Joint bid to stop Barn Hall estate
Echo 4 November 2008, James Kershaw

CAMPAIGNERS are joining forces with councillors and an MP in an effort to stop 200 homes being built at a Wickford beauty spot.
   MP John Baron, Basildon councillors and local pressure groups are all pushing for change of heart over a Government decision to allow the controversial Barn Hall estate development to go ahead.
   The plans were refused by the council, a decision backed by the Government inspector, who considered an appeal by the developers.
   Then, last month, Hazel Blears, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, overturned the inspector's decision and gave developer Gleeson Homes the green light to start building.
   Council leader Malcolm Buckley said: "We are looking into the ways we can challenge it.
   "One is by judicial review through the High Court.
   "We all know courts can be relatively unpredictable, but we think we have quite a strong case. We are hopeful we will be able to do something."
   Mr Baron, who backed the local campaign to save the green space, said: "This was an outrageous decision.
   "Even the planning inspectorate sided with local residents."
   Meanwhile, campaigners hi Wickford have written to Mrs Blears, expressing their disappointment and alarm.
   Peter Boynes, founder of Wickford North Green Action Group, which gathered a 3,500-strong petition, said he would not give up the fight.
   He said: "I don't think the decision by Hazel Blears' department is sufficiently transparent.
   "I sincerely hope this will be overturned and I will continue to do everything I can.
   "I stand solid behind the council and John Baron."