10,500 New Homes - there is a better way (Canterbury & Whitstable Liberal Democrats)

Canterbury & Whitstable Liberal Democrats <info@cantlibdem.org.uk>

10,500 New Homes - there is a better way

December 22, 2009 12:00 AM

The Labour government requires us to build 10,500 new homes in the district by 2026. The city council has published its plans on where it proposes they should be sited.

However the Lib Dems fundamentally disagree the strategy adopted by the Conservative group.

Cllr. Nick Eden-Green said, "Nobody thought we should be forced to build 10,500 new dwellings. But to propose building the majority of these homes on the southern side of Canterbury is sheer folly. It will result in urban sprawl, traffic gridlock and a series of housing estates on farmland. We asked to be allowed to submit a minority report with our proposals but this was denied. We asked for a vote and that was denied. Our opposition to the plans for major new housing in south Canterbury has been a matter of record throughout the process".

Cllr. Alex Perkins added, "The whole strategy is wrong. Just as it is wrong to base the regeneration of Herne Bay on increasing retail space by 40% when it is full of empty shops. A major new settlement could be built at and around the former colliery site in Hersden. This is the only large brownfield site left in the district. It is an opportunity to build a sustainable community without using large areas of farmland".

"A balanced community could be created here," said Cllr. Paula Vickers. "It would include infrastructure improvements with better roads and the reopening of Chislet rail link. It would be a sustainable community with employment land, public open space, shops, schools, community hall, recreation space, a doctors' surgery etc".

The Lib Dems do not oppose all new development in the city, but we think that Hersden offers a better solution for a genuine community rather than urban sprawl onto south Canterbury farmland.