Green space at Dallington Heath could be first casualty of Government's Plans

10.56.19pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 13th Apr 2004

Development could be forced onto vital green space

Local Liberal Democrats have reaffirmed their opposition to the proposed development by the Althorp Estate on land at Dallington Grange and warned that Government proposals could force the development to take place.

Lib Dem Parliamentary spokesperson for Northampton North Andrew Simpson said "Despite a massive local outcry, and a previous position of all party opposition on the Borough Council, these plans could be forced through under the Government's's Milton Keynes and South Midlands expansion plans"

The Labour Governments plans to set up an unelected Urban Development Corporation to manage the expansion plans and house building proposals for the Milton Keynes and South Midlands developments.

"This in effect could mean that it doesn't matter what position the Borough Council takes it could be overruled by the Urban Development Corporation" continued Andrew. "The cost will be a massive blow to the environment in the north of the town, it will undoubtedly result in an expansion of the road network into Dallington Heath and other areas of natural beauty. The environmental cost of the Dallington Grange proposals are too high".

Local Liberal Democrats have been alone in opposing the setting up of a separate UDC and arguing instead for planning powers to remain with the local Council. Both the Conservative and Labour parties have supported the Government's UDC plans.