Midsomer Norton B&NES Councillors, Paul Myers and Michael Evans, are preparing to make a stand against 'Developerism' in the Somer Valley. Local Councillors are calling for 'Localism' to become a reality in Midsomer Norton, so that strategic decisions about the best locations for new housing development can be taken to ensure there is matching transport infrastructure and employment, to ensure sustainability.
The arguments about planning law locally have been discussed in the press in recent months. On the one hand, B&NES Council's Draft Core Strategy has been rejected by the Government Inspectorate on the grounds that it fails to provide enough housing overall, throughout the authority, for the period to 2029. In the meantime, with no local Core Strategy in place, the NationalPlanning Policy Framework (NPPF) cuts in with a presumption in favour of sustainable development of new houses, in response to what the Government sees as a national housing shortage and to keep the building trade in business. This wouldn't be a problem in itself, if it were not for the fact that, in the opinion of Cllrs Myers and Evans, the Planning Inspectorate are interpreting the NPPF on a site specific rather than district-wide basis – resulting in an unsustainable level of housing in the Somer Valley.
"The evidence of speculative developers taking advantage of the lack of an approved B&NES Core Strategy is plain for all to see. In Midsomer Norton, we've already reached our 2029 housing target with no end in sight. Week in, week out, local residents get together to campaign, local Councillors support them and fight their corner at their respective Planning Committees – but even if they manage to get B&NES to reject an application, it seems to be granted on appeal. There comes a time when enough is enough and action must be taken," said Cllr Paul Myers, B&NES Midsomer Norton Redfield.
The key to getting anywhere will be the wording of the petition statement on which the two Councillors are currently seeking legal advice, with the assistance of local MP, Jacob Rees-Mogg, to prepare for the eventual presentation to Parliament.
"We are appealing to residents' groups throughout the Somer Valley to get in touch and help us get through to B&NES and the Government that it simply isn't acceptable to let developers decide where the houses should be built. Otherwise, what is the point of 'Localism'? The tragedy of the current situation is that the true impact won't be felt until all the houses are finally built in places like Midsomer Norton. At this point, the hypothetical planning arguments will turn into reality, leaving us with a dormitory town, traffic congestion and unacceptable pressure on local services. The true folly of building houses where there are no jobs will be lived by residents for decades to come", said Cllr Michael Evans, B&NES Midsomer Norton North.
If you are an individual or a residents' group who would like further details of the developing campaign, please email: [email protected]">[email protected] or [email protected]">[email protected] or ring: 07530 042627.