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Massive house-building threat to east of england
15 October 2004
The East of England Regional Assembly (EERA) Planning Panel will decide today whether to agree to Government plans for half a million new homes in the region. A new report, presented to EERA today, warning of the environmental impacts of building these homes, has been welcomed by Friends of the Earth.
The independent report from consultants Levett-Therivel says that Government plans to build an extra half a million homes in the East of England would cause a water crisis, threaten landscapes, damage historic towns and destroy wildlife. The EERA Planning Panel will today decide whether to agree to the proposals. If they are given the green light, the plans will have to be ratified by the full assembly on 5 November, before going out to public consultation in December.
Friends of the Earth's East of England Regional Campaigner Mary Edwards said:
"This new report highlights the gaps between the Government's rhetoric and reality. Building half a million new homes and associated infrastructure in the East of England will have a devastating effect on the region's environment. The Government should abandon its short-sighted, unsustainable house-building plans and economic growth at all costs and concentrate on regenerating existing deprived communities across the country."
"The East of England Regional Assembly must stand up to the Government, defend the quality of life of people in the region and tell Mr. Prescott where to stick his houses."
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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Jun 2008
