Despite Ball's inflated claims that he is "upholding the law," planning enforcement is discretionary.
Travelers have not broken the law, merely contravened planning policy.
Planning permission could have been granted under the rural exceptions caveat if Basildon had been determined to meet its legal obligations.
The defense of five acres of hardstanding to preserve the countryside is manifestly hypocritical when green belt development in Basildon is scrutinised.
Basildon plans to sell much of its open spaces.
Head planner Clive Simpson's decision to approve a landfill site on the local golf course was described as "legally inadequate" by a judicial review.
Development has taken place on the green belt at the Billericay School Farm site, Bank Hall and Gloucester Park. The Dry Street wildlife haven, which the Conservatives vowed to protect, recently gained Basildon Council approval for hundreds of "aspirational" homes.
Basildon approves selective green belt development. So why is it attaching such importance to a tiny piece of land with no conservation value bordered by land earmarked for development?....
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