Let’s work together (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Let’s work together

12:03pm Friday 27th January 2012 in Letters

Sir.–We could not disagree more with the letter in The Gazette, “Manydown exclusion will cost Chineham”.

We believe there is so much misinformation being put into the public domain that it is important to set out a few facts.

First, the decision not to promote Manydown was taken in 2006. Therefore, it cannot quickly be turned around and promoted for all the housing that Basingstoke and Deane needs. Moreover, public consultation has clearly concluded that residents did not want one part of the borough to take all the housing requirement.

The Conservatives are committed to only building the right homes, in the right places, at the right time, with the right infrastructure.

We believe that brownfield sites must be prioritised – and this has been written into the Local Development Framework (the “LDF” is the development plan for our area to 2027).

However, some greenfield sites are, regrettably, required. This has been balanced around the town to ensure that no single place has all the housing development. In addition, a number of smaller settlements such as Oakley, Kingsclere and Bramley have been asked to build a fixed number of homes over the plan period, where the local parish council will have their say over the types of house that are built and where they go.

We hope there is nothing “bizarre” about listening to the public consultation, balancing development across the borough and giving parish councils a greater say.

It is also very important to set out one final point, because the previous letter seemed to think otherwise. We are fully cognisant of the current planning situation. We are aware that without an LDF, we risk developers deciding the rules.

Will those who are seeking to stall the process now realise that they need to get themselves into gear and work with us to defend Basingstoke and Deane from uncontrolled development? Unfortunately, we think not, but we’d be delighted to be proven wrong!

–Cllr Elaine Still, Cllr Paul Miller Conservative, Chineham Ward Cllr Rhydian Vaughan Cllr Ranil Jayawardena Conservative, Bramley and Sherfield Ward, Basingstoke.

Sir.–As a Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council taxpayer, I am appalled to learn that Manydown is not to be considered for development.

I understand that Manydown was purchased by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council for the sole purpose of providing houses for the borough using £10m of taxpayers’ money. In these times of austerity, I understand that the borough council would benefit to the tune of many millions of pounds by agreeing to the use of Manydown.

–Name and address supplied.