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News Release 15th May 2003PLEA TO PRESCOTT FOR BURNTWOOD RETAIL PARKMichael Fabricant called on the Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, yesterday to explain why he had overturned his own Inspector's decision to allow a retail park in Burntwood. Speaking in the House of Commons, Michael Fabricant asked (as reported in Hansard):- "Does the Deputy Prime Minister recall the application for a retail development in the mining town of Burntwood, in my constituency? Some 10,000 people signed a petition in favour of it, the inspector approved it, Lichfield district council approved it and Staffordshire county council, which is Labour controlled, also approved it. Why did the Deputy Prime Minister refuse it? John Prescott replied "I think that the hon. Gentleman is well aware of the ruling that I cannot comment on a matter that is under legal challenge. Every Secretary of State would have to give the same reply to the House. It certainly applies in this case. The hon. Gentleman is usually on record as a supporter of out-of-town development. He has obviously changed his mind: we have not. Michael Fabricant now says "That was no answer! His decision to turn down the application still remains a mystery. I have consistently supported this development and despite what the Deputy Prime Minister said in his answer to me, this is not in conflict with my views on out of town shopping. This retail and entertainment development is not 'out of town' and would be the making of Burntwood. Combined with the fantastic new leisure centre recently opened by Lichfield District Council, it will bring much needed business and tourism into what was previously a deprived area. I hope that the legal appeal against Prescott's decision will be successful". |
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