Greenbelt Protest Meeting – Dan Byles Says ‘The Only Threat Comes From Labour’

Local Conservative Parliamentary Candidate Dan Byles, who is a longstanding campaigner against developing greenbelt land for housing, attended a local protest meeting on Friday night against potential plans to impose thousands of houses on greenbelt land near Keresley and Ash Green, Bedworth.

Last month, Dan hit out in astonishment at a Government announcement that the area was being considered for a 5,000 house Ecotown. In addition, there are concerns about a potential 3,500 'overspill' from Coventry as a result of housing targets imposed by the regional Government planning agency.

The meeting, which packed out the Church Hall in Ash Green, was called by concerned local residents who were fed up of the claim and counter claim over the issue and just wanted to know what was happening and why.

Cllr Andrew Burtenshaw from Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council - who has responsibility for planning policy - explained to those present that the Borough Council was firmly opposed to building houses on any greenbelt land. He explained that the Council had taken the decision to oppose any development of the land around Keresley and Ash Green for housing, and that he was even considering going to court if the Government tried to impose houses against the wishes of the council.

Speaking after the meeting, Conservative prospective MP Dan Byles said:

"This was a very productive meeting. The hall was packed out with local residents, which reflects the strength of feeling about this issue. None of us want to see our greenbelt concreted over, and the local action group have done a superb job of highlighting this issue and organising meetings such as this one.

"I think people just wanted to know where we stand right now, and what is likely to happen next.

"I was pleased that Cllr Andrew Burtenshaw was very clear on his position - he explained that Nuneaton & Bedworth Council have said 'no' to any housing on this greenbelt land, and that the only way this can be overturned is by the Government. So the only risk of houses now being built on this area of greenbelt is if the Government overrules Nuneaton & Bedworth council and imposes them.

"To that end, I have personally spoken with Grant Shapps, the Conservative Shadow Housing Minister, about his plans if the Conservatives win the General Election. He has assured me that a Conservative Government will tear up these Government housing targets and will allow local councils to decide exactly how many houses are built and where - so there is no risk of a Conservative Government overruling Nuneaton & Bedworth Council.

"Ever since John Prescott was put in charge of Labour's housing plans, this Government has sought to impose unsustainable levels of housing on local communities, without consulting local people. The Labour Government has form in overruling local councils to push through their housing targets, so the choice for people is now clear. If you want to protect your local greenbelt from housing, we need to elect a Conservative Government."