STOP PRESS LOCAL PLAN: DRAFT TO BE REVEALED on 3rd JULY 2023
We have now heard that THE DRAFT LOCAL PLAN is due to be presented to Wiltshire Council Cabinet on July 11th this year; it should be published on the Cabinet website on the 3rd July. The plan is designed to provide for housing needs in Wiltshire including the Trowbridge Area until 2038.
After it is issued and agreed by Wiltshire Council Cabinet and the full council on the 18th July there will be an opportunity from September for the local community to express their views again. It will then be submitted to the Secretary of State and an inspector appointed and there will be a public hearing. The whole process is not likely to be completed until late 2024.
What is HAAG doing about this plan?
We are planning to continue with our campaign and lobby regarding the evidence against this plan.
Our arguments are all based on evidence: that the choice of sites is not sustainable:
They are largely in an area with poor infrastructure and severe traffic difficulties;
Parts of the area are also prone to flooding;
They are in a Special Area of Conservation to protect the 3 rare bats that are only found in 5 sites in England;
They are all on greenfield sites that support a wide range of biodiversity within the Avon Valley corridor and support local farming.
The sites will not have adequate infrastructure: transport links, medical, communal and care services for such a large development
Furthermore we believe that the numbers of houses proposed (2600) greatly exceeds the numbers that are needed.
Finally, neither of the sites are in the Trowbridge settlement area; they are both in the parishes of Hilperton and Staverton where further development was previously protected by Wiltshire Core Strategy.
When the plan is published, we will be submitting our objections and will also be presenting these to the Inspector.
What can you do?
Please spread the word, many people seem to be still unaware of this proposal.
There will be opportunities to raise your concerns with Wiltshire Council and also to write to your MP and to help with leafletting etc. We are planning to hold public meetings.
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