In a submission to the public consultation on the Local Development Framework, Jeremy has raised several points which he believes need serious consideration.

Speaking about his submission, Jeremy said

“Firstly. I do not consider that the number of new homes proposed for Stafford and the surrounding villages – an overall increase of nearly 20% in 17 years – represents sustainable development.

“I realise that the Borough has had to respond to central government requirements through the regions. But the Labour government’s top-down approach to this is wrong. Local authorities should be encouraged to show where sensible, sustainable home building can happen in co-operation with local communities rather than being given a target to meet.

“We certainly need more homes, of the right kind and sensitively sited. But we have to take into account very seriously the impact on communities. The responses coming back from the consultation will enable the next draft of the LDF to do this.

“Secondly, there has to be more emphasis on building homes which meet people’s needs. I would identify four types of home which are in short supply: bungalows; homes for those living on their own; homes with separate accommodation for an older relative who wishes to live independently but close to family; and houses specifically designed for the increasing numbers of those working from home.

“I see an opportunity here for local builders who can respond to local demand. I would like to see this addressed by the LDF.

“Thirdly, the LDF has rightly raised the question of infrastructure. Without adequate provision for roads, school places and health services, it makes no sense to build more homes.

“However I am very concerned about the statement that ‘Information from Stafford General Hospital states that the current facility at Stafford will be sufficient to meet the demands of increasing housing development as well as the changes in the demographic character of the Borough’ (p91).

“I consider that the significant reduction in the numbers of acute beds in the region in the coming years means that there will not be sufficient to give proper care to the Borough, the population of which is likely to increase by at least 15,000 under the plans in the LDF.

“The LDF needs to incorporate a full assessment of the adequacy of acute hospital provision for the Borough under these plans. This should include a review of the impact of the reduction of beds at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire, which cares for many of the people of the Borough.

“Proper acute hospital provision is so important to the people of the Borough that it requires a much more detailed analysis in the LDF.than it has been given.”