PRESS RELEASE
The Harlow Green Party were deeply saddened on Wednesday 23rd February when Harlow Councillors voted through the “unpopular and controversial” River Stort crossing proposal.
A spokesperson said: “We heard, first hand, compelling arguments against the two projects and how they were disregarded when considering the proposal’s merit for the people of Harlow. On the 11th July 2019, Harlow Council declared a climate emergency and made pledges to hit net zero by 2040.
“We were wholeheartedly unconvinced by the developer’s assurances that constructing the 7.5 metre (24 ft), Eastern flyover will enable Harlow to fulfil this pledge. Developers have claimed that this project will cut vehicle use by 50%, however creating new roads only creates more demand to drive.
This will cause further congestion throughout Harlow, more damage to our already crumbling roads, extra noise, pollution and CO2 emissions from the increased vehicle usage.
“Whilst we agree that there is a significant need to increase housing for the town, we simply do not believe these homes will be for the Harlow residents who really, desperately need them. The new raised, multi-lane highway is deemed necessary to link the proposed 10,000 new homes in the Gilston villages to enable these residents to use Harlow services, despite the planned homes having not yet even having planning permission and despite the destruction of the beautiful, legally protected, green belt.
“The families living in these homes will get to benefit from all the services that Harlow has to offer, yet will be paying their council tax to Eastern Hertfordshire Council, something Councillor James Leppard, Portfolio Holder for Finance, who voted the project through, might want to explain.
“This project brings no real benefit to the residents of Harlow, will likely see Harlow Council fail to hit its target of net zero by 2040 whilst simultaneously devastating the complex ecosystem around the River Stort.
“The area under threat by the Eastern crossing is close to the hearts of many of Harlow’s residents, who grew up playing in the area and have fond memories of taking walks along it’s tow paths with their families.
“We have received multiple messages of support from Harlow residents who are saddened to see this truly beautiful part of our town at risk from money-orientated developers. Hundreds of residents had published their objections, over 6000 people signed a petition to halt this project despite public consultation being woefully inadequate.
“The Conservative-led Council did not read the mood of the town and have grossly underestimated Harlow’s desire to effectively address the climate emergency.
“We were particularly disappointed with our elected representative, Portfolio Holder for Environment, Councillor Nicky Purse, who personally voted through this project.
We would also like to express our disappointment with Harlow MP, Robert Halfon, who despite praising protestors and touring the River Stort by boat with us in the summer of last year to see first-hand the area that will be devastated by this proposal, was ineffective with his call in the House of Commons, telling the developers to ‘go back to the drawing board’.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported the campaign to stop the crossings and to ‘Save our Stort’.
The Friends of Latton Island demonstrated real grass roots leadership in addressing climate change at this very local level.
“The result was not the one we wanted but the fight for climate justice will continue”.