SECRETARY of State for Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles, has told councils in the process of adopting a Local Plan to ‘get a move on'.

Mr Pickles paid a flying visit to Stroud today, Thursday, in order to meet staff at Sawyer’s Estate Agents.

He had spent the morning in Thornbury discussing the protection of the greenbelt before travelling on to Stroud.

During an interview with regional press he said he was unable to give any details on the proposed incinerator at Javelin Park as he had yet to see the application.

“Due to some technicalities the decision process has been delayed while further evidence is collected,” said Mr Pickles “I will not see the proposal until it is complete when I can review it in full and make a decision based on all the evidence.”

He also discussed the current issues surrounding planning and development.

The Secretary of State reiterated the importance of councils adopting a Local Plan in order to protect from inappropriate development.

When asked what advice he would give to councils, such as Stroud District Council, to protect themselves from developers while in the process of adopting a Local Plan he said: “Four words –get a move on.”

However he said there was a need for affordable housing and how important it was to strike a balance between providing housing for everyone while also protecting the countryside from development.

 

Judy Sawyer, the owner of Sawyer’s Estate Agents, said: “We had a very interesting and short conversation regarding the property market and planning for the Stroud district.”

A handful of protesters attempted to disrupt the visit outside the estate agents in George Street, holding a banner which read ‘Bad Government’ in response to the cuts made to library services and referring to the incinerator.

 

 
Post by Ecotricity.