Effingham Residents Chair Criticises MP in Letter Feud

Published on: 15 May, 2026
Updated on: 15 May, 2026

Zöe Franklin MP, Mr Baker and Ms Lee outside The Howard of Effingham

By Isabelle Trubshaw

The chair of Effingham Residents Association (EFFRA) has publicly criticised MP Zöe Franklin (Lib Dem) over what they describe as an “unbalanced” response to Berkley Homes’ recent withdrawal of its long-standing plans to deliver a new Howard school.

The dispute arose after MP Franklin (Lib Dem) wrote to EFFRA Chair, Vivien White, expressing her support for urgent financial assistance to the school, following the abandonment.

In her letter, the MP said she was disappointed at Berkley homes’ failure to honour commitments made to the school and wider community over the last 12 years.

MP Zöe Franklin (Lib Dem)

“The school and its wider community acted in good faith, relying on consistent and repeated commitments over many years” she wrote. “I have asked that [Berkley Homes] urgently consider whether funding can be provided now, ahead of any planning application or formal agreements, to address the immediate needs of the school.”

EFFRA agrees that the school needs refurbishment and that Berkeley Homes has a moral obligation to contribute towards the costs caused by the failed scheme. However, Ms White argues that the MP’s request for financial contribution from the developer overlooks the fundamental problem raised by residents throughout the original planning process.

She says that reliance on private sector developers to deliver public sector infrastructure risks justifying inappropriate development on green belt protected land.

“Funding for the school should come from the public purse and not from developers building inappropriate developments on Green Belt land,” she writes.

Vivien White, chair of the Effingham Residents’ Association.

In her written response to Ms Franklin, Ms White said that the MP’s letter failed to acknowledge the residents’ repeated objection to the scheme and the role of The Howard Partnership Trust.

“The Trust did not engage with the local community and also let this situation run long after it was apparent to the community that there was very little likelihood of Berkeley Homes ever building the school,” she wrote.

Responding to the criticism, MP Franklin told the Dragon that Ms White’s letter does not represent all Effingham residents.

“Many residents opposed this development,” she said. “However, on approval of the scheme, many accepted it knowing the conditions imposed obliged the developers to build the new school, and to provide funding for the KGV playing fields and more.”

Franklin said that she has always fought alongside Effingham residents and remains committed to achieving the best outcome for them.

“In 2018 I fiercely criticised the Conservative Government’s decision to overrule Guildford Borough Council’s refusal of the application to build on green belt land. I stand by that. However, we must all accept that we can only start from where we find ourselves here and now.” she said.

She added that she has written to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to express her dismay about potential “loopholes” provided by the Government’s planning reforms and is currently supporting the school in its application for funding from the Department for Education.

Ms Franklin has also said that she has recently met representatives from Berkeley Homes to seek the best possible outcome for the community, despite the changes in planning legislation.

There has, as yet, been no response from Ms White.