Councillors slam borough's '˜flawed' land review scheme

A trio of South Tyneside councillors say wide-ranging proposals to build on greenbelt land over the next two decades are '˜flawed' - and should face fresh scrutiny.
Coun Joan AtkinsonCoun Joan Atkinson
Coun Joan Atkinson

Cleadon and East Boldon ward councillors Joan Atkinson, Margaret Melling and David Townsley have expressed their concerns over the impact of the Strategic Land Review on villagers.

Writing in the Cleadon and East Boldon branch Labour Party’s Rose newsletter they state that a surge in housing developments could spark traffic congestion and noise issues.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

They also fear that a rise in developments could exacerbate flooding issues in the ward, while a wide variety of wildlife inhabiting vast swathes of the area could be put at threat.

The review forms part of the council’s Local Plan, which all authorities are required to devise by Government legislation, and sets out a plan for developments over the next 20 to 25 years,

the councillors state: “The projection of population growth used to determine the number of new houses required is based on the highest forecast.

“This seems flawed, and given the importance of protecting the countryside around us, this should be re-examined.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“There seems little or adequate recognition in the report to the impact of development on transport.

“The branch does not accept that the analysis is fair, comprehensive or properly weighted to reflect the need to preserve the character of the villages of East Boldon and Cleadon.