SOUTH West Surrey MP Jeremy Hunt has submitted a parliamentary question calling on the government to answer serious questions about a housing report which it described as "independent". The government commissioned the research by consultants Roger Tym & Partners to examine options for additional housebuilding in the region "above and beyond" those put forward in the South East Plan. Jeremy Hunt this week pointed out that Roger Tym & Partners act for the Rutland Group – a developer trying to build 2,600 houses in Dunsfold. The MP said: "How can a company with a massive vested interest in the development of Dunsfold Park be classed as independent? "It seems complete smoke and mirrors that the government is trying to describe this report as independent." The report was published by the Government Office for the South East (GOSE) on June 20, causing widespread alarm and protest from local authorities. It controversially suggests that the government should consider forcing through much higher housing-density targets than proposed by the South East of England Regional Assembly, which many local residents already consider too high. Mr Hunt said : "This government really cannot make up its mind. They force regional assemblies upon us but when they do not give them the answer they want, they blatently disregard everything they say."
