Alistair Cameron slams proposals to build 5000 houses in Swindon Village and Uckington

3.23.05pm GMT Sat 21st Nov 2009

Building like this would destroy the Green Belt

Alistair Cameron, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesman for Tewkesbury, severely criticised proposals to build 5000 houses between Swindon Village, Uckington and Elmstone Hardwick, when he viewed the plans at an exhibition run by developers Bloor and Persimmon Homes, at Uckington, on Thurdsay.

Alistair has always been critical of the plans for 5000 houses in this area which he says are not justified by local housing need. He also believes new houses should be built on sites previously developed (brown land) before green fields are built on.

After looking at the proposals Alistair commented, "I am concerned about a number of key issues. 5000 more houses would push many more cars onto the existing roads, particularly Tewkesbury Road , Hyde Lane and Princess Elizabeth Way , which are already very congested. Although the developers have produced plans to promote bus services, many of the residents will use their cars and this will create even more congestion. In addition, as the River Swilgate runs through the proposed development, there is a risk of flooding at a time when our climate is changing and we are experiencing more stormy weather."

Along with many local people, Alistair believes that such a development represents an unnecessary loss of countryside around North West of Cheltenham which will damage the Green Belt and lead to the loss of green fields and wildlife.