Chris launches new survey against proposed extra Green Belt housing




in response to government's increase in housing numbers

Chris has unveiled his latest campaign in response to the announcement that the Government's Regional Spatial Strategy has increased the number of homes planned for South Gloucestershire by 2,000, to almost 32,800.

The move comes despite South Gloucestershire council previously indicating to the Government that the local infrastructure could only cope with 21,500 extra homes.

Chris, together with local Conservative councillors Colin Hunt, Ian Morris and Valerie Lee, launched the initiative to gain a clear indication of public opinion over the announcement.

The petition and survey will cover the entire eastern fringe of the Kingswood constituency affected by the development - including Emersons Green, Siston, Warmley, Oldland and North Common and Bridgeyate.

Once collated, the results will be submitted as a full report detailing the case for fewer homes, as part of the next round of consultation.

Speaking at the launch Chris, who is also the Conservative Prospective MP for Kingswood, said: "It is extremely disappointing that the Government have decided to increase the number of new homes planned, despite their pledge that they would not touch the green belt.

"The local area simply won't be able to cope with this level of development- as the council have already said.

"The road network will struggle with the extra volume of congestion, and it makes no sense to be downgrading the local hospital at Frenchay and removing key services at the same time as dramatically increasing the local population.

"Many areas being considered for development are aslo areas of outstanding natural beauty.

"These are ill-thought out measures that need serious reconsideration. Residents need their say- that's why I have launched this survey and fresh campaign against the sheer volume of extra homes planned'

Last month, Chris collected hundreds of petition signatures calling for the Government to reduce the number of homes planned for South Gloucestershire, which were submitted as part of the consultation process.

Residents are still able to sign this petition at www.chrisskidmore.com.

ENDS > For more information, please contact Chris Skidmore on 07792 426791 or cskidmore@hotmail.com

Copies of the survey for Emersons Green and Siston are attached.

Gordon Brown claimed he would protect the Green Belt:

"I assure the House that we will continue robustly to protect the land designated as Green Belt" (Gordon Brown, Hansard, 11 July 2007, col. 1450).

"Green Belt land will stay as Green Belt land. Yes, we can give you an assurance that we will not build on Green Belt land. We are not proposing any changes to our very robust protection of the Green Belt" (10 Downing Street spokesman, PM Lobby Briefing, 10 July 2007)

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