Councillor fumes at decision not to call in Newport homes scheme

Homes and Communities minister Eric Pickles announced this week that he will not be reviewing Telford & Wrekin Council's decision to award planning permission for greenfield land at Station Road because it had been granted in line with Government policy.

Councillor Adrian Meredith, speaking on behalf of the Save Newport campaign group, said: "I am absolutely disgusted that Eric Pickles, a Conservative minister, would support a Labour administration against the wishes of the majority of his party in Newport. Mr Pickles wears a blue tie but a red rosette, that is what I say."

The scheme was given permission by Telford & Wrekin Council's Planning Committee in December, subject to the Secretary of State's confirmation.

Mr Pickles, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, chose not exercise his power to counter the development, in line with government policy, despite demands from the Save Newport campaign group.

Councillor Meredith said: "Newport has been granted 1,500 houses, but there is no provision for schooling, medical facilities or care, especially support for children."

The new development will include an element of affordable housing and 11 acres of employment land.

Councillor Charles Smith, cabinet member for housing, development and borough towns, said: "

We are committed to increasing growth and boosting the economy of the borough and developments like this can only help us achieve that."

Councillor Meredith said: "It's happening everywhere. People who have land can make a planning application and cannot be refused, so applications are springing up everywhere."