Report on new housing development

An article recently appeared in the Burton Mail regarding the 306 house development behind Church Street and Thorpe Downs Road.  The article, for which a link is below, extolled the virtues of the development but did not highlight the issues it is likely to create to local residents.  As I was not happy about this I contacted them as neither ourselves or local residents were mentioned in the article.

http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/8203-DEVELOPMENT-600-newjobs-300-new-homes-new/story-24516956-detail/story.html

To be fair to the reporter, he was unable to contact any of us but agreed to listen to my views and the following story was printed which balances things somewhat and I am grateful for that.

http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/HOUSING-Ben-Stuart-represents-Church-Gresley-ward/story-24557695-detail/story.html

Whilst I am pleased that the article has addressed the issues, particularly from the residents perspective, there are a few points requiring further explanation:

• The local MP has highlighted that there are issues with the design and access and on behalf of the residents will seek to improve this.  Well people, even in the position of MP she has no jurisdiction over the planning function of SDDC.  As local members we pleaded with the planning committee to at least consider a deferral based on the access issue.  Our pleas fell on deaf ears and, as the many residents who were present will have noticed, the development was voted through by the Conservative members.  It is no good shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted.

• Whilst the news of jobs is always good news, we will be looking to ensure that they are good quality jobs, preferably for local people.