Local Plan: Tories and opposition split over proposals
HBM
Canterbury City Council's blueprint for the district has already created a split between the Tory majority and opposition members. Each Conservative on the ruling executive insists he or she will listen to public opinion and allow it to shape Canterbury's future.
Cllr Peter Lee
The council will use its forthcoming issue of its District Life magazine to outline the Local Plan and tell people how they can comment on it. Cllr Peter Lee, the council's finance supremo, says much of the proposed house-building is geared towards retaining talented and employable people. He said:
"We are not going to be able to do that unless we build affordable homes for them to live in."
Cllr Terry Westgate
Cllr Terry Westgate, who represents St Stephen's ward, said:
"I've lived in Canterbury for 38 years and I'm passionate about the city. I want people to support what is good in this plan and tell us what they think is wrong with it."
Cllr Peter Vickery-Jones
Cllr Peter Vickery-Jones, the council's member for transport, warned objectors to the draft plan to be measured in their criticism:
"It's no good screaming and shouting and being abusive to councillors - that will not help. I am heartened to hear what people have to say. It's clear they are passionate about the district."
Cllr Alan Baldock
Northgate Labour councillor Alan Baldock urged the executive to act on the views put forward in the coming consultation. He said:
"It [the draft plan] lacks one vital ingredient - the wisdom of local people whose feet are firmly on the ground with a stake in their district, every day of every year. But the truth is that this executive no longer has the trust of the people of this district. They no longer believe that their comments will be listened to or answered."
Cllr Nick Eden-Green
Lib Dem Nick Eden-Green described the plan as "fatally flawed" adding:
"Suffice it to say that there is much in it that is excellent, but I disagree with its conclusions on housing numbers and their locations."
HB Gazette 6th Jun 2013
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