MP's discovery on housing decision
Yellow Advertiser, 11 June 2009, Pat Jones

BIILLERICAY MP, John Baron, has discovered a controversial housing development in Basildon will net the Government millions of pounds.
   Now he is calling for planning consent to be rescinded.
   Mr Baron made the shock discovery after an FOI request for a copy of documents relating to the disputed development.
   He has now called on government to withdraw support for the 200 homes at Wickford's Barn Hall site because 85 per cent of the profit will go to Government.
   Former communities' minister, Hazel Blears, gave developers the go ahead on appeal, despite opposition from a planning inspector, local residents, councillors and MPs.
   "The extent of the kick-back involved only came to light after I requested a copy of the contract under the Freedom of Information Act, when I had been alerted by a constituent," Mr Baron said.
   "I think this smacks of conflict of interest, and Ms Blears should reconsider, and withdraw her grant of planning permission.
   "The whole community was against the development — yet Ms Blears rode roughshod over everyone to grant permission."
   The Department of Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), sold the land in 2003.
   A Defra spokesman said: "When selling off Government assets it is vital to achieve the best value for the taxpayer.
   "It is not uncommon for 'clawback' clauses to be used in land sales where the planning situation is unclear to ensure that the public purse does not lose out when there is an increase in value as a direct result of the sale to another party."
   Peter Boynes, from Wickfprd North Green Action Group, said: "I'm horrified to learn how much the Government will benefit from this grant of planning permission; 85 percent of its increased value is truly enormous. This arrangement was never made public."
   Tony Ball, leader of Basildon Council, which turned down the planning application, said officers had been asked to look into the situation and consider the authority's options.
"This may well be a moral rather a legal issue," he said.