MP Attacks big companies for 'Abusing the Planning Process'

12.00.00am GMT Mon 28th Oct 2002

Vincent Cable MP sited two local topical examples of how 'big companies with deep pockets' are 'trampling all over local residents' through repeated planning applications even when their case has been rejected by the council and by the Secretary of state's planning inspectorate.

*Tesco has reapplied to build a Tesco Express store and car park on Staines Road despite a virtually identical application being rejected by the council in November last year, and the rejection being upheld by an Inspector.

The store was rejected largely because of the likely impact on small shops nearby, notably on Twickenham Green parade and Staines Road.

There were strong protests and petitions backed by councillors and Vincent Cable.

*BT Cellnet has appealed against the rejection of a telecoms mast by Hounslow council (backing onto South Road in Hampton) despite the fact that two other telecoms companies - Hutchinson and Orange - have already had appeals rejected for identical installations on the same mast site.

Vincent Cable said: "the planning system is complex and legalistic but people care passionately about the issues involved, which affect their quality of life."

"For the system to work, there needs to be a sense of balance and fair play between applicants and objectors. This is disappearing."

"Big companies with deep pockets are systematically undermining the integrity of the system by making repeated applications and appeals to wear down councils and residents."

"They can afford the fees and the cost of lawyers which, of course, they pass on to their customers".

"I have written to the planning minister Lord Rooker about what is a blatant abuse of the system by big corporate interests but it needs legislative reform. This is why I am trying to bring forward new laws to give objectors a qualified right of appeal to balance up the forces involved".