Early September and right in the middle of the public consultation I received a letter from Secretary of State Greg Clarke. I had contacted Mr Clarke along with other Ministers and Government officials in regard for our desperate need for infrastructure investment so that we might evidence our preferred strategy for the Local Plan.
I’m delighted that in his response the Secretary of State comments positively not only on our Consultation process and plans but says he is particularly pleased that we have and intend involving developers and communities in the plan’s formation.
That has always been the key to OUR PLAN and the very reason it has been so named.
As welcome as the letter was, it wont of course address the need to secure infrastructure if the plan is to be successful.
Let me put some clarity on some contentious issues.
We did not change the Plan because of a petition with so many hundred names on from outside the country or district. We did however consider that 1200 people from within the county DID sign that petition. Alongside our discussions with parish and town councils and developers, it became apparent that there was little or NO EVIDENCE to support the plan to build a single new settlement.
The evidence we were given showed that there would be little or no benefit to the rest of the Forest wherever a single new settlement was built. This included benefits in terms of jobs, infrastructure and above all social affordable housing for the district. Something we are in desperate need of.We cant just be content to meet our housing numbers.
That is why we changed our position, simply put the case against a single “garden village” new settlement had been made and was very clear.
If a political groups ideology suggests that they believe a new settlement is the way forward, they simply need to do three things.
The Green Group is very clear in Council that they prefer the single new settlement option despite the previously mentioned negatives and thats fine, go out and prove the case.
but they havent.
They need to be open with the public and declare their position
Evidence how the entire Forest will benefit from a single settlement in the terms I have outlined.
And above all explain to the public exactly where they would build this new settlement.
Evidence those things and they will be considered. Just damaging the current strategy in the eyes of the public does no one any good.
We know we need infrastructure to make this strategy work. It is NOT about just putting the houses in Lydney. It will only work if we can secure improved public transport options as well as relieving those horrendous traffic bottlenecks, we are aware of.
In the same way any proposed development in Beachley would be damaged but I cannot see how any development plans on the scales promoted within the Plans strategy would be possible without that bottleneck and traffic alleviation.
Thats why we are working so hard, meeting other authorities and key organisations to see what mught be possible.
This Plan strategy is NOT just about houses, it’s also about everything else that goes with it.
We have already met with neighbouring authorities, and we have agreed to work together to lobby governments and representational organisations and work for a resolution to travel gridlocks that frankly damage all neighbouring districts districts.
We will have them around the table, working with both governments, our LEP, the County and Town councils involved as well as The Western Gateway. I am convinced our case is sound to prove the need for effective and immediate resolutions to the issue. especially now we have investment opportunities such as the former Dive Centre and the Local Plan and NDP for Lydney to throw at them.
The first thing we need to do is put and end to the political battle of wills going on between The Senedd and Westminster, which in turn allows local politicians to damage the strategy for political gain.
This plan and the Forest of Deans future is too important for that to be allowed to happen
If we could secure a regular reliable and fit for purpose train service from Lydney and Chepstow to Cardiff, Bristol, and Gloucester it would make a huge difference to traffic issues although it would not sort them entirely.
Again, OUR PLAN for Lydney and the NDP as well as those large investment opportunities will be great evidence for us to show to those people that hold the purse strings.
As soon as is proper, considering the state of mourning the country is in, I will begin those next meetings with authorities and organisations, The LEP, The Western Gateway and both national Governments.
If you forgive the terminology, it is indeed a difficult road we are travelling. Negative campaigns based on half-truths are making things difficult and sometimes cause me great angst, but I do fully understand why people will be reluctant to trust the council again as FODDC is seen as being the cause of many ills. Whereas I don’t agree entirely with that position I understand it.
I want to stress again, that however we got here I believe in this strategy. I am encouraged by the overtures we are getting from other organisations and business and above all, I won't support a plan that simply dumps more houses on Lydney.
Look at the harbour now, look at the opportunities that affords Lydney, look at the transport opportunities, the sports and recreation clubs that need facilities and growth. The high street is beginning to draw attention and Lydney’s NDP will guide that.
Further investments that will bring jobs, (well paid, quality jobs) are already in the pipeline.
Lydney is facing a time of much opportunity.
Shouldn’t we at least try to take those opportunities? The issues that the community and businesses already face will still be there if we don’t. But if we succeed, we can achieve so much.
Due to the loss of Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth and the days of mourning and events that followed we have decided to extend the consultation process for a further two weeks to allow people opportunity to make comment.
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