Southborough By-Election - Planning

4.32.12pm UTC (GMT +0000) Sun 29th Feb 2004

The Speldhurst Road Allotments is designated as Rural Fringe in the Local Plan, which means that housing development could take place there, sometime in the future.

Liberal Democrats are anxious to avoid this happening because of the additional pressure it would put on the residential roads of Bright Ridge, Keel Gardens and Kibbles Lane and the extra children who would require places at the fully subscribed Southborough Primary School.

A care home for 70-75 residents would put no burden on the school, little extra strain on the roads and might actually bring some highway improvements. It would also create considerable local employment possibilities and help the local business community.

The Liberal Democrat led council wish to work positively with the current allotment holders to ensure that their grievances can be resolved if this scheme comes to fruition. Liberal Democrats believe that this project would be in the best interests of the town. It is a wonderful opportunity for Southborough to resolve several problems and help create a much needed community facility, which will benefit many of its residents in the years to come.