Residents have their say on proposal for 7,000 new homes
Buttheresidents’groupbelieves the proposed development is “politically motivated” and maintain that there is no housing shortage in the North East, according to ONS figures published in 2016 and 2018.
“The council’s own figures prove there is enough brownfield land that is suitable for development in the next five years,” said a spokesperson.
“Developers don’t want to build on brownfield sites as theyareundesirablecompared to the greenbelt sites.
“Profitability appears to be the motive.”
In July 2019, South Tyneside Council declared a Climate Emergency in a bid to establishitselfasacarbonneutralchampionfortheborough, buttheWNFsaystheproposed development“doesnotdemonstrateacommitmenttoclimate change”.
It added: “Introducing over 7,000 houses in the next 20 years will have severe implications on infrastructure, green belt, landscape and biodiversity.”
South Tyneside Council is consideringtheresponsefrom the forum.
A spokesperson said: “We have been in regular contact withtheWhitburnNeighbourhoodForumregardingtheproduction of both our Local Plan andtheirNeighbourhoodPlan.
“Following consultation on the first draft of the Local Plan last summer, we are now analysing responses received including those of the forum’s.
“No final decisions have been made and the feedback received during the consultation period will be used to shape the formal Publication Draft,whichwewillconsulton later this year.
“Wehaveastatutoryobligationtomeetourfuturehousing and employment needs that meanswehavehadtolookatall optionstoaccommodatedevelopmentinourdraftlocalplan.”