LAST TORY STAND OR FURTHER RETREAT ON OPEN SPACE DISPOSAL PLANS?

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 23rd May 2003

Councillor Martin Elengorn, Opposition Environment Spokesman

All Councillors were issued today with the following statement from Philip Wealthy of the Planning Department: -

"UDP/Crane Valley Masterplan - Programme"

"The Consultants commissioned to prepare the masterplan for the Crane valley have produced a number of options which it is intended be made available for public consultation shortly. "

"In order to ensure that all interested parties have adequate opportunity to consider the options and prepare comments it is intended that the consultation period should run through June, and that a final version of the Masterplan be considered by Cabinet on 22nd July 2003. "

"In the light of the longer timescale it will be necessary to delay consideration of Crane Valley and the other open space issues at the UDP Public Inquiry until autumn. "

"Changes to designations at schools and all other issues will continue to be considered in July. This will provide adequate time for all parties to consider the masterplan proposals and any further consequential proposals for changes to the UDP and to prepare evidence. "

"All objectors are being informed of these changes by letter, and information will also be made available on the web site. Please note the deadline for representations on the further proposed modifications agreed in April remains the 3rd June, 2003."

Comments Councillor Martin Elengorn, Opposition Environment Spokesman: -

"It is difficult to be sure what the Tories are up to. Originally we were told that the de-designation of MOL and Other Open Land of Townscape Importance (OOLTI), mainly in the Crane Valley, was inextricably linked with the proposals for school sites because the de-designated space was required either for school building or to be sold to provide funds for school building. "

"Now the school sites are being separated from the Crane Valley MOL. "

"Maybe the penny has finally dropped that there is no prospect of the Inquiry Inspector making the linkage, as he is concerned with what is the appropriate land use and not with the financial consequences of that."

"However the terms of reference of the Crane Valley Masterplan do not inspire confidence – they seem more like a blueprint for an assets disposal plan than an analysis of the ecological and landscape importance of the Crane Valley sites."

"It is unclear when Councillors will see the Masterplan options though there is unconfirmed talk of an extra meeting of the Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 26th June to consider the Masterplan and further objections to the UDP Modifications. "

"Concerned residents want to know whether the Masterplan represents a further stage in the long Tory retreat from the hasty and ill-considered proposals thrown together in October or whether the Tories are preparing the ground for a futile last stand before the Inspector throws out much or all of the remaining package."