Council dispels housing worries (From Stroud News and Journal)

Council dispels housing worries

FEARS have been quelled that 500 more homes may be spread out in the district by 2011.

Amendments to the county structure plan mean the amount of homes to be built at the Hunt's Grove site near Hardwicke before 2011 could be reduced from 1,000 to 500. In theory that would mean housing projects would have to be spread across the district.

Chas Fellows, county councillor and Leader of Stroud District Council warned any delays in finishing the district's local plan, could lead to a potential development bonanza. "It creates a risk for the Stroud district," he said.

"It would create a pressure on Stroud district and an inspector would have to give it serious consideration."

But the draft structure plan, approved by Shire Hall now suggests the 500 home shortfall may not have to be completely met by the district.

It states: "The county council would accept any resultant short-term shortfall in Stroud District's dwelling provision."

Simon Excell, the officer heading up the structure plan effort, said it was up to Ebley Mill to decide which option to take. "It is certainly not black and white," he said.

"It is down to Stroud district to make a decision whether they want to run with the county council's version of the phasing or put forward their inspector's recommendation. "At the moment it is entirely up to them."

District cabinet members are set to decide on their local plan recommendations to council at their meeting tomorrow, Thursday, March 10.