War of words between Ashfield's MP and council leader over plans to build more than 8,000 new homes

At a meeting on September 20, the Ashfield Independents moved forward with their draft local plan – which would include major new developments on the Mansfield and Ashfield borders, and another in Hucknall.

Controversy erupted over Ashfield District Council’s plan to use green belt land as part of the Government-enforced process, which stipulates housing growth to all local authorities in the country.

Ashfield MP Lee Anderson labelled the move ‘a disgrace’, after many Ashfield Independents admitted they were not entirely happy with the plan, which will go out to public consultation next moth.

Now Councillor Jason Zadrozny, leaser of Ashfield District Council, has accused Mr Anderson of “failing to make any constructive suggestions” and “sniping from the sidelines”.

In a response made by Mr Anderson to your Chad earlier this week, Coun Zadrozny said: “I must point out that these plans are in draft and were drawn up by a cross party group of councillors which included Labour and Conservative councillors.

"We would welcome any comments from members of the public who have any concerns about these enforced plans across the Ashfield District.

"I must point out that the council is being forced to submit these outline plans to meet Conservative house building targets.

"As a council, we promise to listen to each and every response and act accordingly.

“We have always been clear that any local plan must work hand in hand with significant improvements to infrastructure including more doctors, better roads, and more school places.

"This led to the Health crisis including poor access to GPs that residents are suffering from to this day.

"We have used every single brownfield site we could and I am disappointed with comments made by the MP for Ashfield.

"He himself voted to rip up the Local Housing Plans three years ago but has made no effort to make any constructive suggestions since – rather sitting on the side-lines and sniping as usual.”

Previously, Mr Anderson had said that too many homes were to be concentrated in the Skegby and Stanton Hill areas, without any additional infrastructure being made available.

"What a disgrace this is,” he added.

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