Uniting in the fight against new homes
Parishioners of a village in Northamptonshire have joined forces to create an action group in protest at plans to build about 18,000 homes on rural land between Grange Park and Little Houghton.
The development, which was published by West Northampton Joint Planning Unit in June, had already been recommended for refusal by Northamptonshire County Council after planners said they did not include vital infrastructure provisions.
But residents affected by the proposals have now formed the Little Houghton Action Committee, which held its first meeting last week.
In a statement, the protesters said the community was united against the proposals and would continue to fight against the development.
They said opposition was "the unanimous voice of the meeting" and added: "The community of Little Houghton must protest in the strongest terms against these proposals.
"Where are the infrastructure plans?
"Where will people work? Shop? Learn? Receive medical treatment? Exercise and play? What of the environmental risks, such as flooding? Sewerage? Loss of prime agricultural land? To name but a few of the problems.
"These houses are destined to be built on our doorstep and those of surrounding villages and Little Houghton will join the campaign to fight for survival."
The proposals are part of a wider scheme to build thousands of homes around Northampton, Daventry and Towcester in order to meet Government expansion targets.
At a meeting last week, South Northamptonshire Council voted to oppose the plans, which they said did not include the necessary infrastructure for such a large project and would do nothing for the sustainability of Northampton.
Among other concerns raised at the meeting were fears that building on the land could lead to an increased flood risk for the town and and that there was little indication of how the plans would help regenerate the town centre.
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Weather for Northampton
Wednesday 08 February 2012
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