Skip to main content
Logo icon
Esher and Walton
Conservatives

Main navigation

  • Home
  • News
  • Events
  • Policy Forum
  • Join the Party
  • Our People
  • Contact us
  • Our MP
Logo icon
Esher and Walton
Conservatives

Dithering Lib Dem council coalition puts local Green Belt at risk

  • Tweet
Sunday, 23 January, 2022
Elmbridge Civic Centre

After years of dither and delay the Liberal Democrats who run Elmbridge Council in a coalition with the residents associations put forward a draft Local Plan only for their own legal advice to block it as legally indefensible.

This puts our local green belt at huge risk. 

The Local Plan is a critical document that stops developers concreting over our green belt. The Lib Dems’ inability over many years to get this in place has real consequences – time and time again, developers are winning appeals on planning applications because there is no Local Plan in place. Losing these appeals cost the Council and local taxpayers a large amount in legal fees.

Cllr John Cope, leader of the Elmbridge Conservative Group said: "We all know the reason for the delay – while the Lib Dems are the largest party, the chaotic coalition of seven political parties that run Elmbridge Council can’t agree on what the Local Plan should say – some want to get the concrete mixers going, others shout ‘not in my back yard’ at literally anything. 

"The Conservatives have been clear and consistent for years. We want a Local Plan that enables affordable homes in places where they are needed, while ensuring the green belt isn’t put up for sale. This is entirely possible and what well run councils elsewhere have achieved." 

In the last year alone the Lib Dems and their allies have tried to close paddling pools, allowed our garden waste collection to collapse, and weakened local high streets by hiking their car park charges. Now they can’t even get a functioning planning system in place. It's just not good enough.

You may also be interested in

Our commitment to the Green Belt

Elmbridge is estimated to need up to 9,000 new homes by 2035. Conservatives believe future housing demand can be met without bulldozing our precious Green Belt.

John Cope

John Cope

Conservative Group Leader, Elmbridge Borough Council
Cllr for Walton South Ward

John Cope is an elected Councillor for Walton South and leads the local Conservative Group on Elmbridge Borough Council. Alongside being a Councillor, John has a decade of experience working in public services and business, especially in education and apprenticeships.

  • Local News
Your priorities are our priorities

Your priorities are our priorities

Wednesday, 4 January, 2023

Show only

  • Articles
  • Local News
  • National News
  • Opinions
  • Westminster News

Join or Renew

Help us take action on local issues and build a better Britain.

accepted-payment-cards

Esher and Walton Conservatives

Footer

  • About RSS
  • Accessibility
  • Cookies
  • Privacy
  • Conservative Women's Organisation
  • Esher & Walton Conservative Policy Forum
ConservativesPromoted by Suzi Coul on behalf of EWCA, both of 3 Bridle Close, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2JW
Copyright 2023 Esher and Walton Conservatives. All rights reserved.
Powered by Bluetree