‘You are not listening to us’
Penshaw residents’ anger as green belt homes plan stays on table after rethink
Campaigners fighting proposals to build 400 homes on green belt land have slammed council bosses for being “ignored” in a major land plan.
On May 30, Sunderland City Council’s (SCC) cabinet discussed launching the final consultation on their local plan, which aims to build 13,410 homes by 2033 and boost jobs and business.
After 6,000 people had their say in a consultation last year, the draft plan was revised with the number of green belt sites decreasing from 15 to 11.
However, one of the remaining sites – a 23.9 hectare plot in the shadow of Penshaw Monument – has provoked reaction from campaigners in the area.
The Save Penshaw Greenbelt Group state that potential for 400 homes, combined with nearby housing developments, would put a strain on local services.
Campaigner Claire Foster, speaking on behalf of the group after the cabinet meeting, said “it’s an outrage that we have been ignored.”
“Those homes will have cars and children and the council has made no plans to build more schools or facilities.
“There is no dispute that there is a need for housing in Britain, but where and how it is achieved is vital if a fair for all solution is to be found, we believe that building on Penshaw’s protected green belt does not achieve that.
SCC’s deputy leader, Michael Mordey, speaking to cabinet, said the changes demonstrated a “listening council” and “reflected more of the opinions about what our residents want.”
But Penshaw campaigners claim SCC have “not listened and responded” to their community’s concerns, citing 800 objections and 2,000 signatures from residents.
Ms Foster added: “We will not be ignored any more.”
SCC’s deputy leader, Coun Mordey, added: “The city council has listened, it has taken on board all the responses and amended the plan to addresses these, where possible.”