Labour Hypocrites Betray Beech Road in Chorlton

12.10.37pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 28th Nov 2006

John Leech MP is angered by Labour's betrayal of Beech Road in Chorlton

Chorlton Liberal Democrats and John Leech MP have condemned Labour politicians for voting to allow a development on Beech Road, Chorlton, which will mean the demolition of an existing historic house and is completely out of keeping with the area.

All of the Labour members of the Planning Committee voted to allow the development, despite strong arguments against the development from Liberal Democrat Councillors and representations from Chorlton Civic Society. The Labour vote is being branded as a betrayal of Chorlton residents after the Labour Party have run leaflets there claiming to OPPOSE the new development! All of the Lib Dem Councillors on the committee voted against allowing the out-of-character development.

John Leech MP attended the Planning Meeting (Thursday 23rd Nov) and spoke out against the development. Speaking afterwards, John said:

"I am appalled that the Labour Councillors have taken this decision. This development involves the destruction of an existing house of historical and architectural value. The proposed building is also totally out-of-keeping with the Beech Road area, which is quite rightly, a conservation area. There is also grave concern that the development will cause parking and traffic problems. And yet despite all this the Labour Councillors voted to allow this development!"

Local Liberal Democrat Campaigner and Chorlton resident Paul Ankers said:

"Yet again the Labour Party have let the people of Chorlton down. They have got a cheek to say in their leaflets that they are fighting against this development when they then vote to allow it! Labour say they put Chorlton first, but time after time they say one thing and then do the opposite. This hypocrisy is shameful."

End

Notes to editors:

Planning Application 079735/FO/2006/S1 -

Erection of a 3 storey building compromising 394 square meters commercial floorspace on ground and first floors (class A1, A2, B1) and one flat at first floor level and 3 flats on the second floor and erection of a terrace of five 3 storey houses with associated car parking following demolition of existing building 62 Beech Road, Chorlton.