Lib Dems Outraged At Planning Decision in Melmerby

12.00.00am GMT Tue 13th Nov 2007

James Keeley, PPC for Skipton and Ripon met with members of the MADNESS organisation last Thursday.

Mr. Keeley said:

"Councillor Bernard Bateman told me about the injustice that the residents of Melmerby feel that they are suffering at the moment.

Most of us work very hard to keep a roof over our heads. Our homes should be a sanctuary from the pressures of life whilst at the same time being the biggest asset that we own.

From personal experience I know what it is like to have an unwanted development on your door step. My family and I have gone through the stress and frustration of trying to get our voice heard with a Local Authority. Therefore I am genuinely angry that Harrogate Borough Council has sanctioned the storing of hazardous and toxic materials in close proximity to the beautiful village of Melmerby.

Harrogate should have ensured that each and every local resident received a letter about the planning application to store these materials in Melmerby. This would have been true consultation. Harrogate would then have learnt about the strength of feeling against the proposal.

The very least that Harrogate can do is recognise the strength of local feeling, accept that they should consult with all of the local residents and start the planning process again.

In any event, I have advised MADNESS about where to go for advice from one of the leading barrister's chambers on Judicial Review and Planning in the country.

Both myself, Bernard Bateman and my Lib Dem colleagues will do all that we can to fight this proposal all of the way. We are simply sick to death of our rural communities being overlooked."