This is the verdict of Green Party Group on the London Assembly in their response to the Government consultation on the UDC.
Noel Lynch, Green Party member of the London Assembly emphasised, “Decisions about places we live and work should be taken by democratic bodies elected by the people affected. For the London Thames Gateway this means the borough councils and London Mayor”.
“The decision making process needs to be clear and open. This UDC will simply add to the existing confusion and duplication caused by the absurd number of organisations dealing with development in the Thames Gateway.”
The Greens stress that it is impossible for a single body to be sensitive to the distinctiveness of three very different areas. If the Government insists on the UDC approach Greens want three separate bodies.
“The Government is being hugely insensitive in lumping Barking, Erith and Stratford altogether,” declared Noel.
Greens make a strong plea for formal rights for local communities. “It is essential that the Board includes a representative of local civic and amenity societies,” insisted Noel.
They are also pressing for safeguards for the environment, including a requirement that the UDC protect the Thames and natural floodplains and insist on sustainable design and construction – such as solar panels – in all new development.
The affected boroughs are: Barking and Dagenham, Havering, Newham, Greenwich, Bexley, Tower Hamlets, Hackney and Waltham Forest.
NOTES FOR EDITORS
1. Consultation on the Government’s UDC proposals closes on 6 February.
ENDS