Karen is keeping up the pressure to support local people fighting an application to build on land at Pickwood Rec in Leek.
She said:
"I am shocked by Gladman's cynical approach in appealing against the original decision that refused their planning application. Their attitude flies in the face of all the planning officers' recommendations, the elected councillors' democratic decision and - very evidently - local opinion.
"As I have said, it's clear that the best way to protect the area is to draw up a Neighbourhood Plan and I have written to the PALS group to give them all the information they need to get started.
"I have already taken the Secretary of State to visit the site, so he is well aware of residents' concerns. I also briefed the Planning Minister in January, but I have written to the Secretary of State to point out again that I do not believe the application complies with the National Planning Policy Framework. A copy of that letter is available below.
"I am glad that SMDC are working on a local plan too, which will have to take account of the neighbourhood plan, because that gives us the potential for double protection. I will continue to lend my support to that process."