LEADER ANGERED BY POWER OF ASSEMBLY

Herts Essex News, 8th February 2005

THE leader of Epping Forest Council wants the authority to pull out of the East of England Regional Assembly in protest at plans to let it control traveller sites.

John Knapman (Ind) said on Monday it was unacceptable that the unelected EERA will be allowed to control the number of traveller sites in the region.

The move is proposed in a Government report published last Thursday which states that regional housing boards – controlled by the unelected assemblies – will allocate local authorities targets for the number of sites they should provide.

But Mr Knapman strongly criticised the move and will now urge fellow district councillors to contemplate quitting EERA when they next meet.

“John Prescott has acted true to form to completely ignore the wishes of electors concerning regional assemblies and has proceeded to give even more power to these quangos,” he complained. “It’s not a decision which should rest with bureaucrats at Bury St Edmonds, Suffolk. I find it difficult to argue that we should consider £12,000 a year in membership fees to a body which is being castigated by a large majority of councillors.”

His comments were made in the same week the North Weald Airfield Users Group reported it had secured more than £3,000 in just three weeks in donations for its campaign to save the site from redevelopment, with the Epping and North Weald Model Flying Club handing over £1,118.

EERA withdrew its support for the East of England Plan in December but has nevertheless put it out for public consultation. The controversial plan proposes the airfield accommodate 6,000 new homes, an industrial zone and a rail link.

Airfield users group member Martin Williams said: “The group has been overwhelmed by the generosity of local residents, airfield users and many other supporters, some even from the USA.”

Meanwhile, North Weald Parish Council chairman Bob Wood has called for wider consultation on the plan.

He said members of his and other councils were determined to inform as many people as possible of the scheme, adding: “The parish council believes that there is a clear need for public meetings to fulfil this need.”

The council has made a written request to EFDC for help, suggesting a public event be held at the airfield for residents who want to know more about the major developments proposed.