Lib Dems defend the Greenbelt and local democracy
April 28, 2009 12:00 AM
DORSET councils are preparing for a legal battle against the government over plans for green belt development. A decision at the end of June by secretary of state for communities and local government Hazel Blears could give the go ahead for 48,100 new homes to be built in Dorset by 2026.
Dorset county councillor Susan Jefferies, who tabled a motion before cabinet asking for a firm commitment to legal action, said: "It's going to be a difficult one to challenge; nobody should have any illusions about that. The feeling is very strongly that local democracy has been utterly run-over roughshod".
Annette Brooke MP echoed this "The entire process has been a mess and local people do not feel listened too. We must fight back and I am please that the Lib Dems on our local Councils have insisted on looking at all legal options available." Any challenge to the eventual decision would centre on the fact that there was a lack of evidence available due to the lack of local consultation.
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