More than 600 march against plans for 1,400 homes (From Daily Echo)
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More than 600 protesters march through Botley in Hampshire against plans for 1,400 homes
2:04pm Saturday 2nd February 2013 in News
By Emma Streatfield, Senior Reporter
More than 600 march against plans for 1,400 homes
MORE than 600 people took to the streets of a Hampshire village today to protest against a proposed housing development.
Residents – many carrying banners and placards – brought the centre of Botley to a standstill as they demonstrated against plans for 1,400 homes to be built on a golf course near Boorley Green.
Today’s march, which closed the High Street for half an hour, was organised by the Botley Parish Action Group (BPAG).
It says that the roads, schools and health services in the area could not support such a development and that the planning application is premature because Eastleigh Borough Council’s Local Plan is yet to be rubber stamped by an independent inspector.
Campaigners hope the march may sway Eastleigh councillors’ decision when they consider the plan at the Hedge End, West End and Botley Local Area Committee on February 18.
BPAG chairman Sue Grinham said: “We’re all concerned about the impact this is going to have on the environment.
“It’s a short sighted quick fix against all the council’s principles.”
The consortium behind the development has previously said that it will help tackle a housing shortage, would bring a host of community facilities, which could include a new primary school, supermarket and sports pitches, as well as economic benefits to Eastleigh borough and could also help to fund a bypass at Sundays Hill, Bursledon.
A spokesman added: "The Boorley Green consortium would like to emphasise that it is not unusual for outline planning applications to be submitted when final consultations into area's Local Plans are nearing their conclusions.
"Many of those developing much needed new homes across the country adopt a similar approach and the consortium responsible for the Boorley Green scheme sees the application submission as the next logical step following the extensive community consultations held last year.
"The consortiums have worked hard to consult with the community and have used feedback received both during and since the community consultations to shape the proposals have now been submitted to Eastleigh Borough Council."
Comments(38)
Pikey Pete
says...
3:00pm Sat 2 Feb 13
Homes which were probably once under the spotlight as NOT REQUIRED either...
If it is on a golf course what harm is that?
Noo Noo B
says...
3:12pm Sat 2 Feb 13
Lockssmart
says...
3:25pm Sat 2 Feb 13
**** Pete wrote:NIMBY's. Well said **** Pete.
I am glad all the protesters went back to their homes.
Homes which were probably once under the spotlight as NOT REQUIRED either...
If it is on a golf course what harm is that?
ghunter717
says...
3:53pm Sat 2 Feb 13
These residents I am sure support smaller scale sustainable developments that Botley and its infrastructure can support, but NOT 1400 dwellings it cannot, that will dstroty the historical parish of Botley. Far better alternative sites exist in the borough, as suggested by EBC's own Planning & Policy Design Department.
What these residents demand is to be heard. They are NOT Nimbys by a long long way.
Lockssmart
says...
4:35pm Sat 2 Feb 13
Which means this lot complaining, are only complaining against what they did to the area in the first place.
That in my book makes them NIMBY'S
ColinM2
says...
4:56pm Sat 2 Feb 13
Would you like to have the housing in your area increased by over 60%, or would you think it better to disperse it so everyone takes a share?
Who is being reasonable and not jumping to conclusions I ask. Is saying it is being a NIMBY a knee jerk reaction without getting the full picture?
Lockssmart
says...
5:00pm Sat 2 Feb 13
We are all having to pay the price.
You just want something to complain about.
It's going to happen, if you can't handle it, move!
Lockssmart
says...
5:04pm Sat 2 Feb 13
Bit like the Wombles of Wimbledon.
Lockssmart
says...
5:11pm Sat 2 Feb 13
They don't want people moving in, they are just a pain.
They didn't mind when they moved in to Botley
Now they all think they own it and sod everybody.
ohec
says...
5:57pm Sat 2 Feb 13
aghhhhh
says...
6:04pm Sat 2 Feb 13
Lockssmart
says...
6:28pm Sat 2 Feb 13
aghhhhh wrote:Sense at last.
I look forward to the day some serious building plans are made for the vast areas of country-side. We have a huge percentage of a generation that has no access to living anywhere other than tiny flats in town centers..stop being so small minded and selfish.....
housewife
says...
6:48pm Sat 2 Feb 13
Fill them up before building more.
Lockssmart
says...
7:12pm Sat 2 Feb 13
housewife wrote:Must have taken you a while to count them?
There are one million empty and second homes in the UK.
Fill them up before building more.
Sir Ad E Noid
says...
7:35pm Sat 2 Feb 13
ohec wrote:Exactly where is the house that you have purchased with your hard earned?
Where do they suggest these houses are built ? the answer will be anywhere but here, improved infrastructure will follow so i don't think that argument holds water. But i would like to see houses and not shoe boxes crammed together, as for the greenfield argument the whole country is overcrowded and we need to build on greenfield sites all over the country but its not the end of the world only a very small proportion of the U.K is built on we have plenty of countryside left, these NIMBY's will be the first to complain if their children or grandchildren have nowhere to live.
TR2708
says...
8:54pm Sat 2 Feb 13
Lockssmart wrote:just want to point out that not every resident in Botley is against the plans - there is a serve need for housing in the area. The aging population and high house prices mean the village will become a rural area of deprivation if action isn't taken so stop with your immature comments you bigoted cretin.
The Nimby's of Botley are whinging again,
They don't want people moving in, they are just a pain.
They didn't mind when they moved in to Botley
Now they all think they own it and sod everybody.
Lockssmart
says...
9:00pm Sat 2 Feb 13
Huffter
says...
9:06pm Sat 2 Feb 13
loosehead
says...
9:08pm Sat 2 Feb 13
I remember houses going up where green fields were before or a field left with houses all around as the field was green belt.
so unless you live in a pre 60's house( maybe pre 30's) how can you complain about new housing unless it's on a protected site or green belt?
just take yourself back to the village of Botley & think of what the residents thought of your new homes & if they'd fought to stop the developments of Botley & Hedge end where would you be living now?
loosehead
says...
9:13pm Sat 2 Feb 13
housewife wrote:Do you want to move to Liverpool or a deprived area of say the North East where there are whole estates empty?
There are one million empty and second homes in the UK.
Fill them up before building more.
because if you'd watched ch4's program it was all about the north of England so unless all of the Southerners want to move North we have to build here( some london councils are asking people on the waiting list if they would move North)
Torchie1
says...
11:46pm Sat 2 Feb 13
housewife wrote:There are plenty of empty bedrooms in homes where the children have flown the nest. Do you propose commandeering them because you don't own them either.
There are one million empty and second homes in the UK.
Fill them up before building more.
MiddleOfRoad
says...
4:06am Sun 3 Feb 13
However, there has been a history of councils and other planning bodies approving small and large housing developments without any coordination with neighbouring councils and without any proper master plan.
Infrastructure and quality of life are the two aspects most often eroded by this adhoc inefficient town planning.
Councils have to include real and measurable and easily understood plans to maintain or better improve roads, public transport, parking, recreation areas, greenfiled areas, population densities, policing, schools, child care, medical and dental facilities, hospital access, library facilties, traffic control plans etc.
This list is not exclusive and as any competent town planner will know all of these factors and more impact upon, or are impacted upon by, other councils and govt services and facilities.
Incidentally the Govt is also similarly deficient in understanding the cause and effects of their policies. I suspect that the previous Govt had little of no provisions in mind when it decided to permit upwards of 5 million additional people into the UK - the consequences of which are being felt by all and sundry as we debate this issue.
Unfortunately local council town planning, without a full and complete understanding and acknowledgement of these basic TownPlanning 101 topics, usually falls down. End result reduced quality of life and loss of amenity for residents, often reduced real estate valuations and increasing social and mental health issues.
So on these matters alone I support the protesters, who are maybe possessing some NIMBYism but who seem to be mainly reflecting the scepticism that is healthy and necessary given the track records of councils over the last 30 years.
One last point - if the residents compiled a list of all necessary infrastructure factors, some of which are listed above, and demanded the council provide an accounting of their considerations of these matters I suspect the council would prevaricate and decide to review the whole matter. The difficulty in the current maze of adhoc town planning the currently blights the UK is getting any council to admit it is less than magnificent.
Miguel Raton
says...
7:16am Sun 3 Feb 13
andysaints007
says...
10:40am Sun 3 Feb 13
housewife wrote:No one is moving in to my second home - cos its MINE !!
There are one million empty and second homes in the UK.
Fill them up before building more.
Linesman
says...
10:51am Sun 3 Feb 13
ghunter717 wrote:"NOT by NIMBYs but by residents who support housbuilding in the RIGHT place that IS sustainable."
This was a very well organised march. NOT by NIMBYS but by residenst who support housebuilding in the RIGHT place that IS sustainable. The proposed site at the Botley Park Golf Course Boorley Green Botley, is neither the right place nor is it sustainable. It is on a Green Field site which is also high grade agricultural land, but also with VERY BAD infrastructure.
These residents I am sure support smaller scale sustainable developments that Botley and its infrastructure can support, but NOT 1400 dwellings it cannot, that will dstroty the historical parish of Botley. Far better alternative sites exist in the borough, as suggested by EBC's own Planning & Policy Design Department.
What these residents demand is to be heard. They are NOT Nimbys by a long long way.
In other words,
NOT IN MY BACK YARD!
sydneyfarm
says...
12:02pm Sun 3 Feb 13
Mr E
says...
12:03pm Sun 3 Feb 13
The further away you build them the more transport infrastructure is needed for people to lead their daily lives.
This development is in the wrong place. (and I don't live anywhere near it)
Linesman
says...
12:26pm Sun 3 Feb 13
Mr E wrote:Working on that theory, everyone who works in London should live in London and everyone who lives in Botley should work in Botley.
Houses need to be close to jobs and facilities like schools and shops.
The further away you build them the more transport infrastructure is needed for people to lead their daily lives.
This development is in the wrong place. (and I don't live anywhere near it)
The theory sounds good, but it totally impractical.
loosehead
says...
1:20pm Sun 3 Feb 13
Mr E wrote:So we'll knock down 90% of housing in the South & move it North then as that's where the majority of industry is isn't it?
Houses need to be close to jobs and facilities like schools and shops.
The further away you build them the more transport infrastructure is needed for people to lead their daily lives.
This development is in the wrong place. (and I don't live anywhere near it)
wouldn't even have to go on a house building spree as there's whole estates empty in Liverpool,Middlesbro
ugh etc;
then we can leave the South to farmers some fishermen,some dock workers & of course the rich retired people of say Hythe Marina or "Botley"
how many of these people have been agreeing with Labour about getting people working on building & infrastructure projects?
the problem then comes to pass that no one wants it near them(HS2 & Botley)
Lone Ranger.
says...
1:58pm Sun 3 Feb 13
andysaints007 wrote:How do you do it ...... One brainless comment after another 24 carat idiot
housewife wrote:No one is moving in to my second home - cos its MINE !!
There are one million empty and second homes in the UK.
Fill them up before building more.
ColinM2
says...
2:15pm Sun 3 Feb 13
People in Botley are not against extra housing and have voted for some that is within walking distance of the village centre. The proposed site at Boorley Green includes much high grade farm land as well as the golf course, and it is car riding distance so once in a car people might well go to say the Sainsburys/Marks & Spencer complex at Hedge End as it is not much further.
Of course no one would say that because Eastleigh is putting up money for facilities at the Agea Bowl (formerly the Rose Bowl) Cricket in West End which will include an 18 hole golf course that it is perhaps helpful that the nearest rival course is being effectively closed by them allowing houses all over it. Perish the thought!
Also never mind the fact that the professional planners at Eastleigh recommend the Allington Lane site and have stated so in writing.
kingnotail
says...
3:00pm Sun 3 Feb 13
J.P.M
says...
6:11pm Sun 3 Feb 13
ColinM2 wrote:Oh be quiet.
There are other places in Eastleigh which are far more suitable. One such is Allington Lane which has far more potential for the future, is closer to employment areas and has much lower grade agricultural land.
People in Botley are not against extra housing and have voted for some that is within walking distance of the village centre. The proposed site at Boorley Green includes much high grade farm land as well as the golf course, and it is car riding distance so once in a car people might well go to say the Sainsburys/Marks & Spencer complex at Hedge End as it is not much further.
Of course no one would say that because Eastleigh is putting up money for facilities at the Agea Bowl (formerly the Rose Bowl) Cricket in West End which will include an 18 hole golf course that it is perhaps helpful that the nearest rival course is being effectively closed by them allowing houses all over it. Perish the thought!
Also never mind the fact that the professional planners at Eastleigh recommend the Allington Lane site and have stated so in writing.
The development is going ahead where it should be - not where the keyboard dreamers want it.
kingnotail
says...
6:35pm Sun 3 Feb 13
sydneyfarm wrote:Because things have to be built, and they have to be built somewhere, and yet there will always be whinging luddites who wish the industrial revolution never happened.
what is wrong with being a nimby anyway?
Lockssmart
says...
7:44pm Sun 3 Feb 13
J.P.M wrote:JPM. For once, your making sense. Top man.
ColinM2 wrote:Oh be quiet.
There are other places in Eastleigh which are far more suitable. One such is Allington Lane which has far more potential for the future, is closer to employment areas and has much lower grade agricultural land.
People in Botley are not against extra housing and have voted for some that is within walking distance of the village centre. The proposed site at Boorley Green includes much high grade farm land as well as the golf course, and it is car riding distance so once in a car people might well go to say the Sainsburys/Marks & Spencer complex at Hedge End as it is not much further.
Of course no one would say that because Eastleigh is putting up money for facilities at the Agea Bowl (formerly the Rose Bowl) Cricket in West End which will include an 18 hole golf course that it is perhaps helpful that the nearest rival course is being effectively closed by them allowing houses all over it. Perish the thought!
Also never mind the fact that the professional planners at Eastleigh recommend the Allington Lane site and have stated so in writing.
The development is going ahead where it should be - not where the keyboard dreamers want it.
No to 5000
says...
12:43pm Mon 4 Feb 13
loosehead
says...
5:02pm Mon 4 Feb 13
No to 5000 wrote:Personally they should knock down Hedge end & return it to fields but I'm against hypocrites who bought new builds ( like the waterside) then protest against new housing or pre planned developments like Dibden container port
It’s time to stop the rot in the South! I hear people whinging about the cost of housing and complaining about these NIMBYs. In reality there are plenty of homes for those that can afford one. People are not automatically entitled to own a house in a certain area. My house is probably worth about the same amount as when I bought it 3 years ago (which thanks to inflation means in real terms it has dropped in value) so I know exactly how hard it is to get a house. People should live within their means and not just demand more houses are built in the hope they might attain one. If you can’t afford one now 5000 homes is not suddenly going to make them cheaper. I wonder if those that are complaining about the NIMBYs are actually builders or developers, as I can not understand why anybody else would want further development of this environmentally stressed area. Perhaps some people will not be happy until everything south of the M4 is a developed as Portsmouth with the added benefit of having little employment nearby.
Traffic chaos says...
2:29pm Sat 2 Feb 13