Making a difference to the people of Medway
Conservatives will fight again to protect Capstone Valley and other green sites
Press release posted on Wednesday, 24 June 2009
Medway’s Conservative Cabinet have promised to vehemently oppose the development of Capstone Valley and other areas, after being forced to include them as options in a consultation.
Government legislation has forced Medway Council to include housing developments in the consultation on the Local Development Framework, even if they have already been rejected.
These includes proposed housing developments at Cliffe Woods and High Halstow, Rainham North and at Capstone Valley, despite being turned down by Medway Council because of strong public opposition.
The Council has already made it clear how it intends to meet government targets for 16,300 houses by 2026. However, these rejected options have to be included just in case the government decided that the identified sites are not good enough.
Medway’s Conservative Group is encouraging residents to make their opposition known so that these green spaces can be saved.
Portfolio Holder for Strategic Development and Economic Growth Cllr Jane Chitty said:
“The government, through new legislation, is forcing councils, including us, to include proposed development sites that we have previously rejected as a direct response to public outrage. We have already identified enough sites to satisfy the government’s housing targets and we will fight to protect these important green areas and urge everyone to make their views clear”.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
- Here is the link to the Local Development Framework which was discussed at a meeting of Medway Council’s Cabinet on Tuesday 23 June 2009