MP accused of double standards over planning comments

West Worcestershire Liberal Democrats have told MP, Harriett Baldwin, to stop playing political games with the planning process after her recent attacks on Malvern Hills District Council whilst completely ignoring the very same issue in Conservative-run Wychavon District Council.  

In a recent press release from the MP, Harriett Baldwin she claims “the district council’s failure to meet housing targets is allowing developers to “ride roughshot” over the wishes of residents”. Baldwin goes on to accuse the council of failing to secure the five-year land supply required to secure local neighbourhood and development plans.

The same issue is found in Wychavon District Council, which is run by a Conservative administration. Several wards of the district are within West Worcestershire, including the town of Pershore.

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for West Worcestershire, Dan Boatright-Greene says: “The double standards in Harriett’s Baldwin’s comments shows the complete lack of understanding of the situation we face as district councillors at the moment. In Pershore, which I represent as a district and county councillor, we have had Conservative leaders lose control of the planning process. Where is the MP’s criticism?”

“Wychavon is in a worse position than Malvern Hills, with speculative development popping up all over the district, including in my own town. 300 homes have been proposed right on the edge of Tiddesley Wood, a site of Site of Special Scientific Interest and an environmental asset cherished by the people of Pershore. Where is Harriett's frustration at the situation in Wychavon? It says everything about an MP who looks for political gain at every turn.”

 “The planning mess we face is the result of 13 years of Conservative failure to address the housing crisis, ensure affordable housing and give communities a fair opportunity to have their say. Hold councils to account for their actions, but to be so opportunist says it all about the Conservative party today. Time for an MP who focuses on all residents in the constituency.”

Comments by Harriett Baldwin can be found here:

MP: Failure to meet housing targets playing into developers' hands