Many people have contacted Karen with their objections to the proposals by Gladman to build on land at Pickwood Rec in Leek. She has been helping them get their views across to ministers and those who make the decision locally.
Karen said:
“I have been talking to many constituents about their concerns over this development. Gladman came to see me before their original application went in I made sure they knew what my constituents think – which is largely that this is the wrong place .
"But I have been shocked by Gladman's cynical approach in appealing against the original decision that refused their planning application. Their attitude flies in the face of all the planning officers' recommendations, the elected councillors' democratic decision and - very evidently - local opinion.
"As I have said, it's clear that the best way to protect the area is to draw up a Neighbourhood Plan and I have written to the PALS group to give them all the information they need to get started.
"I have already taken the Secretary of State to visit the site, so he is well aware of residents' concerns. I also briefed the Planning Minister in January, but I have written to the Secretary of State to point out again that I do not believe the application complies with the National Planning Policy Framework.”
Karen is encouraging local residents to draw up a Neighbourhood Plan as soon as possible. the information to do so is provided by DCLG and is available here.
Karen has also continued to encourage the District Council to complete their Local Plan. She added:
"I am glad that SMDC are working on a local plan too, which will have to take account of the neighbourhood plan, because that gives us the potential for double protection. I will continue to lend my support to that process."
You can read Karen’s letter to the Secretary of State here.