St Ives' MP, Andrew George, has raised concerns over development pressures in West Cornwall saying, pressures on St Ives in particular, are intense and the planning system "cannot cope or withstand the guile and determination of rapacious developers".

Mr George will host an open meeting in the Council Chamber at The Guildhall, St Ives on Friday 24th October 2014, commencing at 6.45pm, to explore the concerns of locals who have raised concerns about development in the area.

Mr George will be accompanied at the meeting by his Liberal Democrat colleague, Baroness Parminter, who is a former chief executive of the Campaign to Protect Rural England.

Mr George said: “The planning system is fuelled by greed rather than by need. The development pressures on West Cornwall, and St Ives in particular, are intense and the planning system cannot cope or withstand the guile and determination of rapacious developers.

“I invited Baroness Parminter to offer her experience and knowledge. Together we will take messages back to Government ministers and offer help to those locals who are keen to ensure that the St Ives community can shape the town’s future, rather than have the agenda set by developers who are only interested in short term gain.

“I will also explore the options to strengthen the excellent work of the St Ives Neighbourhood Plan, the Community Land Trust and the use of the Secretary of State’s call-in powers in regard to recent very controversial planning applications.”