'Build new homes on brownfield sites' (From Bournemouth Echo)

'Build new homes on brownfield sites'

7:00pm Monday 28th July 2008 in

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CAMPAIGN groups against government plans to build thousands of houses in Purbeck are preparing for battle.

Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Hazel Blears, confirmed support for proposals to build 5,000 homes in the area by 2026 last week.

Part of the Regional Spatial Strategy, the final decision is expected at the end of the year. A 12-week consultation has now begun and groups at Lytchett Minster and Lytchett Matravers, where green belt land has been earmarked for 2,750 of the new homes, are gearing up to argue their case.

Ann Richardson, from Community Action Lytchett Matravers (CALM), said: "One of the areas we feel we need to look at is the feasibilty of the infrastructure.

"We also need to look at heathland, find out what wildlife is down there and see if we can find anything that will stop this going ahead."

Michael Tomlinson, chairman of Lytchett Minster Action Group (LMAG), said he was frustrated that the consultation was taking place when parliament was in recess.

"We're going to get a response together on behalf of the locals Lytchett Minster.

"We say it's not the right place, primarily because it's green belt land. We know there are other brownfield sites in the locality.

"We don't want to be presented as nimbys'. We would support is sustainable development and incremental growth."

Purbeck District Council has condemned the plans. It has sent questionnaires to residents to help form its response to the consultation.

The Dorset branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England has also criticised the government for pressing on with the strategy.

Council leader Cllr Gary Suttle said: "Purbeck District Council unanimously deplores and condemns proposals to build on the green belt in this exceptional area of the country.

"It is of particular concern that the villages of Lytchett Matravers and Lytchett Minster will be swamped by a major new development and that our green belt will be lost to concrete."

The LMAG is meeting this Friday at the village rugby club, 7.30pm.

CALM has an "action night" at Lytchett Matravers village hall on August 12 at 7.30pm, followed by a meeting in early September.

The council's questionnaire can be found online at purbeck.gov.uk or by calling 01929 557339.