Owen Paterson MP refuses to be drawn over Oswestry hillfort homes plans
Environment minister and North Shropshire MP Owen Paterson is refusing to be drawn into the row over plans to build homes on the edge of an iron age hill fort in Shropshire.
The Campaign to Protect Rural England has challenged Mr Paterson to intervene to protect the ancient moment – one of the most important hillforts in Europe and said to the be birthplace of Guinevere, wife of King Arthur.
But the Secretary of State for the Environment said that in 16 years as an MP he had not got involved in local planning issues.
In a letter to Mr Paterson Shaun Spiers, the CPRE's chief executive, said: "While this is a case in your own constituency, it has major national implications.
"As Secretary of State for the Environment, as well as MP for North Shropshire, I hope you will share our fears about the precedent that would be set if such a large development were permitted to the detriment of an important, historical site.
"CPRE Shropshire is particularly concerned to hear that English Heritage seems resigned to the development going ahead, despite new evidence that has surfaced since its report to Shropshire Council."
But Mr Paterson said: "Like my predecessor I have a strict rule about not getting involved in planning in my constituency.
"I am a supporter of localism and the local plan. I am very keen that local people have a say in planning in their area and have never tried to second guess the decisions of councillors."
