FOLLOWING recent weeks of comment and speculation in the newspapers, I would like to address some issues raised on the consultation process regarding the district s core strategy for development in Uttlesford. On Consultation The six week consultation per

FOLLOWING recent weeks of comment and speculation in the newspapers, I would like to address some issues raised on the consultation process regarding the district's core strategy for development in Uttlesford.

On Consultation

The six week consultation period running from November 30, 2007 to January 11, 2008 is fully in line with the Government's requirements, which states that all responses received within this time frame must be considered.

I have publicly stated that comments received before and after the consultation period started, as well as late responses will be taken into account.

On Leaflet Delivery

The Post Office was contracted to deliver 34,500 leaflets to homes and businesses across Uttlesford in the week commencing November 26.

It failed to deliver 4,600 leaflets (13 per cent), which were returned to their main sorting office and pulped.

I made a decision that we would produce an 'in house' reprint and called on councillors to assist me with their distribution.

I would like to thank Michele Hatwell at UDC and also Cllrs Hicks, Down, Ketteridge, Clover, Sadler, Rolfe, Wells, Salmon, Cheetham, Hudson and Alan and Catherine Dean as well as my husband and son who folded and delivered 2000 leaflets with me.

On "Eco Towns"

Eco towns are a private development initiative in partnership with central Government. The Government could, in effect, impose a development on a district with little or no local consultation. Such a development will be in addition to, not instead of, the 4200 additional homes required in this district by central Government.

I have never referred to any potential development as an "eco town" and any such usage in connection with the current consultation is wrong. Uttlesford District Council, is, however, committed to environmentally friendly and sustainable housing.

I would like to thank Sir Alan Haselhurst MP for meeting with Tory leader, Cllr Jim Ketteridge and a cross party group as they put their concerns to Hazel Blears MP about the impact of current and future housing demands being demanded by central government.

If UDC doesn't make provision for the 4200 homes then the government will direct where and how many homes are built.

Cllr Susan Barker

Chairman of the Environment Committee

Uttlesford District Council