Green Belt defenders consider supporting council
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by Alan Watkins
awatkins@thekmgroup.co.uk
Campaigners are considering whether to accept an invitation
to stand alongside the council in the continuing battle to protect
the Green Belt.
Gravesham councillors yesterday said they would not pursue
proposals to develop any Green Belt land after thousands of people
made it clear they were against building.
Council leader John Burden (Lab) said they had to consult on
green belt construction as part of the council's Local Development
Framework (LDF).
The angry defence of the fields and woods by hundreds at
meetings in the rural villages will now be used by the council to
convince a planning inspector that the local community wants 4,600
homes - needed by 2028 - should be built on urban brownfield sites.
A major battle is expected with landowners and developers who are
said to have offered £1 million an acre for land around Meopham,
Istead Rise and Culverstone.
Campaigner James Ferrin said: "If they want the
community behind them, let's sit down and have a meeting."
Sue Gofton, chairman of the Gravesham rural action group, said
she was elated the green fields were being protected for at least
the next 18 years.
"I think we need to be proactive rather than reactive," she
said.
"The steering group is fair amnd professional. Perhaps Cllr
Burden would involve us in some of the decision-making."
Opposition leader Cllr Mike Snelling (Con) said the council had
caused unnecessary angst for the community.
"I must congratulate the opponents for showing that people power
works," he said.
The bulk of the new houses will be provided by approved
developments, such as Gravesend's Canal Basin and the Heritage
Quarter.
Cllr Burden was pleased at the numbers responding. Only a
handful of people wanted to approve building in the rural
areas.
The "no Green Belt developments" plan must be approved by the
Gravesham cabinet, the full council and then by the independent
inspector.
Friday, January 27 2012
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