Nickolls Quarry decision a disgrace: Matthews

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 20th Oct 2008

Neil Matthews and Darren Briddock at Nickolls Quarry

Neil Matthews, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesman for Folkestone and Hythe, has said he fails to understand why Conservatives on Shepway's Development Control Committee granted planning permission for 1050 homes on the Nickolls Quarry site.

As Councillors heard clear evidence the local roads would not be able to cope with generated extra traffic, Neil commented:

"The Conservatives have granted permission without first satisfying themselves the roads could cope. Instead they have delegated this responsibility to planning officers.

"This shows a complete lack of understanding on their part, demonstrating an unwillingness and unease in being able to take on a leadership role within the community.

"The meeting was a farce. It was clear from the Councillors' questions within the debate they had failed to grasp simple points of planning law, from the flooding issues to the military importance of the ranges. For example they allowed the Environment Agency to pass the buck in giving the responsibility to the Council for the final flooding risk tests. Are they qualified to take on that task?"

The meeting was packed with local residents who looked on in disbelief as the Conservative Councillors raised their hands in favour of the planning application. Neil added:

"It is situations like this that drive home to people Conservatives really don't understand their feelings.

"The Councillors obviously didn't understand the arguments but felt an inner arrogance in disregarding the views of the hundreds of people that live there.

"So great was their arrogance that neither of two Conservative Hythe West District Councillors put in an appearance. In fact no Conservative Hythe District councillors bothered to show up - this is totally outrageous and shameful!"