Tuesday 27 May 2008

Eco-towns Select Committee - Day 1

Summary Statement – Tuesday 27th May 2008

We have had a very interesting opening day and the context has been well set to enable the Committee to be able to explore the outstanding issues in more detail. However, there have been more questions than answers. The key issues include deliverability and the Arundel-by-pass is a critical factor. No-one denied that there would be at least 8 years traffic chaos.

A further key issue is the impact on Littlehampton and Bognor Regis - both housing and employment.

We queried ‘Why Ford?’ and established that the main factors are the strategic emphasis on development west of the River Arun, as well as the existing infrastructure in terms of waste, water, the railway and the river itself, together with the Atkins Study.

We have heard some strong local concern and opposition. The LSP are concerned about the process bypassing community involvement.

We heard with concern that the government is coming out with site specific planning policy advice as the eco-town procedure evolves, which may exclude public consultation.

Arun does have major problems - housing, employment, transport/accessibility and we want to probe further over the next days of the hearing whether the eco-town proposals can satisfactorily address these problems.

Inquiry supporting documents can be found here.

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