Protest in the Park

I've just returned from Eastleigh Market, right by the entrance to the Rec, where we've been giving out leaflets - "Save our Green spaces and Strategic Gaps."

And I'm very pleased to report that the response has been excellent.  This is the leaflet:

On the reverse we say:

This is your only chance to get your objections considered by the Independent Planning Inspector.  We have until just the 12th October 2012. 

What can You do?

You can find details of the lates t revised plan at the council offices, library or online at www.eaastleigh.gov.uk/localplan

You can respond anytime from August 17th to October 12th by e-mailing localplan@eastleigh.gov.uk , by downloading the online form or by putting your comments in writig t the Policy Planning Team, Eastleigh Borough Council, Civic Offices, Leigh Road, Eastleigh SO50 9YN.

You can comment on the documents issued on 17th August which are available forn consultation:

Pre-submission Eastleigh Borough Local Plan 2011-2012

Sustainability Appraisal Report

Habitats Regulations Assessment

Transport Assessment

All previous comments submitted by you will not be seen by the Independent Planning Inspector, as that stage was "passed" by the council.

This is now finally your last chance for your voice to be heard!!

The formal examination of the plan and your objections to it should start in Spring 2013.

Why should you care?

For the past 20 years considerable work has been done to protect and restore the "Avenue" area of Stoneham Park, the last surviving Capability Brown landscape in the Southampton area.

Now in 2012 the entire parkland is threatened with 1,300 houses, yet in 1996 61 acres of this parkland was acquired by Hampshire County Council for its long term protection.

From 1991 to 2001 a landscape restoration project was carried out by the Itchen Hamble Countryside Project, funded by the redevelopment of the local Rectory and its grounds - using substantial resources, just under £200,000, volunteer time and goodwill.

Between 208 and 2011 the Stoneham War Shrine was restored to provide a focus for the preserved landscape and, importantly, to encourage the ongoing conservation of the parkland.  The parkland's future seemed secure, but in July this year Eastleigh Borough Council voted for this entire area to be scheduled for development with 1,300 houses in the approved local plan.

Traffic 

 

1,300 houses will bring at 2,600 cars to the adjoining Stoneham Lane Chestnut Avenue which, at peak times are already experiencing 107% traffic saturation!!  This will bring a total standstill to the whole of Eastleigh as traffic tries to enter and leave the M27 and even to pass through Eastleigh.

Local Tip

It is also intended to move the local recycling centre from Passfield Avenue to Stoney Croft Rise, off Chestnut Avenue, and it will be FIVE TIMES as large as the existing one.  At certain times of the day the existing tip causes considerable congestion in Passfield Avenue.

Please would you support us in opposing these ill-thought-out plans and attend next week's Protest in the Park at 11.30am, The Band Stand, Leigh Road, Eastleigh.