William Hunter Way: Reaction to Shock Decision

12.30.00pm GMT Fri 12th Dec 2008

William Hunter Way - artist's impression

Wednesday night's shock decision by the Leader of Brentwood Council to defer the vote on the William Hunter Way was supported unanimously. However, Brentwood's Liberal Democrat Group has called on him to:

• Arrange an urgent Citizens Panel meeting to discuss the proposals with residents

• Organise a borough-wide consultation on the proposals, as requested in November 2007 by the Liberal Democrat group.

• Call a special single-issue meeting of the Planning Committee in order that the matter can be fully discussed.

• A formal site visit for all members of the Planning Committee to understand the full implications of the proposed development.

Cllr David Kendall, Lib Dem Leader, said:

"It was abundantly clear on Wednesday night that there were still too many questions in many members' minds about the development.

"This is an absolutely fundamental issue about the future of Brentwood and, as Cllr Brandon Lewis said, "It will change Brentwood forever".

"When something of this magnitude is on the table it must not be taken lightly. A Citizens Panel meeting and a borough-wide consultation would give the ideal opportunity for residents to have their say."