28/09/2015 - East Grinstead Neighbourhood Plan a wasted opportunity
Whilst welcoming at last the long awaited East Grinstead Neighbourhood plan from the Town Council, only 4 years after the consultation started, the local branch of East Grinstead Labour party believe it is a wasted opportunity.
In its response to the Councils proposals the local branch has expressed disappointment that many of the suggestions made during the earlier consultation by the branch and others have not been taken up.
There is a desperate need for social housing for rent and affordable housing for owner occupiers, including single bedroom properties, so that young people can stay in the area and to offset the consequences of the bedroom tax, yet there is nothing in the plan for these important groups in the community. Instead the plan appears to allow the development of existing urban green infrastructure to the detriment of the community.
The acute traffic problems have not been addressed and there are no plans to pedestrianise the High Street to capitalise on the historic centre of the town and to create a safe, friendly environment for people and trade and to boost tourism. Vague words about improving cycle and pedestrian routes are not matched by concrete proposals or at the least a professional survey . An opportunity to improve public transport to reduce car usage is missed.
We encourage East Grinstead Town Council to think again before they put the plan to referendum.