James Wharton MP

Today I have written to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government about the failings in the government’s planning guidelines.

I am being contacted almost daily by residents concerned about unsuitable planning applications right across Stockton South.  The sad reality is that, even if the local Planning committee reject such applications, they often then go through on appeal.

I include a copy of the text of the letter below; I feel this is an issue that deserves as wide an audience as possible:

Hazel Blears MP
Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government
House of Commons
London
SW1A 0AA  

November 2007

Dear Secretary of State, 
I am extremely concerned that the government’s approach to planning guidance is having a serious detrimental impact across large parts of the Stockton South constituency. 

The guidelines classifying back gardens as previously developed land have allowed inappropriate development on the sites of historic houses throughout this area. This is a cause of concern to a great many local people.  Across Eaglescliffe, Yarm, Stockton and Thornaby residents are helpless as they watch detached properties pulled down to make way for high density blocks of flats.  When the planning committee of Stockton Borough Council rejects such applications they are almost invariably then passed on appeal.  This makes a mockery of local democracy and ignores the wishes the people who then have to live with the consequences.   

It is clear that the current guidelines need to be changed and power handed back to Councillors and residents.  The impact of your government’s policy is placing strain on roads, sewers, schools, health and all other services by packing ever more people onto ever smaller parcels of land. 

The character and charm of our older towns should be protected, not destroyed in the name of a quick profit by unsympathetic developers.   

I hope that you will take note of these concerns, which are shared by so many across the country, and that the planning guidance will be changed to reclassify gardens as green belt land with powers being given back to local Councils.  This is vital if we are to preserve our heritage so our children can enjoy that which our parents and grandparents sensibly passed down to us today.

Yours sincerely,    

James Wharton
Conservative Parliamentary Spokesman, Stockton South

Just got back from a well attented and quite intense meeting at All Saints School in Ingleby Barwick.  It is clear that parents feel strongly about the need for more school places on IB. 

I will be campaigning along with the local Councillors and Town Council for better provision for Ingleby Barwick children and I am hopeful that tonight’s meeting will contribute to the debate positively.  Certainly Stockton Borough Council can be in no doubt about the strength of feeling on the matter!

The Village Park Residents organised a meeting for local people concerned at rumours that Parkview care home might be set to close.  The meeting was well attended and everyone shared the view that the home should be kept open.

I have pledged my support for the campaign to keep Parkview open and will work alongside residents and Councillors, of all political persuasions and none, so that this can be ensured.

I met with Ken Lupton, leader of Stockton Borough Council, to discuss a variety of local issues and plans for the future.  It was good to be able to discuss with Ken what is planned and I will continue to working closely with him and all other Stockton South Councillors to improve our Borough.

I attended the remembrance service in Yarm, as I do every year.  It was good to see a strong turnout this year.

I have attended the service in Yarm since I was part of the parade when in the Army cadets.  The local cadets continue to make a valuable contribution to the service and it is important that young people are taught about the sacrifices made so that we can enjoy the freedoms so often taken for granted today.  As ever Cleveland ACF and Yarm School CCF did themselves proud.