1.13

I have lived in this community for over twenty years and have seen it change profoundly. The proposal for a new Local Plan is a fantastic opportunity to address the pressing need for affordable housing and tackle climate change head-on. Sustainable transport initiatives will not only benefit our environment but also ease congestion in our town. It’s essential that we provide for future generations while respecting our local heritage. I strongly advocate for a balanced approach that considers both development and the preservation of our community’s character. This plan can serve as a guiding framework for a thriving, sustainable future, fostering inclusivity and accessibility.

It is imperative that I raise my reservations regarding the Local Plan. While I certainly appreciate the necessity for growth, I feel the ambitious targets set forth are out of touch with the actual needs of our community. The community's infrastructure simply cannot support the proposed increase in housing; we currently battle traffic congestion and public transport issues that have yet to be addressed. Moreover, the environmental implications of such large-scale development could be detrimental to the already stressed ecosystems in our region. I urge that any future discussions focus on a more measured growth strategy that considers the actual capacity of our existing systems and the safeguarding of our natural resources.

I am compelled to express my disapproval of the proposed Local Plan. The approach taken seems overly ambitious without adequately considering the diverse needs of our community. While I appreciate growth and development, it is extremely important that we maintain the character of our region and provide a sound quality of life for existing residents. The last thing we need is a plethora of generic housing developments that do not mirror our local identity or create meaningful community spaces. Additionally, the vague provisions on affordable housing leave me with great uncertainty as many locals are still struggling to find reasonable accommodations. There needs to be a clear and actionable commitment in the Local Plan to address these pressing housing needs directly.