HUHNE AND COUNCIL CALL FOR FRESH START ON SE PLAN

2.15.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 3rd Oct 2008

Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne is pressing Hazel Blears, the local government and planning secretary, to go back to square one on the South East plan with its proposals for a new town north and north east of Hedge End.

Mr Huhne attached the motion from Eastleigh Borough Council, passed on Thursday 2nd October, which also "requests Government to re-open consultation on the fundamental issues underpinning the South East plan".

Mr Huhne said that local residents in Botley and Boorley Green faced having a new town imposed on their doorstep but had been given less information than they would have been if a neighbour had proposed an extension.

"This whole process has been deeply flawed as the plans would make a far more dramatic difference to people in Boorley Green than any change in local buildings, but have been subject to much less notice and discussion.

"I believe that if the Government does not reopen consultation on the whole idea, and explain its thinking much better, it may well face a legal challenge from local groups across the South East" said Mr Huhne.

"I personally will encourage the Botley Parish Action Group (BPAG) to make common cause with other campaigns to raise the money for a judicial review of this process if the Secretary of State is not prepared to think again" said Mr Huhne.