A statement by Liberal Democrat Group Leader Cllr Rita Hawes

5.15.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 10th Jun 2010

Cllr Rita Hawes

Rita Hawes, Liberal Democrat Group leader and councillor for Boughton Aluph and Eastwell, has issued the following statement regarding proposed developments in North Kennington;

"It has come to my notice that it is being stated that I support 600 houses being built on the site. this is absolutely untrue. In all my discussions with people and in emails which I have sent I have made my opinion clear."

"The area opposite Eastwell Towers provides the foreground to a glorious view. This is an important entrance into Kennington and Ashford."

"With less government pressure to build large numbers of houses Ashford might be asked to build less, but it must be remembered that it is developers who build houses on land that is sold to them, not Ashford Borough Council."

"The planning committee can turn down an application, but developers can appeal against the decision. Relaxation of planning laws can work both ways."

"Ashford is an attractive place to live and people want to come, and lots stay."

"But there are places where density building is totally inappropriate, and one of those places is the north Kennington extension."