Lib Dems can win elections said Cheltenham MP Martin Horwood
CONTROVERSIAL changes to the planning laws could cause more trouble than they are worth, an MP has warned.
Cheltenham's MP Martin Horwood spoke out over proposals which would allow homeowners to build extensions of up to 25ft or add conservatories without needing planning permission.
He voiced his fears after activists at the Lib Dem conference in Brighton called for the plans to be ditched.
Delegates voted almost unanimously to oppose the coalition proposals. The measures have led to renewed fears over the threat to the greenbelt.
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Councils across the country are concerned that the relaxation of the rules, which could be in place by next year, may lead to ugly developments, with councillors and officers spending hours trying to resolve disputes between neighbours.
The approved motion said the proposals go "against the spirit" of the Localism Act 2011, which gave councils more control over planning policies.
Mr Horwood said: "Delegates have sent a clear message that they would like Lib Dem MPs to question these proposals and I am happy to do that. It isn't very clear that the economic benefits of conservatories and extensions are going to be so great as to justify the hassle and disputes these measures might cause."
He also said tough times will not stop Liberal Democrats from winning elections in Cheltenham.
And he praised party leader Nick Clegg for his stance.
"We in Cheltenham know we can win elections, even in tough political times," said Mr Horwood.
"Nick knows we have to have confidence in government.
"We are achieving a lot and we have to put that message across."
Mr Horwood also admitted he was 'wary' of a suggestion by the party leadership to strip universal benefits such as free bus passes and winter fuel payments from well-off pensioners.
He raised concerns over the potential for loopholes which would see those in need losing out, and said safeguards would be needed.
"Universal benefits are quite a good principle because it means no one fall through the net who really needs it," he said.
One of Mr Clegg's closet aides David Laws has admitted he was sceptical about the idea because it would not raise much money.
Mr Clegg sparked confusion by indicating that he wanted to consider scrapping the handouts as part of the coalition's final spending review – even though it would breach the power-sharing agreement with the Tories.
Comments
by LordGagas
Sunday, September 30 2012, 11:16AM
“its the way he tells them... :-)”
by Scorpio2010
Sunday, September 30 2012, 9:26AM
“One thing is for certain Martin, the Tories will win the next General Election in Cheltenham be that Conservative Tory or a LibDem Tory.”
by cheltenham20
Saturday, September 29 2012, 11:46AM
“Martin you would'nt remember the Liberal
party of long ago, it was led by a man
called LLoyd George, The Lib's meant something
then, Im afraid its the end of the line for
the Libs now, might just win a seat in Cornwall,
but the end is nigh. as the Song says=
The Party's over
its time to call it a day,
they've burst the pretty balloons
and sent the Lib-Dems on there way.”
by SELINA30
Saturday, September 29 2012, 11:02AM
“Ha, ha, ha ha, ha, ha, ha, ha.”
by Douglasknows
Saturday, September 29 2012, 10:28AM
“I just hope that the planning law stays exactly as it is. I can see a lot of heartache ahead if it allows people to build extensons willy-nilly. And can yo fix th ypgprbles tig!”
by joholly
Saturday, September 29 2012, 6:31AM
“"We are achieving a lot and we have to put that message across." Not sure how true this statement is and doubt the contribution made by MH even if it were true. If he wastes time catching mice (economic benefit from conservatories,its not a planning consideration for domestic extensions) then he misses the bigger issues.
"Universal benefits are quite a good principle because it means no one fall through the net who really needs it," he said. Ah - so where is the economic benefit in giving universal benefits to those who don't need them!!
Suggest he (and Uncle Vince) go on a "Finance for non-finance managers course". Might see the wood from the trees and focus on a) Real Job creation b) Deficit reduction - spending on the right things and investing in areas where we have a competitive strangth c) Controlling our borders - changing laws that allow terrorists to tie up our legal systems for 8 years and deporting people who entered our country illegally-quickly d) Explaining how university fees are being used to make our education system better (if there are real tangible benefits where are they - else reverse the lie. e) Stop carping on about taxing tax avoiders (its legal) - spend some time changing the laws that are badly scripted (the real issue)
Oh - and the remarks on MP honesty on other comments are unfounded in MH case- he was one of the cleanest when his expenses were reviewed - nothing more than a few train tickets.”
by OldGrumbler
Friday, September 28 2012, 10:57AM
“I believe that the quality and honesty of most politicians is at an all time low, I have zero confidence in any of the parties to do a good job. If there was an elction now I have no idea who I would vote for as they are all full of wind but no action.”
by Shireresident
Friday, September 28 2012, 10:19AM
“Wiffle waffle Mr. Horwood's "not happy" with new planning laws or the scrapping of universal benefits for pensioners. You notice he doesn't say he is actually going to DO something about his unhappiness like have the courage to vote against the measures in Parliament. Why is it that Liberals get away with this sort of reassuring non committal pap and why do people fall for it? I hope the people of Cheltenham will concentrate on what the Liberals actually do rather than what they say in the next round of elections. As far as I can see they just jump when Cameron says and what few concessions they clam credit for are more than outweighed by the crippling cuts made elsewhere.”