A Long Ashton councillor has left the Lib Dems in protest against a tech campus decision that has locals worried about their green spaces
This project, from Epic, a U.S. healthcare firm, aims to create over 2,000 jobs. It’s expected to bring in £140 million for the local economy. But many locals are worried. They fear losing their green spaces and becoming part of Bristol.
At a recent meeting, Cartman voiced his concerns. He felt the plan favored Bristol while leaving Long Ashton with the problems. Despite his objections, the committee voted in favor of the project.
Cartman, who joined the council in 2019, still supports the national party. However, he couldn’t stay with the local group after this decision. He expressed his frustration with how the council handled the situation.
He described leaving the group as painful, like a divorce. He shared that he had built relationships with fellow members, and it was tough to sever those ties. But he believes it was the right choice.
Cartman has been loyal to the Lib Dems since 2010. He’s even run for parliament twice. Yet, he insists his loyalty lies with his community first. When politics clash with local needs, tough choices must be made.
The planning committee is meant to be non-political, but the decisions can feel otherwise. Even some Lib Dem members supported the tech campus. They see it as a chance for growth in North Somerset.
After the meeting, a council member praised the project. He believes it shows North Somerset is open for business. But Cartman warns that this decision was made under pressure from the government, not local needs.
He fears this could be a trend across the UK. Local councils are struggling with limited resources. It’s a challenging situation for democracy at the local level.
Cartman worries that people might label locals as NIMBYs. But he urges others to consider what they would want for their own communities.
Epic stands by its plans, claiming the project will be sustainable. They promise to preserve open spaces and improve local ecology. They see this as a significant investment in the area.
Cartman believes opposing the project now is unlikely. He thinks it’s essential to build a relationship with Epic and hold them accountable for their promises. He hopes they can be good neighbors despite their disagreements.
