City development body 'undemocratic' says Ed Davey

The leader of the Liberal Democrats has attacked the new authority which will oversee development in the Cambridge area as "undemocratic and slightly chaotic".

Sir Ed Davey said he was worried that once the Greater Cambridge Development Corporation (GCDC) took over responsibility for major growth projects it would be harder for residents to raise concerns and for planning applications to be altered.

The corporation, expected to start work next year, insisted it would work closely with local authorities and be accountable.

The body, which will take on the planning powers of local authorities, has been set up by the government to drive sustainable growth in one of the UK's fastest growing cities.

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It is expected to be responsible for managing developments larger than 250 homes and 5,000 square metres of commercial space across Cambridge city and South Cambridgeshire.

Speaking to BBC East ahead of his party's conference, where planning and housing will be discussed, Sir Ed described the GCDC as "undemocratic, slightly chaotic and frankly not taking into account the views of local people".

He added: "Of course we need new homes and new infrastructure but how it's done is really important.

"Liberal Democrats try to work with the community to make sure issues around the environment and infrastructure are properly taken into account.

"We are worried that when that comes from a top-down unaccountable organisation like the development corporation then people's voices are not heard and the development becomes unsustainable."

Local Conservatives have also attacked the plans for the GCDC, describing them as "a power grab".

A spokesperson for the GCDC said it had been working collaboratively with local councils on various projects over the last two years and once up and running would continue to work with authorities and other local organisations "to unlock Cambridge's economic potential".

They added: "The board includes democratically elected local leaders, including the mayor and leaders of local councils.

"It is also accountable to local residents with clear routes to share priorities and inform decision making."

Sir Ed also defended his party's support for a new 8.6-mile (13.8-km) busway between Cambridge and Cambourne which will pass through an ancient woodland.

He admitted the project was "controversial", but said: "There's a very good argument for it, for example, making sure young people can get to their colleges and schools and for employment opportunities."

He said local MP Pippa Heyling had worked with local people to get changes made to the route.

"The key thing was to make sure that local people's concerns were heard and acted upon and that is what local councils can do."

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