Letter: The Local Plan Is All

Published on: 25 Aug, 2023
Updated on: 25 Aug, 2023

From: Peta Malthouse

In response to: ‘Green Buffer’ Motion to Reject Plan for Another 93 Homes in Ash Defeated

I find it difficult to understand why residents cannot see that the Local Plan approved and put forward by both their Borough Councillors and their parish council does not win the day.

If that site was set aside for development and no specific green buffer set aside in the plan itself then the borough has to accept that an application for housing on that land will be either granted or imposed on appeal.

The green buffer is a matter for negotiation with the builders but there is limited wriggle room. GBC has a weak negotiating position and if meetings have been taking place and amendments made to the plan I suspect all that could be done by the borough to come up with an acceptable development has been done.

The Local Plan is all. The comment made about a debate with the planning inspector when approving the plan does not help. He either approved it or didn’t and the Planning Committee have to make the best of what they have.