Lib Dems attack government for destroying homes plan
April 1, 2010 10:57 AM
Catherine Smart
Cambridge Liberal Democrats have attacked the Labour government for failing to reach an agreement with Marshalls Aerospace which would free up its airport site for much-needed homes.
They have accused the government of dragging its feet over making a decision not to allow the company to move to Mildenhall and failing to agree terms on sites in Waterbeach and Wyton.
Catherine Smart, Cambridge City Executive Councillor for Housing said: "This news is a disaster for people looking for a home in Cambridge. We have lost the opportunity, certainly in the foreseeable future, to build the thousands of new homes on this site that are so desperately needed.
"It was clear from the outset that the various parts of government were simply unable to speak sensibly to each other on this issue.
"The result has been a costly exercise for Marshalls Aerospace, for whom we have sympathy for the way they have been treated by this government.
"Labour has denied many Cambridge families a home of their own."
Sian Reid, Cambridge City Executive Councillor for Change and Growth said: "Labour has argued against building these 10,000 homes from the outset. The Liberal Democrats are the only local party with a serious commitment to addressing housing needs and the needs of the Cambridge economy."
Julian Huppert, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Cambridge said: "Labour's housing policies are a total shambles. On the one hand it is pushing Cambridge to take thousands of extra homes but on the other it is making it impossible for the city to build them.
"Local authorities will be forced to search for sites away from the jobs in Cambridge to provide affordable housing and we are in danger of seeing unsustainable, commuter dormitory developments springing up in the countryside and attacks on unsuitable green belt around the city."
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