Community Newsletter
Liberal Democrat Councillor for Bassingbourn, Litlington, Melbourn, Meldreth and Whaddon Learn more
by Susan van de Ven on 26 January, 2021
From the South West Cambridge Action Group:
Ministry refuses to release information on new town proposal
A Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has been denied, on the basis that information revealed would be a ‘distraction’ and that ‘it is not in the public interest to disclose this information at this time’.
The request was for information relating to a Cambridge ‘Development Corporation’ – a central government vehicle for creating new towns that bypasses normal planning processes. SWCAG is seeking to confirm whether or not the Development Corporation is tied to the proposal by Thakeham developers.
Notes:
In last year’s budget, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the setting up of a Cambridge Development Corporation, but did not reveal any details, including where exactly the new town would be situated. There has been no engagement, nor any timeline published.
The FOI response has been shared with Anthony Browne MP and is published for public information.
The decision will be appealed.
1 Comment
This is the typical closed door attitude of this Government and smacks at the democratic values of this Nation. There is obviously something very sinister here.
There are more than enough developments ongoing around the City to cater for any housing requirements in this area for at least the next 15 years.
It was only last week that the PM stated that the south and east would not be bearing the brunt of the forthcoming planning policy, and that the attention would be turned to the West Midlands and the North. Green Belt would be spared and the emphasis would be on already urban areas.
Our M.P. must be called on to explain the situation.
Clive Porter