"Public consultation" on William Hunter Way slammed

9.11.00pm GMT Tue 6th Nov 2007

Cllr David Kendall, Leader of the Lib Dem group on Brentwood Borough Council, has slammed the Council's consultation process on the plans for the new William Hunter Way development as totally inadequate.

He made the claim after being told that the Council were only going to consult residents in the immediate area surrounding the proposed development rather than consulting more widely as had been expected.

The Liberal Democrats have now called for the Council to organise a Borough-wide consultation on the plans before any final decisions are made because they are concerned that many people are unaware of the size and scale of what is being proposed and the potential impact it could have on the the town centre for years to come.

Speaking on the matter Cllr Kendall said:

"This development is about far more than Brentwood getting a new Cinema. It also includes 91,305 sq ft of food and retail space, some housing and a multi story car park with 647 parking spaces.

"We are keen for residents to have a full understanding of the size and scale of the development and to hear their views on what is proposed before any final planning decisions are made".

Lib Dem Cllrs Kendall, Straw, Aspinell and Hardy at the William Hunter Way site

See the plans here: http://www.brentwood.gov.uk/index.php?cid=47