Chi welcomes minister’s backing for local democracy in Newcastle
Chi Onwurah MP for Newcastle Central challenged the government in Parliament to join her in backing local democracy regarding the decision to refuse McDonalds planning permission for a new outlet off Kenton Lane.
Ms Onwurah welcomed the minister’s reply voicing his agreement that local democracy should be respected.
She asked the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to join with her to urge McDonald’s to respect the opinion of residents in Kenton, and the democratic decision of Newcastle councillors by not appealing the decision to refuse planning permission at the Crofter’s Lodge site off Kenton Road.
Chi questioned the minister in the House of Commons:
“ On Friday, following a concerted campaign by local residents, Newcastle City Councillors exercised their discretion and rejected a proposal, recommended by (planning) officers, to site a two story drive-through McDonald’s next to the largest school in Newcastle, Kenton School, and at the Northern Gateway to the City.
“ Would the Minister agree with me that, in the spirit of localism & community empowerment, McDonald’s should now show their respect for local democracy by not appealing this decision.
The minister responded by agreeing with Chi that local democracy should be respected stating that local democracy means that local decisions should be made by local members of local council authorities.
Ms Onwurah had over recent weeks joined with Blakelaw and Kenton councillors who supported local residents in their campaign against the McDonalds planning application for a two storey ‘Drive Thru’ restaurant/takeaway at Kenton Bar close to Newcastle’s largest secondary school.
She raised this issue as Councillors Jane Streather and David Stockdale together with local residents launched a campaign to ensure local democracy is respected and not overruled.
– Ends –
Note for Editors:
1) Parliament TV – see time 15:05:44 :
http://www.parliamentlive.tv/Main/Player.aspx?meetingId=15946&wfs=true&player=smooth
2)
Planning Committee – 5 September 2014
|
DECISIONS |
|
Item |
Description and Ward |
Application Decision |
|
6.1 |
2014/0847/01/DET – Former Crofter Lodge, Kenton Lane, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 3ED. Erection of 2 storey restaurant with associated Drive-Thru (Use Class A3/A5), installation of 2 no customer order display units, provision of car and cycle parking and associated boundary treatments. Ward Implications: Kenton |
Planning application refused. |