LIBERAL DEMOCRATS AND THE SALE OF GREENFIELD LAND FOR DEVELOPMENT

Early day motion 882, tabled 9 March 2005 by Gordon Prentice (Labour). Signed by 32 members.

That this House deplores the intransigence of the Liberal Democrat controlled Pendle Council in pressing ahead with plans to sell greenfield land at Bawhead Road, Earby for development despite the clear opposition of local people; notes that the Council gave itself outline planning permission for housing last September even though there is no shortage of alternative brownfield sites; recalls the confusion when the Council's Executive last week deferred a decision on a related land disposal needed to open up the main development site when it realised the land in question was public open space and required public consultation; believes that the latest attempts by the Liberal Democrat Party to justify the sale by pointing to the alleged benefits which would come to the town are wholly disingenuous; considers that the provision of CCTV, a kickabout area, a junior football pitch, flood alleviation, a 20 mph zone in Wentcliffe Drive and money for cycling improvements, a turning circle for the school and a new footpath, all apparently conditional on the sale of the greenfield site, is nothing other than a crude bribe designed to secure support from a sceptical public that the land sale is in their best interests; and utterly deplores these actions by a party that constantly parades its green credentials.

Signatures by party: Labour 27, Labour/Co-operative 4, Conservative 1.