Letter: The Local Plan Must Do More Than Promote Economic Growth

Published on: 29 Aug, 2016
Updated on: 29 Aug, 2016

From Adrian Atkinson

I totally agree and totally disagree with the content of Mr Gross’ letter: What Gives Us The Right To Say No To Growth?

I disagree: Yet again, one of those who seems to support the current plan’s trajectory accuses those who don’t of a zero development stance. This is not a simple binary debate. There has to be balance. Those who support the current plan seem willing to accept it hook, line and sinker. Mr Gross’ asks: “What gives people the right to declare as I read in one post, “…we have had enough”? – but that is not the same as saying there should be no growth. Those who claim that those who oppose to the plan are suggesting “no growth” clearly do not understand what is being said or debated.

I agree: Mr Gross states: “If today we cannot find suitable accommodation on decent incomes, how much harder will it be for our children”…when the proposed excessive housing is being provided for a population that does not currently live in the borough let alone in the UK. This plan is not going to solve the current, identified need that so many wish for.

I agree: Mr Gross states that: “We must consider the future sustainability of our town.” The draft Local Plan is not sustainable, the locations are not in sustainable locations and the level of over development, in excess of need (in theory to reduce prices) is not sustainable. The UK Sustainable Development Strategy – Securing the Future sets out five ‘guiding principles’ of sustainable development:

living within the planet’s environmental limits;
ensuring a strong, healthy and just society;
achieving a sustainable economy;
promoting good governance;
and using sound science responsibly.

To many this is not included in terms of what is proposed. There is no official statement within the draft plan that commits the council to only meet their Objective Assessment of Need (OAN) or housing target if infrastructure is provided by central government. Such a commitment is essential to deliver anything close to a sustainable plan.

There are three dimensions to sustainable development: economic, social and environmental.

These roles should not be undertaken in isolation, because they are mutually dependent. In this Local Plan, economic development is the sole driving force, with the latter two playing second fiddle. This plan is not balanced and, by definition, not sustainable.