The Chairman and LOSRA Committee wish all our readers a happy, prosperous and healthy New Year.
The Winter edition of the Council bulletin recently posted through our letter boxes is silent on one of the most significant events likely to affect all residents throughout the Borough during 2016: the revision of the Local Plan which sets out how much development should be allowed in Spelthorne.The review will have to balance the need for new homes and jobs against the ability to accommodate development, taking into account issues such as Green Belt, flood risk and infrastructure. At the end of the review the Council will put forward to an independent planning inspector how much development it thinks it can meet.
The review is one of the most important and contentious subjects facing the residents of Spelthorne over coming years, and it is essential that the local authority takes all proper steps to engage with residents on the issue; and give them a realistic and practical opportunity to contribute to the debate and the process surrounding it. The imperative for community involvement is all the more critical as the process will require a review of our green belt, the protection of which has recently been weakened by central government.
To press for the preservation of Green Belt and public open spaces; and working to protect the local environment is one of LOSRA's key aims and we need your invaluable support for this to continue. Please take this opportunity to renew your £5 subscription for 2016 or, if you are not currently a member, please join us.
