Villagers fighting against a controversial housing scheme in Goldhanger have received support from Witham MP Priti Patel.
Ms Patel met with members of Goldhanger Parish Council at Goldhanger Village Hall to discuss the proposal for 25 new homes in the village. More than 500 objections were submitted by residents against the development.
The meeting was attended by parish councillors and residents, and focused on the objections, changes to national planning policy, Maldon District Council’s reduced housing land supply. Parish councillors also raised concerns about the council’s strategy for addressing the housing shortfall and the progress of its Local Development Plan review. Ms Patel said:
"I was pleased to meet with Goldhanger Parish Council and local representatives to discuss their concerns about planning and development in the village. Local voices must be heard in the planning process, and I share residents’ determination to ensure that any development in our rural communities is sustainable, proportionate, and in keeping with the local character.
"I support my residents in their concerns of these plans. Fundamentally, my constituents are against these plans in their local community, and I will support them in this."
Ms Patel stated she will continue to work with Goldhanger Parish Council, Maldon District Council, and residents to ensure that planning decisions reflect community priorities and protect the character of rural villages across the Witham constituency.
