14 January 2010
“Have your say!” That was the advice from West Worcestershire Parliamentary Candidate Harriett Baldwin when she urged people living in villages affected by housing plans to take part in the latest round of consultation on the subject. The government, through its Regional Spatial Strategy, is currently requiring the three local South Worcestershire councils to find room for 25,500 new homes. Exhibitions and workshops will take place at 19 villages in Malvern Hills and Wychavon between now and the end of March 2010. Harriett explained, “Personally, I object to this government’s approach with its top-down imposition of housing numbers in South Worcestershire. A Conservative government would rapidly dismantle the Regional Spatial Strategy. “Nevertheless, these detailed meetings are a real attempt by our local councils to bring some democracy to an undemocratic process. It is vital that everyone who is worried about housing need and the environment go along and have their say. “Because the three councils have decided to extend the consultation process, it gives local residents another opportunity to air their views.” The full list of consultations is listed here, although the first two sessions in Abberley and Callow End have been cancelled because of the wintery weather. | SWJCS Villages Consultation