous occasions, and I have been assured that supply will meet demand.”
