Caroline Spelman Statement

5th February 2010

Caroline Spelman statement following a meeting with Save Historic Newmarket and Tattersalls
On 2nd February, Rachel Hood, Chair of Save Historic Newmarket, along with colleagues from Tattersalls had a meeting with Caroline Spelman, the Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to brief her on their concerns with regards to the impact of the East of England Regional Spatial Strategy on Newmarket.

Caroline Spelman, Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, said:
 “A Conservative Government would move straight away on entering office to scrap the whole bureaucratic tier of regional planning, relieving Forest Heath District Council of the need to comply with the East of England Regional Spatial Strategy. Local councils should be free to determine the most sustainable level of development in their local area, and we need a local funding system for councils which encourages that local choice and local accountability.”

Rachel Hood, Chair of Save Historic Newmarket, said:
“The regional spatial strategy is inflexible and out of touch with local needs. We are greatly reassured that Caroline Spelman sees it this way. We are very concerned that the strategy is pushing Forest Heath District Council to consider Hatchfield Farm as the best way of meeting the current government targets.  It does not meet the criteria of being sustainable – it would be damaging to Newmarket’s core racing industry. It will urbanise a rural market town and exacerbate hazardous conditions for horses, riders, pedestrians and drivers.  We are hoping that the councillors will recognise this when they make their crucial decision.”