Disappointment on the news that Buckinghamshire Council deciding not to contest the appeal against the Council's refusal of planning permission of the Be

Statement on the news that Buckinghamshire Council deciding not to contest the appeal against the Council's refusal of planning permission of the Beeches Park development.

I am very disappointed to learn that after taking legal advice, Buckinghamshire Council has decided not to contest the appeal by developers seeking to overturn the refusal of planning permission for the Beeches Park development.

This means that despite strong local opposition, including from myself, local residents, town councillors and our local MP, the development may go ahead, although I urge the Planning Inspectorate to reject it.

I know how strong residents feel about this and we have fought long and hard against this development which encroaches on our precious Green Belt. We had won a crucial vote at the Strategic Sites Committee of Buckinghamshire Council, where I spoke extensively and submitted a twelve page evidence paper setting out all our concerns, including the threats to our heritage and infrastructure.

Unfortunately the new planning environment created by the Labour Government through the so called 'Grey Belt' has increased the chances of developments like this on our Green Belt. I am very concerned about the precedent this sets.

My position remains the same. Local voices matter and our Green Belt matters. I will continue to apply pressure to ensure any harm is limited.