Lib Dems Call For Urgent Review Of Urban Sites

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Sun 3rd Mar 2002

Following Bedford Borough Council Executive Committee's recommendation to return the decision on the Bedford Local Plan to the Planning Committee, Liberal Democrat Councillor, Stuart Green has proposed the introduction of an urban capacity study to examine possible alternatives to the use of Greenbelt land in North Brickhill and Norse Road for new housing developments.

Councillor Green Stated: "It is completely unacceptable that Greenbelt land continues to be put forward as the only available option to increase housing in Bedford. We have pushed for the completion of a rigorous urban capacity study in order that we look in detail at every available piece of land in the urban area as possible alternatives. I think it is vital that we stand up to the government on these issues and if we can find acceptable brown field sites which can be developed this must surely be more beneficial. The Tory county council has failed to stand up for the many people of the borough who believe these proposals are mistaken so it is up to us to keep up the fight."

The urban capacity study will now be carried out, with the results expected in May/June.