Anyone wondering how the 140 new houses being built on Campton Road got planning, when our schools are full, other services stretched and the Council opposed it? Answer: the Tory-led Council did not get a ‘Local Plan’ in place despite having 5 years to do it and it being a requirement of the 2012 Planning Framework. The lack of 'Local Plan' means developers have “presumed sustainable development” – a posh way of saying developers can build how many houses they like and the planners can’t say no.Building new houses as part of a plan that looks years ahead, consults with local people and neighbouring areas, and includes school places, roads, shops, leisure facilities, doctors and transport makes sense. But the Council decided not to follow the Local Plan process and did their own thing. Sadly for us their plans did not stand up legally, leaving us forced to accept developments we aren't ready for like Campton Fields. How many other developments will get through before they get the Local Plan in place? If anymore get the nod, where are the school places? And how good is the plan going to be now that they’ve got to write it in a rush?
The UK needs new houses. But good development means planning what we need to go with them. We need a Council that does this not just because they have to, but because they believe it.
Published (hosted) and promoted by Daniel Norton on behalf of Annabel Woolmer (Liberal Democrats) all at 2 Washington Avenue, Shefford, SG17 5XZ
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