Stop homes plan - we'll back you

Campaigners are urging councillors to help stop plans to build thousands of new homes on greenbelt land near Cheltenham – and secure their support in elections.

Save The Countryside, which was set up last year to fight Government housing plans, says it will give its backing to all prospective candidates who are opposed to the scheme.

If implemented, the Government's draft Regional Spatial Strategy could see 5,000 houses built on land between Swindon Village, Uckington and Elmstone Hardwicke, and near Charlton Kings.

The campaign group is writing to all county councillors and candidates to encourage them not to sell county council-owned land in the greenbelt to developers.

Candidates who agree to vote against the proposals will be able to use the campaign's logo on their election leaflets, campaigners say.

Chairwoman of Save the Countryside Helen Wells said: "Up to now we've not been very political, or at least we've been neutral, but now it's time to take it to the next level.

"We want this to be a big issue at the local elections and we will support candidates who support us."

The letter to candidates makes it clear the group will get involved in the election campaign.

It says: "Last November we sent a letter asking whether you would support the Save the Countryside campaign and attached a questionnaire asking whether you would support selling land for Urban Extension development as indicated in the draft RSS.

"The leader of the county, Coun Barry Dare responded indicating that he opposed the housing targets but refused to give an undertaking not to sell county land.

"In our view, if he really wants to stop the RSS, the best way of doing so is to refuse to give the land up that is essential for its realisation. This will force a rethink. This is what we elect politicians to do."

It adds: "We are appealing to you to support our campaign and to refuse to sell land to developers outside of the established urban centres in order to make sure brown land is developed first."

Save the Countryside is holding a public meeting at 6pm in the Municipal Offices on April 24.

Source