Emma Streatfield

Latest articles from Emma Streatfield

Residents protest over development fears

DOZENS of residents took to the countryside under threat of development to make their feelings known. Around 100 people from across Twyford, Colden Common, Upham, Bishopstoke and Fair Oak took part in a trek under the banner of the newly formed Against Destructive Development group. Some carrying placards reading ‘ Say No! Save our Countryside’, they walked in silent protest against Eastleigh Borough Council development plans that could see potentially 6,000 homes between Bishopstoke, Fair Oak, Upham, Colden Common and Allbrook served by a major new road. Campaigners argue that this could lead to overstretched facilities like doctors and schools, increased traffic and loss of gaps between their communities. Organisations from the different areas have joined forces to dissuade the council from these options and make residents more aware. They followed the route of the proposed new road, the so-called Bishopstoke Bypass, setting off from Stoke Park Woods in Bishopstoke and ending at Brambridge. The council is considering an option to expand Fair Oak and Bishopstoke with further development in Allbrook to provide up to 3,700 homes. A second option is to expand Fair Oak, which could provide up to 2,500 homes east of Fair Oak. Chief campaigner resident David Lovegrove called on the council to scrutinise the plans more closely and honour its commitment of not building between communities. He said: “The fear is that they[the council] will not abide by their own stated strong policies. “This will fuse the villages of Colden Common, Twyford, Bishopstoke, Twyford and Upham. “We support constructive development which is strategically positioned close to existing infrastructure. “This is unsustainable.” He questioned whether the scheme was deliverable given that the road would have to be lowered at Allbrook Hill bridge where land is prone to flooding. He disputed that the new bypass road would relieve traffic on Bishopstoke Road, between Fair Oak and Eastleigh. “This is self-serving for the housing only, but what’s more it’s going to lead to more traffic going into the villages to the north and south,” he added. Bruce Mitchell, in his 50s, a civil servant, of Stoke Heights, Fair Oak, said: “If only these two options went ahead we’d be miles ahead in terms of population compared with those of other parishes in the borough. “Fair Oak and Horton Heath have been disproportionately targeted.” Housing will be a key issue in the upcoming local election for the borough, which does not yet have its Local Plan - a blueprint for future development - in place and many election candidates were out showing their support. The council is yet to announce where it proposes housing should go following a consultation on eight possible options early this year. But residents criticised what they saw as the lack of proper consultation. They said there had been no leaflet drop about the plans. Parish councillors from Twyford and Colden Common said they had only found out about the plans and how they were affected from Eastleigh residents. Borough council leader Keith House has said that the Liberal Democrats are taking forward housing where needed while protecting green gaps and tackling congestion as a priority. He says the council has negotiated funds for extensions to doctors’ surgeries in Hedge End and Botley and new schools.

Education watchdog wants to hear from parents

AN EDUCATION watchdog wants to hear from parents on how they can do their job better. Ofsted, which oversees schools across the UK, is holding an online discussion on Wednesday, May 4, between 7.30pm and 8.30pm where parents in the Winchester area and beyond can comment. It wants parents of school children in the south east to look at what could be done better and what they think Ofsted does well. The discussion will also focus on the priorities for schools in the region and how inspections try to get to the heart of what is going on in schools. To take part, you need a smart phone, tablet, laptop or computer and can join in at any time during the discussion hour.  Your details will not be visible to other attendees and you will not be required to speak during this event.  Parents also have the chance to send in written questions and comments before the discussion and give their views through online polling. Ofsted says the discussion is not for raising concerns about individual schools. To join the discussion group, all you need to do is register online at bit.ly/23WkvxE.