26th July 2007

So the District Council has given outline planning permission for 450 houses (initially, with another 800 to follow) on Lydney East.  They say that there is nothing they can do about it; it all comes down from on High out of Whitehall is the excuse.  The Council tells us that Lydney has to roll over and accept the development  –   any local opposition it accused of ‘nimbyism’. 

Well I think that the new Council has to fight harder for us than that.  Indeed this was the Council’s first major test since being elected.  

Everybody (and that really is just about everybody) agrees that Lydney does not need and will fail to benefit from the proposed development.  Many of the promises of ‘planning gain’ in health, education and economic infrastructure aren’t even cast-iron, but are ‘conditional’.  A few acres of land designated for employment does not mean any new jobs.  The houses, layout and design of the whole project are based on the ‘identikit’ developments of the 1980’s and 1990’s.

I would beg the Council to show some vision.  If we have to have these houses, build properties that are going to be affordable, sustainable and practical for future generations not just to meet the targets of today.

With best wishes,
James Greenwood
West Glos Green Party