Appeal to Cameron in eco-town dispute

Apr 17 2008

A FURIOUS MP is holding talks with Tory chief David Cameron in a bid to block controversial plans to build a 5,000 home mini-town in his constituency.

Michael Fabricant, Conservative MP for Lichfield, said the proposed development in Fradley on a site already earmarked as a potential eco-town by the Government, would be "disastrous".

Birmingham-based development consultancy RPS has lodged a planning application with Lichfield Council to build a mix of homes, schools, shops, restaurants and a place of worship.

It is thought to be the largest development of its kind in the West Midlands and would be built on the land chosen as one of ten potential eco-towns by the Government. If the development gets the go-ahead, thousands of new jobs would be created.

But Mr Fabricant urged Lichfield councillors to oppose the plans because he fears the area cannot cope with the development.

He said: "This development, the largest of its kind in the West Midlands, is an opportunistic attempt to cash in on the Government's plans for an eco-town and would be disastrous for the Curborough and Fradley communities and spell the end of Lichfield as a close-knit community. If successful, this development would destroy Lichfield as we currently know it.

"I am in talks with David Cameron to ensure that a future Conservative government will stop this sort of development."