Housing proposals meet with strong objections
Tuesday, 20 April 2010
PROPOSALS to build 250 more houses in Shipston has met with strong objections from town councillors.
The town council said at its meeting last week that the proposed new development, which is part of the core strategy for the district, would put pressure on the town’s infrastructure, increase the risk of flooding and spoil the look of the town.
In a rebuff to the proposal, the council said that Shipston had seen a “staggering” 95 per cent rise in housing since 1981, compared to a district average of 38 per cent.
“Therefore its (the town’s) contribution to any new development should be significantly lower,” said councillors.
It said a development on the scale proposed for the earmarked site on Campden Road would potentially increase the population of Shipston by up to 1,000 people. The council described proposals for the creation of new services, such as medical and school facilities, to deal with such an increase “remains vague.”
The council also said there was “no evidence” that a 2,500 square foot foodstore is wanted or needed in the town. “The impact on Shipston’s delicate economy would be catastrophic,” said the council.
Liberal Democrat district councillor Richard Cheney said he had already put his objections to the housing plan and the foodstore. “I do think it could have an impact on the town shopping centre,” he added.
However, town councillor Philip Vial told the meeting that there is a Facebook group with almost 200 members supporting the supermarket and a survey carried out in the town suggested 25 per cent of local people support the idea.
• Councillors are to meet with representatives of the Orbit Housing Association to discuss plans to build 48 new homes at Shipston House. Under the outline plans 41 of the homes would be affordable housing and seven sold to help pay for the development.
By: Cotswold Journal
