The Petition of Robert J Kimmel, residents of Castle Point and others,

Declares that Castle Point is already overdeveloped for the infrastructure that exists and further development should be very carefully controlled and restricted and that the proposed development of 234 Benfleet Road in Castle Point is very much against the community's interests, and offends against material planning considerations including the overdevelopment of the site, an unacceptable imposition on the established street scene, inadequate garden and parking facilities and that it will impose an unacceptable burden on the general infrastructure and public facilities such as dentists and schools. We further record that this decision is the direct responsibility of the individual councillors who should decide this matter, rather than seeking to hide behind their officers.

The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to make Castle Point Borough Councillors aware of this Petition and of the very deeply and widely held view of residents that Councillors should vote against this proposal.

And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Bob Spink, Official Report, 13 October 2008; Vol. 480, c. 644.]

[P000275]

Observations from the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government:

The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government is aware that two planning applications were submitted to Castle Point Borough Council in respect of the above development. She has been advised that the applications were both refused by the Borough Council on 31 October 2008.

Parliament has entrusted Local Planning Authorities with the responsibility for development control in their areas. It is for them, in the first instance, to decide whether or not a proposal should be given planning permission. In these cases, the two applications have been refused.