Brake Condemns Faceless and Unaccountable Bureaucrats

12.01.18pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 27th Nov 2006

Commenting on reports that the Planning Inspectorate has overruled objections from local residents, local Councillors, local planners and the local MP Tom Brake and approved a massive development in Rotherfield Road, Carshalton,

Tom Brake MP for Carshalton and Wallington said, "This is an outrage. Whatever happened to local democracy? Hundreds of people, the local Councillors and I had all objected to this scheme. Now faceless and unaccountable bureaucrats based in Bristol have decided they know best and given this scheme the go-ahead."

Tom Brake added, "Just a couple of weeks ago, the Rt Hon Ruth Kelly MP, Secretary of State at the Department for Communities and Local Government was singing the praises of the Government's White Paper 'Strong and prosperous communities' because it was going to give more power to local people. The white paper has fallen flat on its face at the first hurdle."