MP's new attack on riverside homes

12.00.00am GMT Thu 7th Dec 2006

Colchester MP Bob Russell has again spoken in the House of Commons against a Government decision to over-rule the Borough Council and give planning approval for 120 houses to be built on a field prone to flooding next to the River Colne off Cowdray Avenue.

Speaking in a debate on Coastal Flooding, Mr Russell said that anything that happens on the coast could have an impact on inland areas upriver. He repeated his observation that the Government decision to grant the Appeal was "stark staring bonkers".

The town's MP also launched a scathing attack on those who had been engaged in the Appeal hearing. "The Borough Council, knowing the area, unanimously refused the application. But then an Inspector was persuaded to allow it by experts who, it seems, will prostitute themselves and give evidence either for or against something, depending on who is paying.

"It is the community that ends up paying the ultimate price. The experts, Planning Inspectors and highly paid legal executives leave, having given their evidence. I ask the Minister, please, to work for common sense and to stop the building of houses on flood plains."

Liberal Democrat Mr Russell was, however, full of praise for the Essex Wildlife Trust's decision to breach the sea wall at Abbotts Hall, Great Wigborough, to allow a "managed retreat" with the creation of salt water marshes on former arable land.