Written evidence from Lower Broadheath
Parish Council (ARSS 04)
EVIDENCE AND
OBSERVATIONS ON
BEHALF OF
LOWER BROADHEATH
PARISH COUNCIL
IN THE
COUNTY OF
WORCESTERSHIRE
Whilst the Parish Council did not support the Regional
Spatial Strategy we share the general mode of uncertainty that
now exists as a result of it's withdraw, however we hope the forthcoming
Green Paper on localism, will provide some guidance on how it
is to be replaced. We consider the needs of the community are
more important than those of the house builder's balance sheets.
The concept of localism, in place of a "top
down dictate", is to be applauded but at the same time we
acknowledge that areas the size of Counties and possibly Unitary
Authorities must adopt strategic long term plans for guiding their
administrative districts. This long term strategy must be carried
out in conjunction with District Councils, Highways Agency and
Service providers to ensure that adequate and affordable infrastructure
investment is put in place. Meaningful consultation with Town
and Parish Councils is essential in order to achieve "grass
root" support. Previous consultations at this level have
been actively responded too, only for us to find our opinions
have been totally ignored.
The proposals to "bribe" Councils to build
as many affordable homes as possible carries the danger of outward
migration from the major urban areas in the same way as new towns
did in the 1960's and 70's resulting in long distance commuting
unless supported by sustainable housing and employment close to
current major strategic transport infrastructure.
County, Unitary, District Councils and service providers
have been wholly reactive to developers planning applications
in the past. This has led to planning applications for land totally
unsuitable for sustained development but just happen to be sites
that have willing vendors. This should be replaced by proactive
planning that only promotes sites that are sustainable for both
housing and employment and wholly to the benefit of local communities.
Small settlements, such as our own that are close
to major cities and towns, may be capable of supporting 50 to
60 homes with small employment sites. Developments in settlements
further removed may not be acceptable to the communities involved
unless perhaps supported by local employment that is not dependent
on the use of heavy transport and long journeys to major road
networks. We do not support peripheral overflow developments on
current green belt or green field sites adjacent to large cities
and towns and believe that every effort should be made to use
existing buildings or brown field land before creeping into adjacent
districts.
The projected housing growth figures produced by
the previous Labour administration were totally unrealistic. Future
housing growth should be in support of local population needs
and sited in areas where new employers have demonstrated an enthusiasm
to set up new businesses.
I hope you will find these observations helpful in
your discussions.
Clerk to Lower Broadheath Parish Council.
August 2010
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