As the Government releases the final version of the South East Plan, East Surrey MP Peter Ainsworth has re-affirmed his resolute support for the Green Belt.

The final version of the South East Plan – a binding Government planning policy document – was released yesterday and sees the Prime Minister back track on his promise that the Government will “continue robustly to protect the land designated as Green Belt.”

Should the Conservatives win the next General Election they are committed to scrapping regional plans.

Speaking on the Plan, Mr Ainsworth said:

“This top-down Government diktat should be of deep concern to anybody – not just in East Surrey – that believes residents of towns and villages should have a say in how their local community will evolve. That is why, should the Conservatives be fortunate enough to win the next General Election, we are committed to scrapping the South East Plan, and to returning power from Whitehall back to the town hall.

“Given that an election must take place sometime in the next twelve months, Councils would do well not push ahead too enthusiastically with the implementation of the South East Plan.”

He went onto say:

“Thanks to the hard work of Tandridge District Council and the united voice of local residents, Tandridge has done a fantastic job in protecting the Green Belt – and back gardens – through their Core Strategy, which was found to be sound by a Government-appointed Inspector last year and includes a number of safeguards against over-development.

“ Reigate and Banstead Borough Council have not been so lucky, with the Government targeting the area for major development. I shall be paying particularly close attention any possible development in Horley and Redhill Aerodrome, as the Council look to get their own Core Strategy passed by the Government.

“The Green Belt was created for a very good reason; to protect the vital green spaces around London from development. Despite constant pressure over many years the Green Belt has remained largely untouched. I will continue to give my resolute support for the protection of our valuable green spaces and the wildlife they contain.”

Notes:

The South East Plan can be downloaded here: http://www.gos.gov.uk/gose/planning/regionalPlanning/815640/