COUNCILS SAY NO TO GOVERNMENT HOUSING PLANS FOR THE SOUTH EAST
The Government is getting ready to introduce minimum targets for new houses across the South East of England. Both Surrey County Council and Mole Valley District Council have voiced strong objections to the targets.
The councils say that if new houses are to be built, then new infrastructure will be needed such as schools, hospitals, transport improvements and recreational facilities but the government hasn’t really thought through how that will be achieved. Surrey County County also points to disturbing features in the government proposals, for instance the relaxation of the Green Belt around Woking and Redhill.
Mole Valley Conservative Councillor, Chris Hunt said:-
"Both we and Surrey County Council are deeply concerned by these proposals. Apparently Surrey will now be designated as part of the "Outer London area of growth" whilst Reigate and Banstead District Council has had its housing target put up by over 20%.
Both councils are united in their objections to the government proposals and we’ve made those objections plain. Will they listen?"
Surrey County Council’s objections can be found on the Policy and Public affairs Services published by the Regional Spatial Strategy Team which can be found on www.surreycc.gov.uk.
Malcolm Johnson – Communications Officer - Conservative Group of Councillors for Mole Valley
24th October 2008