Basildon Conservatives are disappointed that the Planning Inspector has granted the appeal

In response to the announcement of the Planning Inspector's decision following a Public Inquiry in relation to an appeal by Orwell (Basildon) Ltd., Cllr Andrew Baggott, Leader of Basildon Council, has issued the following statement:

"Throughout this process we have been committed to honouring the views of our local communities. We would like to thank the Planning Inspector for taking the time to hear the appeal, consider all aspects of the situation and come to a decision.

"While obviously disappointed, we will be reflecting on the Inspectors decision over the coming days as we continue to work towards the best possible outcome for the people of Basildon. This particular planning process began over a year ago, under the previous Labour-led council, and the scheme had already been partly through the planning process before the change in administration. If we had been in administration then this development would not have met our vision for the town centre, which was very different.

"Throughout this process we have been committed to honouring the views of our local communities."

"The inspector was clear that this decision was based on this particular site and does not prevent us from continuing to protect our town centre from over development. All planning decisions are decided on the merits of the individual scheme. In his report he states:

'A further repeated concern is that of precedent in relation to the acceptance of other tall buildings. However, my decision is site and project specific and other schemes, as they come forward, would be considered on individual merit.'

"We remain committed in our desire to prevent skyscraper style monstrosities."

"We remain committed in our desire to prevent skyscraper style monstrosities and create a town centre in line with the public consultation and hope that future developers will work with us on this. I would also like to thank all of the council officers for their efforts throughout the appeals process."