Tory Councillor Quits Over Green Belt Land Decision
Former Brentwood Borough Councillor Tom McLaren has resigned over development decision despite resident objections.
A Conservative councillor has resigned from Brentwood Borough Council after the decision to allow the construction of a high-end car dealership on green belt land. The dealership, which will specialize in supercars such as Lamborghini and Aston Martin, will be built near the M25.
Tom McLaren, who represented South Weald on Brentwood Borough Council from 2018 until last week, had recommended against the development, citing greenbelt classification, traffic and road safety concerns, and the overall site design as reasons why it should not have been approved. Despite opposition from some members of the planning committee and a recommendation from officers against the proposal, the decision was made to allow the development.
In response, McLaren resigned from the council, stating that his personal opinion around green belt development was strong enough that he could not be part of an administration that pursued those kinds of policies. He added that he will remain a member of the Conservative Party.
Grange Motors, the company behind the proposal, says the move will result in a suite of new showroom and servicing facilities and extra jobs, with plans to expand activity from 46 full-time roles to 170. Outline plans for 50 homes on adjacent land off Nags Head Lane were also given permission at the same planning committee meeting.
While the decision has been hailed as a move to invest in Brentwood's economy and create jobs, some residents have raised objections to the development, citing concerns over the impact on the environment and traffic. The decision highlights the challenges faced by local authorities in balancing economic development and the protection of green spaces.
Brentwood Borough Council stated that McLaren had recently resigned from his seat in South Weald and stepped down as a member of the council. The decision is likely to spark further debate around green belt development and the role of local authorities in protecting green spaces while promoting economic growth.