Homes plans need up-to-date options

WHY is the district council in their LDF housing consultation questionnaire offering a choice of options so unrelated to the facts?

The consultants DTZ, appointed directly by the district council, state clearly that any increase in local population figures until 2031 will be due entirely to people moving into the district, mostly from London.

So the new housing would be for them.

Without this predicted inflow and with our local ageing population, DTZ state that the district population would actually decrease by some 200 per year, freeing up some 100 houses annually.

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There is therefore NO LOCAL HOUSING shortage, while the need for some form of affordable housing is accepted.

Where then is the zero housing option on the questionnaire?

The abolition of the South East Plan and the enactment of the Localism Bill is a perfect opportunity for the district council to totally revisit the local planning issue, as housing targets will now fall to local authorities in conjunction with parish councils.

Firstly, the old housing targets which we now have are from the 2004 era conjured up by the now-defunct South East Plan, and should be scrapped.

Secondly, a new consultation, public and user-friendly this time please, would give a democratic voice to all the public as to what they really want in housing terms.

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The zero choice for future housing would halt the paralysing effect ever more houses, people and vehicles is having on our already-overburdened, totally-inadequate and poorly-maintained road system.

It would also avoid the massive public expense on medical facilities, welfare facilities, schooling, civil engineering works on infrastructure on roads, drainage and sewerage and flood prevention measures.

The presently-proposed housing figures will unsurprisingly be warmly welcomed by those with a financial interest, land-owners, large builders, speculators and those dealing in property.

There is no discernible advantage to the thousands who live in this area and certainly not a need for housing.

Those who already live here would suffer the disadvantages of congestion, noise and a damaged rural landscape.

People come first.

Mark Neave,

Chairman of Mundham and Runcton Residents’ Association

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