We asked all of the Basildon Borough Council Candidates five questions that relate to concerns the Billericay Action Group have that impact the Borough generally and Billericay specifically so that BAG’s supporters can use those answers in helping decided how to vote.
The Basildon Borough Candidates who replied were (in alphabetical order) :
Billericay East Ward :
The Basildon Borough Candidates who replied were (in alphabetical order) :
Billericay East Ward :
- David DADDS (Conservative)
- John WEBB (UKIP)
- Paul DOWNES (UKIP)
- David KIRKMAN (Labour)
- Susan MCCAFFERY (UKIP)
THE QUESTIONS AND RESPONSES
Q1. Housing – When projected natural growth for the Borough requires around 8,400 new homes over the next 20 years, do you agree that plans to build double that number are excessive?
David Dadds (Conservative, Billericay East Ward)
"I am of the personal opinion that you only build what is needed and if the borough only requires 8400 new homes in the next 20 years then I can see no reason why there would be the need to build any more"
Paul Downes (UKIP, Burstead Ward)
"UKIP have always challenged the need for 16000 + homes promoted by Basildon Council and their masters in Westminster. This situation is a direct result of uncontrolled immigration which if allowed to continue, in ten years time this area will be unrecognizable. We will always challenge this and have done so during our time as the second largest party in council."
David Kirkman (Labour, Burstead Ward)
PLEASE NOTE : Mr Kirkman added a few paragraphs around his answers. These relate primarily to housebuilding and therefore we have decided to include those with his answer to this question.
"The issue of housing development in the borough is one of the most critical, there is a long waiting list for social housing and there is no doubt more homes will need to be built, it is just a question of where.
It is my belief that new housebuilding should be distributed proportionately between Basildon, Billericay and Wickford.
Over the last ten years, the vast majority of housing built has been in the Basildon New Town and has not been affordable or for rent in the social sector, and has been priced out of the reach of local people and have generally been bought by those who are moving out of London due to the increasing costs of living there. In my view this is due to the Tory Council building the Sporting Village without the means to pay for it.
My goal is to ensure enough houses are built to meet demand, so that as far as possible everyone in the borough has somewhere affordable to live. I would not support any development that would exceed this.
While I do support the building of new homes in Billericay and throughout the borough, I emphasise that this should be done in a proportionate fashion and that all supporting services such as GP Surgeries and Transport should be improved at the same time to handle the increased pressure."
Susan McCaffery (UKIP, Billericay West Ward)
"Of course if we did not have an open door policy which allows immigrants to flood in (thanks in part to EU regulations), the problem with lack of housing would be more manageable. Although "natural growth" is due not only to immigrants but also an increase in child birth from earlier immigrants. The indigenous population has less births because so many babies are aborted! So I am not against immigration if it is regulated but where in the past the number of people coming into the country was roughly similar to those leaving, the high level of immigration allowed by the government, of both colours now, is creating problems especially in the lack of housing.
Sorry for the long introduction to the question! Basildon Borough are insisting we need over 16,000 extra houses is because they are doing the Conservative government tells them. As you say the number is nearer 8,000 but even that presents Billericay with a number of problems. UKIP will not allow large numbers of houses or estates to be built in Billericay"
John Webb (UKIP, Billericay East Ward)
"Nearly seven million immigrants came to the UK when Blair and Brown Labour governments deliberately and recklessly threw open our borders between 1997 and 2010. Over two million more have arrived since David Cameron came to power and spectacularly broke his promise to reduce net migration to the “tens of thousands …. No ifs. No buts. This unprecedented influx has had significant consequences on our economy, our public services, our culture, environment, and not least of all the need to now build a house every seven minutes to meet demand.
However, I support our local Councillors view that Basildon Council has overreacted to the housing needs for the Borough. I believe, that the Objectively Assessed Needs (OAN) for the Borough of 16,000 new homes together with 49 hectares of employment land is considered unnecessarily high. UKIP genuinely supports local communities having a greater say over what happens in their locality and if elected I will ensure that my residents voices are heard. I will also support our local UKIP councillor’s view that the NPPF as it stands is disastrous for the environment. "
Q2. Infrastructure – Billericay traffic is regularly gridlocked, commuter trains are full to bursting point and NHS services are stretched thinly in our town. As Basildon Borough has no control over any of these issues do you agree that they are wrong to consider expanding the town by a further 2,500 new homes?
David Dadds (Conservative, Billericay East Ward)
"I am not sure I can agree that the traffic is regularly gridlocked in Billericay. As someone who works in the town almost every day driving in and out of the town, I know there are pinch points at times when there is rush hour or the schools are closing, however I believe this is typical of any town where there is a town centre, schools and railway lines. I do agree that any planning application should always include a contribution from the developer if further infrastructure is required because of the development. I am also of the opinion that Basildon Borough Council as well as Essex County Council and others should lobby the appropriate Government departments and developers top ensure towns and cities up and down the country are supported with extra monies for infrastructure."
Paul Downes (UKIP, Burstead Ward)
"Surely this is the big issue? Our roads cannot cope now. Can you imagine what chaos would be caused by building 2500 homes, our quality of life is already threatened day to day, getting to and from work, children getting to school, parking to shop, getting an appointment to see a GP, getting in and out of Basildon hospital despite the inadequate road improvement being carried out. Waiting lists get longer despite re-assurance from central government. We cannot squeeze “a quart into a pint pot” it is ridiculous to imagine we can. Any new development must demonstrate new facilities to cope with that scheme."
David Kirkman (Labour, Burstead Ward)
"I have always believed that any housing development that takes place should be accompanied by a corresponding increase in amenities and NHS services. Rather than say no to development, I would work with all stakeholders to rectify issues such as packed commuter trains and gridlocked roads."
Susan McCaffery (UKIP, Billericay West Ward)
"More houses creates great problems with the infrastructure. As you identify grid lock on the roads, on the railways trains are bursting and not only problems with the NHS capacity but also sewage and drainage are at capacity as are the schools. Billericay has no room for further expansion."
John Webb (UKIP, Billericay East Ward)
"Our best loved institution is in crisis and sixty years on, it is the NHS itself that needs emergency care and nursing back to health. My view is that all large scale development proposals must incorporate transport impact assessments together with other infrastructure requirements including schools, GP surgeries, hospitals and police services. We also cannot continue with slotting in smaller scale developments of 300-400 without making sure our existing services and roads can cope. The real question is whether or not, against a backdrop of austerity measures, we can afford these new improved services. UKIP has a firm fully costed manifesto. The other parties appear to have a magic money tree!"
Q3. Green Belt – The Government’s Planning Minister has recently stated that Councils do not have meet their ‘Objectively Assessed Needs’ if it requires building on Green Belt land. With this in mind do you support building houses on Green Belt land, and if so how many?
David Dadds (Conservative, Billericay East Ward)
"I do not support building on green belt land however I am aware there are exceptions which one would normally have to take into account when considering an application. I have always been of the personal view that each application must be judged on its own merits. If asked by the Billericay Action Group to represent their views like any other resident I would be happy to do so."
Paul Downes (UKIP, Burstead Ward)
"If we accept the Planning Ministers view our “Green and pleasant land” will be no more, do any of us really think that concreting over the lungs of our borough will do anything to improve the quality of life for our residents. UKIP supports the use of Brownfield land for development and in line with our proposals for referendums, any development should be determined by local people NOT some unknown Whitehall official who thinks he or she knows best. We have been fighting the proposed plans for 700 homes to be built on Green Belt adjacent to Basildon Hospital despite the Conservative plans that it should go ahead."
David Kirkman (Labour, Burstead Ward)
"I don’t support building on Green Belt where there is sufficient suitable brownfield sites to achieve the objective of building enough homes. I would judge any planning application on its merits."
Susan McCaffery (UKIP, Billericay West Ward)
"Where do we build the extra houses? I am very much against building on Green Belt, so is UKIP{."
John Webb (UKIP, Billericay East Ward)
"I believe strongly that our countryside must be preserved so that it can be enjoyed by future generations. We need to take steps to remove the barriers to brownfields with the aim of building homes on brownfield sites to address the current housing shortage. We also need to look at bringing empty homes back into use. It’s going to be a balancing act unless there is a change of central government because local authority austerity funding cuts means that they are being incentivised to build houses through the new homes bonus.
I would most certainly support minimising the use of green belt land with priority given to the use of brown field land and previously developed land. I also support local homes for local people.
If we can get away with not building on green belt by using other means available to us including change of use of commercial properties then we should do so."
Q4. Travellers – There are currently 175 traveller sites in Basildon Borough and a further 240 have been proposed. Do you agree that Basildon have taken enough sites and that other Councils need to take any imposed increase in these sites?
David Dadds (Conservative, Billericay East Ward)
"Basildon Borough Council does fulfil its obligations to all parties of the community like the settled community. If there is not a need for additional homes then they should not be provideed. Furthermore I have set out clearly that there should be no development on the green belt.
Each application whether it be fore a home for a traveller or for the settled community needs to be considered on its own merits. Likewise I am of the opinion like Basildon Borough Council, all councils should take their responsibility to the community seriously and do all they can to improve quality of life and the environment for all."
Paul Downes (UKIP, Burstead Ward)
"Basildon Borough has been far too soft for too long, figure clearly show we have more than “done our bit” in accepting the numbers that we have, it is time to say no more and other Boroughs must take their share. UKIP campaigned on this last year and will continue to do so."
David Kirkman (Labour, Burstead Ward)
"In my opinion all local authorities should provide sufficient pitches for Travellers."
Susan McCaffery (UKIP, Billericay West Ward)
"The Traveller situation is interesting in that many travellers come from Ireland and were given £1,500 each by the Irish government to leave that country. Some of them own houses in the Midlands, others in Spain and here the so called Travellers want permanent places to put their caravans. EU regulations insist we agree to their demands. We do not need more sites for Travellers."
John Webb (UKIP, Billericay East Ward)
"I object to any further increase in such sites."
Q5. Town Character/Localism – Basildon and Billericay have very different histories and characteristics. As an example the recently consulted Billericay Conservation Area Shop Front and Design Guide would be totally inappropriate if applied to Basildon. Do you agree that the principles of Localism require that the two towns should have separate plans that better represent the needs and aspirations of their respective residents?
David Dadds (Conservative, Billericay East Ward)
"I agree the principles of localism and that Billericay should have within any plan its aims and aspirations for any future development that can either take form of two separate documents or one document which sets out the plan for the whole borough, but making clear that Billericay like Wickford, Laindon, Basildon and other parts of the town have their own characteristics that need to be taken into account. For example the Billericay Conservation Area; Shop Front and Design Guide. "
Paul Downes (UKIP, Burstead Ward)
"Without doubt Billericay and Basildon should have their respective plans reflecting the needs and aspirations of their residents. The charm of Billericay High Street needs to be preserved to ensure it doesn’t suffer the demise seen in other towns where planning controls have destroyed the whole character and atmosphere. Similarly with Basildon the requirements are totally different with 1960’s architecture and high rise buildings it is hard to imagine how anyone could conceive a plan that suits both.
UKIP will strive to ensure that common sense plans are responsive to the needs of the people that it serves."
David Kirkman (Labour, Burstead Ward)
"Planning Law states that any development should not be out of character with the local area, therefore I think a separate Billericay local plan would be unnecessary."
Susan McCaffery (UKIP, Billericay West Ward)
"As a member of Billericay Planning Committee and having studied the Localism proposals, I agree that Billericay should be regarded as a town separate from Basildon and should be treated as such."
John Webb (UKIP, Billericay East Ward)
"Finally, I recognise the difference between the two towns of Basildon and Billericay. It is important that the residents of Billericay appreciate that unlike other parties UKIP are not in the politics of envy. Our UKIP Cabinet Members supported recent funding allocated for improvements to the Billericay High Street and other initiatives."
David Dadds (Conservative, Billericay East Ward)
"I am of the personal opinion that you only build what is needed and if the borough only requires 8400 new homes in the next 20 years then I can see no reason why there would be the need to build any more"
Paul Downes (UKIP, Burstead Ward)
"UKIP have always challenged the need for 16000 + homes promoted by Basildon Council and their masters in Westminster. This situation is a direct result of uncontrolled immigration which if allowed to continue, in ten years time this area will be unrecognizable. We will always challenge this and have done so during our time as the second largest party in council."
David Kirkman (Labour, Burstead Ward)
PLEASE NOTE : Mr Kirkman added a few paragraphs around his answers. These relate primarily to housebuilding and therefore we have decided to include those with his answer to this question.
"The issue of housing development in the borough is one of the most critical, there is a long waiting list for social housing and there is no doubt more homes will need to be built, it is just a question of where.
It is my belief that new housebuilding should be distributed proportionately between Basildon, Billericay and Wickford.
Over the last ten years, the vast majority of housing built has been in the Basildon New Town and has not been affordable or for rent in the social sector, and has been priced out of the reach of local people and have generally been bought by those who are moving out of London due to the increasing costs of living there. In my view this is due to the Tory Council building the Sporting Village without the means to pay for it.
My goal is to ensure enough houses are built to meet demand, so that as far as possible everyone in the borough has somewhere affordable to live. I would not support any development that would exceed this.
While I do support the building of new homes in Billericay and throughout the borough, I emphasise that this should be done in a proportionate fashion and that all supporting services such as GP Surgeries and Transport should be improved at the same time to handle the increased pressure."
Susan McCaffery (UKIP, Billericay West Ward)
"Of course if we did not have an open door policy which allows immigrants to flood in (thanks in part to EU regulations), the problem with lack of housing would be more manageable. Although "natural growth" is due not only to immigrants but also an increase in child birth from earlier immigrants. The indigenous population has less births because so many babies are aborted! So I am not against immigration if it is regulated but where in the past the number of people coming into the country was roughly similar to those leaving, the high level of immigration allowed by the government, of both colours now, is creating problems especially in the lack of housing.
Sorry for the long introduction to the question! Basildon Borough are insisting we need over 16,000 extra houses is because they are doing the Conservative government tells them. As you say the number is nearer 8,000 but even that presents Billericay with a number of problems. UKIP will not allow large numbers of houses or estates to be built in Billericay"
John Webb (UKIP, Billericay East Ward)
"Nearly seven million immigrants came to the UK when Blair and Brown Labour governments deliberately and recklessly threw open our borders between 1997 and 2010. Over two million more have arrived since David Cameron came to power and spectacularly broke his promise to reduce net migration to the “tens of thousands …. No ifs. No buts. This unprecedented influx has had significant consequences on our economy, our public services, our culture, environment, and not least of all the need to now build a house every seven minutes to meet demand.
However, I support our local Councillors view that Basildon Council has overreacted to the housing needs for the Borough. I believe, that the Objectively Assessed Needs (OAN) for the Borough of 16,000 new homes together with 49 hectares of employment land is considered unnecessarily high. UKIP genuinely supports local communities having a greater say over what happens in their locality and if elected I will ensure that my residents voices are heard. I will also support our local UKIP councillor’s view that the NPPF as it stands is disastrous for the environment. "
Q2. Infrastructure – Billericay traffic is regularly gridlocked, commuter trains are full to bursting point and NHS services are stretched thinly in our town. As Basildon Borough has no control over any of these issues do you agree that they are wrong to consider expanding the town by a further 2,500 new homes?
David Dadds (Conservative, Billericay East Ward)
"I am not sure I can agree that the traffic is regularly gridlocked in Billericay. As someone who works in the town almost every day driving in and out of the town, I know there are pinch points at times when there is rush hour or the schools are closing, however I believe this is typical of any town where there is a town centre, schools and railway lines. I do agree that any planning application should always include a contribution from the developer if further infrastructure is required because of the development. I am also of the opinion that Basildon Borough Council as well as Essex County Council and others should lobby the appropriate Government departments and developers top ensure towns and cities up and down the country are supported with extra monies for infrastructure."
Paul Downes (UKIP, Burstead Ward)
"Surely this is the big issue? Our roads cannot cope now. Can you imagine what chaos would be caused by building 2500 homes, our quality of life is already threatened day to day, getting to and from work, children getting to school, parking to shop, getting an appointment to see a GP, getting in and out of Basildon hospital despite the inadequate road improvement being carried out. Waiting lists get longer despite re-assurance from central government. We cannot squeeze “a quart into a pint pot” it is ridiculous to imagine we can. Any new development must demonstrate new facilities to cope with that scheme."
David Kirkman (Labour, Burstead Ward)
"I have always believed that any housing development that takes place should be accompanied by a corresponding increase in amenities and NHS services. Rather than say no to development, I would work with all stakeholders to rectify issues such as packed commuter trains and gridlocked roads."
Susan McCaffery (UKIP, Billericay West Ward)
"More houses creates great problems with the infrastructure. As you identify grid lock on the roads, on the railways trains are bursting and not only problems with the NHS capacity but also sewage and drainage are at capacity as are the schools. Billericay has no room for further expansion."
John Webb (UKIP, Billericay East Ward)
"Our best loved institution is in crisis and sixty years on, it is the NHS itself that needs emergency care and nursing back to health. My view is that all large scale development proposals must incorporate transport impact assessments together with other infrastructure requirements including schools, GP surgeries, hospitals and police services. We also cannot continue with slotting in smaller scale developments of 300-400 without making sure our existing services and roads can cope. The real question is whether or not, against a backdrop of austerity measures, we can afford these new improved services. UKIP has a firm fully costed manifesto. The other parties appear to have a magic money tree!"
Q3. Green Belt – The Government’s Planning Minister has recently stated that Councils do not have meet their ‘Objectively Assessed Needs’ if it requires building on Green Belt land. With this in mind do you support building houses on Green Belt land, and if so how many?
David Dadds (Conservative, Billericay East Ward)
"I do not support building on green belt land however I am aware there are exceptions which one would normally have to take into account when considering an application. I have always been of the personal view that each application must be judged on its own merits. If asked by the Billericay Action Group to represent their views like any other resident I would be happy to do so."
Paul Downes (UKIP, Burstead Ward)
"If we accept the Planning Ministers view our “Green and pleasant land” will be no more, do any of us really think that concreting over the lungs of our borough will do anything to improve the quality of life for our residents. UKIP supports the use of Brownfield land for development and in line with our proposals for referendums, any development should be determined by local people NOT some unknown Whitehall official who thinks he or she knows best. We have been fighting the proposed plans for 700 homes to be built on Green Belt adjacent to Basildon Hospital despite the Conservative plans that it should go ahead."
David Kirkman (Labour, Burstead Ward)
"I don’t support building on Green Belt where there is sufficient suitable brownfield sites to achieve the objective of building enough homes. I would judge any planning application on its merits."
Susan McCaffery (UKIP, Billericay West Ward)
"Where do we build the extra houses? I am very much against building on Green Belt, so is UKIP{."
John Webb (UKIP, Billericay East Ward)
"I believe strongly that our countryside must be preserved so that it can be enjoyed by future generations. We need to take steps to remove the barriers to brownfields with the aim of building homes on brownfield sites to address the current housing shortage. We also need to look at bringing empty homes back into use. It’s going to be a balancing act unless there is a change of central government because local authority austerity funding cuts means that they are being incentivised to build houses through the new homes bonus.
I would most certainly support minimising the use of green belt land with priority given to the use of brown field land and previously developed land. I also support local homes for local people.
If we can get away with not building on green belt by using other means available to us including change of use of commercial properties then we should do so."
Q4. Travellers – There are currently 175 traveller sites in Basildon Borough and a further 240 have been proposed. Do you agree that Basildon have taken enough sites and that other Councils need to take any imposed increase in these sites?
David Dadds (Conservative, Billericay East Ward)
"Basildon Borough Council does fulfil its obligations to all parties of the community like the settled community. If there is not a need for additional homes then they should not be provideed. Furthermore I have set out clearly that there should be no development on the green belt.
Each application whether it be fore a home for a traveller or for the settled community needs to be considered on its own merits. Likewise I am of the opinion like Basildon Borough Council, all councils should take their responsibility to the community seriously and do all they can to improve quality of life and the environment for all."
Paul Downes (UKIP, Burstead Ward)
"Basildon Borough has been far too soft for too long, figure clearly show we have more than “done our bit” in accepting the numbers that we have, it is time to say no more and other Boroughs must take their share. UKIP campaigned on this last year and will continue to do so."
David Kirkman (Labour, Burstead Ward)
"In my opinion all local authorities should provide sufficient pitches for Travellers."
Susan McCaffery (UKIP, Billericay West Ward)
"The Traveller situation is interesting in that many travellers come from Ireland and were given £1,500 each by the Irish government to leave that country. Some of them own houses in the Midlands, others in Spain and here the so called Travellers want permanent places to put their caravans. EU regulations insist we agree to their demands. We do not need more sites for Travellers."
John Webb (UKIP, Billericay East Ward)
"I object to any further increase in such sites."
Q5. Town Character/Localism – Basildon and Billericay have very different histories and characteristics. As an example the recently consulted Billericay Conservation Area Shop Front and Design Guide would be totally inappropriate if applied to Basildon. Do you agree that the principles of Localism require that the two towns should have separate plans that better represent the needs and aspirations of their respective residents?
David Dadds (Conservative, Billericay East Ward)
"I agree the principles of localism and that Billericay should have within any plan its aims and aspirations for any future development that can either take form of two separate documents or one document which sets out the plan for the whole borough, but making clear that Billericay like Wickford, Laindon, Basildon and other parts of the town have their own characteristics that need to be taken into account. For example the Billericay Conservation Area; Shop Front and Design Guide. "
Paul Downes (UKIP, Burstead Ward)
"Without doubt Billericay and Basildon should have their respective plans reflecting the needs and aspirations of their residents. The charm of Billericay High Street needs to be preserved to ensure it doesn’t suffer the demise seen in other towns where planning controls have destroyed the whole character and atmosphere. Similarly with Basildon the requirements are totally different with 1960’s architecture and high rise buildings it is hard to imagine how anyone could conceive a plan that suits both.
UKIP will strive to ensure that common sense plans are responsive to the needs of the people that it serves."
David Kirkman (Labour, Burstead Ward)
"Planning Law states that any development should not be out of character with the local area, therefore I think a separate Billericay local plan would be unnecessary."
Susan McCaffery (UKIP, Billericay West Ward)
"As a member of Billericay Planning Committee and having studied the Localism proposals, I agree that Billericay should be regarded as a town separate from Basildon and should be treated as such."
John Webb (UKIP, Billericay East Ward)
"Finally, I recognise the difference between the two towns of Basildon and Billericay. It is important that the residents of Billericay appreciate that unlike other parties UKIP are not in the politics of envy. Our UKIP Cabinet Members supported recent funding allocated for improvements to the Billericay High Street and other initiatives."
