Billericay and district MP John Baron has been waiting more than three months for a response to his traveller proposals.

He is fed-up with green belt land being developed illegally by travellers and if he does not get action soon he will try to introduce a law himself, he has vowed.

He said: "The existing law cannot adequately deal with the speedy and illegal development of green field land which has become increasingly common within the constituency - particularly among the travelling community.

"That is why I hope the Government responds positively to these land development proposals. However, if this response is not forthcoming I will present to Parliament a Private Members Bill in order to try to ensure these proposals become law."

His proposals include:

Retrospective planning applications should be restricted where it could be shown significant harm is about to be, or has been, caused to the green field site in question

No costs or penalties should be awarded against councils which issue a stop notice in relation to any development where planning permission has not been granted

Injunctions should be served on the land in question.

Mr Baron is planning another public meeting on the issue for Saturday, December 7 at Noak Bridge Community Hall, in Coppice Lane, Noak Bridge, at 12.30pm.

Published Wednesday October 30, 2002

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