Vince Cable supports local residents and opposes any Green Belt development at Kempton Park

Vince Cable has offered strong support to local residents in their opposition to housing development on the Green Belt At Kempton Park. Below is the text of a letter that he has sent which makes it clear that he will do what he can to make sure our Green Belt is protected from opportunitic development which would be unsustainable and do long term damage to the local environment.

From: Vince Cable MP

Subject: Kempton Park housing development

You may be aware of rumours that the Jockey Club are intending to develop part of their land at Kempton Park to create a huge housing development. It is feared that the development will be so great as to place an enormous strain on our already overstretched roads, rail network, schools and other vital services.

A public meeting was held recently hosted by Spelthorne Borough Council to allow local people the chance to ask questions. I was unable to attend however local Lib Dem Councillor, Gareth Roberts went along and has reported back to me. Unfortunately, in spite of being invited, the Jockey Club were unable to attend and so many questions were left unanswered.

What became clear was that the main defence which Spelthorne Council will use if they oppose this development will be the impact upon the Green Belt. Green Belt designation offers very strong protection at borough and national level but it isn't a magic shield. National government and our local councils must work together to offer a co-ordinated front on this matter.

I will write to the Chief Executive of Spelthorne Council and Spelthorne's MP offering my support for their stance in defending this Green Belt land. I will also write to the Chief Executive and Leader of Richmond Council urging them to work closely with Spelthorne in resisting any attempt to impose an unsustainable development on this site. And I will also write to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government urging him to support Spelthorne Council should they seek his assistance in protecting their green belt land.

Providing housing across the country is vitally important however any development must be sustainable. I fear that a development of the size which is rumoured on this site would be wholly unsustainable as it would put further strain on already creaking local infrastructure.

With best wishes

Vince Cable MP