MP does not have a 'Scooby-Doo' says councillor

An MP has been criticised for "not having a Scooby-Doo about local governance" in a row over housing-building plans.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council voted unanimously to progress with its local plan, for 4,350 homes to be delivered over the next 15 years to meet government targets in the Norfolk district.

However, the policy drew criticism from local Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe, who said he would “fight” to stop it being approved while also blaming “uncontrolled mass immigration” for the lack of housing and pressure on services like doctors and schools.

Mr Lowe said it "was frustrating councillors can't discuss my concerns .. without resorting to insulting me at council".

The term "Scooby-Doo" is rhyming slang for the word "clue" and a reference to the cartoon dog.

At a full council meeting, Daniel Candon, the council's cabinet member for economic development and growth, said: "Our MP appears to have good business sense but he doesn’t have a scooby doo how local governance works.

“If we fail to adopt this, we could be at risk of developers building 10,000 homes.

“He should be focusing on his role as MP, seeking planning reform in Westminster instead.”

Labour councillor Tony Wright said the town would need more homes if Mr Lowe was successful in his fight to revive its fishing industry.

Lowe added: "This is an important topic, and deserves a respectful debate.

"I will continue to oppose these plans. The impact on the local community and public services is simply too great."

Concerns were also expressed by councillors about the need for significant investment in infrastructure and facilities to support the homes.

The document included policies on how much a developer must contribute in community infrastructure levies for facilities and services to help support the growing population.

The local plan will now progress to the review stage and be submitted for final approval to the government's Planning Inspectorate.

Major development sites include 1,100 homes west of Jack Chase Way in Caister-on-Sea, 600 on land off Links Road in Gorleston-on-Sea and 300 homes in Beacon Park, Bradwell.

People who have lost houses to coastal erosion could benefit from 42 "roll-back" plots, which would be reserved to replace those lost to the sea in Hemsby.

There are also plans to create a business park in Bradwell, a healthcare and community centre in Shrublands, Gorleston and a special educational needs school in Caister.

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