ADD UPDATE, 4 December 2019: Ahead of the general election on 12 December, ADD has invited each candidate for each constituency that will be impacted by Eastleigh Borough Council (EBC)’s Local Plan and, in particular, its plans for a ‘Strategic Growth Option’ (SGO) of 5,300 houses and a major new road north of Allbrook, Bishopstoke and Fair Oak, to supply us with up to 350 words on their views on the SGO.
On 3 December, Flick Drummond, Conservative candidate for Meon Valley, sent us the following email:
“I am opposed to the planned development of 5,300 houses (Option B and C) by Eastleigh Borough Council on some of the last green space in the Bishopstoke area. The road infrastructure is already bursting at the seams. Residents in Durley, Curdridge, Owslebury and Upham have all complained to me that traffic is becoming unsustainable and minor roads are clogged up at rush hour.
There are still brownfield sites which should be prioritised for house building in Eastleigh. I am not against house building as we need more houses especially affordable ones, but they have to be in the right place, next to public transport and easy access to shops and public services. Our green spaces and strategic gaps should only be built on when all brownfield sites have been used.
I am also concerned about the environmental impact on the River Itchen with the run-off from the roads especially the new proposed road which will be over the Itchen. This is a Special Area of Conservation and has salmon and trout that spawn up the river.
I urge Eastleigh councillors to revisit their Local Plan in conjunction with neighbouring councils and work on a long-term sustainable plan that makes sense to all local residents.”
Flick Drummond, Conservative candidate for Meon Valley
