29 April 2008
The Better Accessible Responsible Development Campaign group (BARD) organised two public meetings in Honeybourne and Mickleton last Friday to discuss the proposed new Eco-Town at Middle Quinton.

The meetings, attended by Cotswolds MP Geoffrey Clifton-Brown and Peter Luff MP (Mid Worcestershire), drew crowds of over 150 people to each venue, with residents almost universally opposed to the proposals.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Clifton-Brown, a chartered surveyor by profession who is used to dealing with the planning system said “we have to be able to demonstrate to the Government that there is enormous opposition from residents in the 3 counties affected by these proposals.”

“Given its rural location and lack of suitable infrastructure in all probability there will be increased car usage meaning the Middle Quinton eco-town will be anything but green”

The MP is urging anyone with strong views on the matter to flood Hazel Blears, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government with correspondence, as well as writing to their local council who will have to make the final decision, with copies to their relevant MP.