Mereham: the fight is on!

5.42.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 6th Sep 2007

Local people are gearing up to fight plans for a new town at Mereham as the developer's appeal into refusal of planning permission begins.

A 'Say No to Mereham' campaign group has been formed to fight the appeal at the public inquiry.

Councillor Gareth Wilson said, "Please do support the campaign in any way you can. We need as many people as possible to tell the Inspector why it is a bad idea to let this company build at least 5,000 homes here."

Multiplex Stanifer's plans to build a town the size of Ely between Stretham and Wilburton were opposed by local residents and rejected by the Planning Committee on East Cambs District Council.

As the developer has appealed the decision, a public inquiry will start on 9th October and is expected to last about six weeks. The final decision of the inquiry is expected some time in Spring 2008.

What can you do to help the campaign?

• Make a donation to the 'Say No To Mereham' campaign group.

• Put up a 'Say No To Mereham' poster in your window

• Go along to the inquiry and let the Inspector know what you think about the plans

Please contact Gareth Wilson at 2 Station Road, Haddenham, on 01353 740617 or at gareth.wilson@eastcambs.gov.uk if you would like any more information or would like to help the campaign.

Where is the inquiry?

The inquiry is taking place at the Arkenstall Centre in Haddenham, starting at 10am on Tuesday 9th October.

Would you like to speak at the inquiry?

If you wish to speak at the inquiry then you need to attend on the first day - 9th October and inform the Planning Inspector or programme officer who will be giving out time slots during the inquiry.

You can also register in advance by emailing lynetteduncan@personaassociates.co.uk or complete an application form. These forms are available from Gareth Wilson.

There will probably be two evening sessions, from 6.30pm to 9.30pm for those who work and can't take time off. Normal sitting times are 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.