BARKER REPORT 'DANGEROUS AND PATRONISING'

12.37.00am GMT Wed 6th Dec 2006

Liberal Democrats have dismissed the Barker report as 'dangerous and patronising'.

Chris White, who leads the Liberal Democrat Group on both Hertfordshire County Council and on the East of England Regional Assembly said today: 'The green belt has done this country a huge service and can continue to do so. To allow wedges to be driven through it will quickly lead to the sort of sprawl seen on the American east coast.

'Barker's comment that people do not understand the economic costs of the green belt is deeply patronising from someone who has yet to appreciate the economic benefits bestowed by a decent environment.

'If the green belt goes then so does our quality of life. Economically active people are attracted to the greater south-east because it is decent place to live. If Barker ends that then there really will be a flight of wealth creators to less crowded parts of Europe.'

Chris White concluded: 'We have known for some time that Gordon Brown was foolish to ask an economist to look at the planning system - especially when the remit concerns supply rather than demand. Today's report confirms his poor judgement.'

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Contact: Chris White tel: 01727 845300