A PLAN to build affordable homes on an area of open space has been backed by St Albans MP Kerry Pollard to the frustration of local residents.

Mr Pollard is supporting a plan, approved last month, to build eight houses and 12 parking spaces on a plot of land next door to Martin's Court and Swallow Lane near Drakes Drive, St Albans.

He said that the development will provide much needed homes for St Albans people on the housing waiting list.

Residents and some district councillors have argued that the land should be kept as a play area for local children and it is unsuitable for development.

Mr Pollard said: "I would be failing in my duty as the elected MP if I did not seize an opportunity like this to address the overwhelming need for more homes."

The area of land was handed over to the leisure department in 1977 following an appeal from an action group, of which Mr Pollard and his wife were members, to the district council claiming that the land should be retained for residents' use.

At the time the council promised the land would not be developed. Yet recently it was handed back by the leisure department which claimed it had no use for it.

Ms Lisa Finley, who lives in nearby Howard Close, has been campaigning to have the land retained as open space since the district council approved the new development last month.

She said: "The ironic thing about the fact Mr Pollard is now whole heartedly backing the development proposals is that he and his wife helped my mother to save the land back in 1977.

"There was another plan to build six houses on this land back in 1999 which was denied because it was thought it would be overcrowded.

"This new plan which has been approved is for eight buildings and local people cannot understand the logic behind the approval."

Ms Finley gathered 126 signatures and delivered the petition to Mr Pollard asking him to refer the case to the Secretary of State Margeret Beckett. Mr Pollard refused.

He said: "I don't think it is appropriate for this decision to be referred to the Secretary of State as the application was considered by the local planning committee who decided to approve it after considering all the facts."

District councillor Robert Donald has sided with an action group of residents against the plans.

He said: "It is a small area of land but nevertheless it is a valuable amenity for local children who play there within full view of their parents.

"Mr Pollard is arguing that the new Highfield Park and local farmland will offer the children a place to play. But to get there they have to cross several busy roads."

"I just think this is anther example of politicians going back on their word which does little but devalue political promises."

August 20, 2002 19:30