This week, Rebecca commented on the decision by Basildon Borough Council to allow 850 new homes to be built in Bowers Gifford:

I am heartbroken at last week’s decision by Basildon Council’s planning committee to allow 850 homes to be built on Green Belt in Bowers Gifford.

This is not just any land. It is open countryside that acts as the vital buffer between Bowers Gifford and Pitsea, helping prevent urban sprawl and protect the character of the area. Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever. 

I want to thank Bowers Gifford and North Benfleet Parish Council, who I was proud to make a joint submission with for the meeting on behalf of residents, and those residents who came long themselves and spoke so powerfully. You did your community very proud.

Many people have asked me if this abomination of a decision by Basildon Council can be reversed. Sadly, once planning permission is granted, the options are extremely limited. The only route is a legal challenge on very narrow technical grounds, not simply because the decision is wrong. That makes this all the more devastating. 

As Chief Whip of the Conservative Party in the House of Commons, I helped lead the fight against the Government’s planning changes and housing targets. Labour used their majority to force them through and now our Green Belt is under siege like never before. 

More pressure to build, more farmland under threat, and communities like ours paying the price. 

I will keep standing with residents to fight to protect the undeveloped Green Belt that residents treasure. We cannot let them win without a fight and that’s certainly what the residents have Basildon Borough Council last week.