SHUV coordinates response to save South Hampshire's green spaces

An alliance of 25 organisations (see membership list), South Hampshire's Unheard Voices (SHUV) has succeeded in submitting a coordinated response to counter Government proposals to build thousands of homes in the south of Hampshire under the draft South East Plan.

Individual member groups have also taken advice from SHUV organisers to amass support for their own responses based on local concerns.

Caroline Dibden, chairman of the Campaign to Protect Rural England's (CPRE) South Hampshire planning group, helped to set up SHUV and to put together its final response. Caroline commented:

"We are concerned that the whole of the draft South East Plan is based on economic growth rather than what is needed, achievable and sustainable. The economic growth targets are based primarily on an incoming population rather than existing population figures and indigenous growth.

Also, we do not think that the Plan as proposed will help the deprived areas that really need it, although we support the argument that any housing must be preceded by infrastructure."

Commenting on a new Government-commissioned report published on 20th June 2006, Caroline said:

"We are horrified by the announcement of the Government Office of the South East (GOSE) that they may support a 59% increase on the SEERA figures currently in the proposed South East Plan. The SEERA Plan on which we commented, refers to 28,900 dwellings per annum in the South East. However, this new report considers options for 46,000 homes a year - a rise of 59%."

SHUV members are also concerned about the proposed Plan's impact on the New Forest National Park and the proposed South Downs National Park.

The South East Plan recommends two major areas of building - Strategic Development Areas (SDA). One would be located north of Fareham and the other near Hedge End. Other houses would be built in and around existing urban areas.

If people want to join SHUV or find out the latest information, they may email: SHUV@lists.riseup.net or visit www.cprehampshire.org.uk/shuv

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SHUV/PR03

Notes to editors

1. The full submission is available as a PDF document - click here.
To read PDF files you will need to download the free Adobe reader:

2. For more information, please contact Keren Burney on 01730 894123 or 07876 780065.