Andrew Mitchell MP raised the importance of protecting Sutton’s Green Belt during last week’s debate in the House of Commons following the Queen’s Speech.
Sutton Coldfield’s MP has consistently argued that the proposal to build 10,000 homes on Sutton’s Green Belt is unnecessary and that all other options to solve Birmingham’s housing problems must be explored with an open mind before building on Green Belt land.
Speaking in the House of Commons following the Queen’s Speech, Andrew Mitchell MP said,
“One other duty of our generation that directly affects my constituents is the duty to preserve the Green Belt. Once again, Sutton Coldfield languishes under a Labour Council, which, once again, is unnecessarily supporting an ill-thought-through suggestion that we build 10,000 houses on Sutton Coldfield’s Green Belt. It is completely unnecessary—other solutions to the housing problems in our area must be pursued before the Green Belt is attacked in that way. I hope that I can pursue the matter further in the House in due course if the ludicrous proposal from the Labour Council in Birmingham stands.”
Following his speech, Andrew Mitchell commented, “I have made very clear on the floor of the House of Commons the view that we take about our Green Belt in Sutton Coldfield and the critical importance of exploring all legitimate alternatives.
“I will not hesitate to pursue this matter further in Parliament if the ludicrous proposal from the Labour Council in Birmingham stands. Your Conservative Councillors and I are firmly of the view that if the proposal to build on this vast open space is approved the character of Sutton would be destroyed forever.”
Birmingham City Council is expected to consult again on the final version of the Birmingham Development Plan in 2013, before submitting it to the Secretary of State for Communities & Local Government for a formal examination, probably in 2014.
Andrew Mitchell’s full speech is available on his website: