Secretary of State blocks 5,000-home new town for Cambridgeshire » Local government » 24dash.com

Mereham – a proposed 5,000 home development in East Cambridgeshire - has been thrown out today by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

Cambridgeshire County Council vehemently opposed the developmen, claiming it would have had a huge impact on local villages and led to massive congestion on the A10.

Councillor Matt Bradney, the council's Cabinet Member for Growth and Infrastructure, said: “The decision to reject Mereham is fantastic news for the whole of Cambridgeshire.

"It would have completely destroyed the lives of the thousands of residents in East Cambridgeshire and created havoc on the already congested A10.

"The plans that I have seen of it were absolutely staggering. The developer suggested 5,000 homes would have had little affect on the road network which if you know the area is amazing.

“What this decision goes to show is local people can make a difference when they come together. To often we hear stories of how no one listens to the people who will most affected by growth.

"Yes it can be hard work but everyone who was involved in the ‘Say no to Mereham’ campaign can say tonight that they have made a difference and all that effort has been worth it. I special mention must go to local Councillor Bill Hunt who has worked tirelessly to stop this proposed town.

“Ultimately I hope the end of Mereham and the recent decision by Tesco to pull Hanley Grange out of the eco-town process will be the final death nail to attempts by developers to force through schemes which aren’t needed or wanted.

"Growth is something which will never go away but if it is managed with local people becoming part of the process, as has happened at Northstowe, then we can build a future that is welcomed by all.”