Council OKs building plan for thousands of homes despite green space concerns. Further approvals needed.
A group, SOGS, criticized the green space zoning. The plan passed at a cabinet meeting, but a full council vote happens later. Then, the government will review it. Past plans failed government review. Sam Bromiley accused leaders of “lies,” which angered the Lib Dem/Labour group.
Steve Reade said the plan destroys green space and creates bad environmental issues. He claims the council ignored residents’ views and stated the changes lack transparency. SOGS supports housing for local needs but opposes the green space destruction.
Eileen Tilley questioned building on the East Fringe, saying few jobs exist there. Roads are already congested, and she added that the infrastructure could be overloaded. Healthcare is struggling, and bus service is sporadic. Geoff Maggs wants to remove plans, specifically 125 homes at Castle Farm Road and 60 homes at Castle Inn Farm.
He argued these are not sustainable. He stated plans violate policies, harm wildlife, and cited unstable ground and contamination risks.
Andrew and Susan Smith shared similar worries. They said housing worsens traffic, and schools and doctor’s offices are overcrowded. They saw no plan for better public transport. These homes included 774 homes across eight sites.
Roger Hall welcomed most of the document but expressed disappointment. Chris Willmore felt campaigners’ pain about using land, as landowners and developers are ready to fight it. The council must find land for many new homes.
Chris Willmore wants to finalize this plan quickly because she said this protects the countryside best. She also stated that the plan meets legal needs and delivers what the area requires. Delaying the plan means 5,000 more houses. The plan allocates 22,500 new homes.
John O’Neill stated children die in poor housing due to dampness, cold, and mold. He called it shameful. He said the UK aims to increase affordable homes to get families into safe homes.
Ian Boulton says this plan is sound and would not get rejected. He wants to solve the local and national housing crisis and help the next generation find homes. Without a plan, all green space is at risk, but the plan protects it.
Matt Parsons said the prior plan failed and cost taxpayers £300,000. He said approvals lacked needed schools and roads, while Simon Johnson feels losing green space is hard. He wants homes and infrastructure for future generations, noting that people care deeply about green space.
Maggie Tyrrell said getting to this stage was a monumental task. Guidelines and housing numbers caused extra pressure. She says the plan supports key goals, including climate action and nature recovery. It supports businesses and jobs/homes access.
The plan aims to build in sustainable spots where schools, health, and transport get addressed best. This plan uses only 2.5% of green belt land. It fixes development issues recent years lacked and hopefully stops unwanted building.
