In response to a number of posts on Konings, there is obviously a lot of strong feeling on this in Leavenheath, Stone Street, Stoke-by-Nayland and surrounding areas which is entirely understandable. Living in Assington as I do and driving around neighbouring villages most days it’s impossible not to notice the campaign signs. This is a significant proposal and it’s right that we approach it as objectively as possible, and in as clear and transparent a manner. First and foremost, if constituents wish to discuss this with you me the best way is to email my Parliamentary office: james.cartlidge.mp@parliament.uk .
In terms of my role to date, I have met constituents at my surgery about Konings; replied to all constituents who have emailed me about this and set out my views in the Suffolk Free Press. I have visited the site to see the plans for myself. I have also read some of the key submissions, e.g. that of Mr Stinchcombe QC. Finally, I have raised the subject in private discussions with Babergh and the LEP and whilst I cannot comment publicly on those conversations for reasons of commercial sensitivity constituents can be rest assured that I have queried some of the significant concerns that they hold.
However, what I have not done is come out and outright opposed this application, and I am fully aware that this is a source of frustration to constituents in affected areas. The point is that I have not taken a position either way because, as I have explained in all correspondence to date, this is a district council planning application. The determining authority is Babergh, not the national Government. We will not be voting on this in Parliament, but instead, the decision will be rightly taken in the planning committee. This is the principle of subsidiarity: decisions are taken at the appropriate level of Government, and this is clearly a local Government matter, not a national one.
That said, I have emphasised throughout the process that if residents feel their concerns are not being given a fair hearing by the planning department or Konings I would be happy to correspond on their behalf. Ultimately, planning is a semi-judicial area of local government with a strong emphasis on objectively seeking to find an outcome that best reflects the facts. There are important concerns to consider on the potential environmental impact but we cannot simply ignore the economic arguments on the other side. We need a fair decision, taken locally and I am happy to do what I can to contribute to that.