Lib Dems welcome SE plan review

Local Liberal Democrats have joined with residents groups in welcoming the news that Guildford Borough Council has submitted a challenge to the South East Plan.

The challenge is on the grounds that the plan's requirement for a 'selective review' of Green Belt to the north east of Guildford has not been part of a wider ranging review looking at alternatives to Green Belt development. However, Lib Dems have also

raised concerns that if the council is successful there could be problems meeting the government's housing quota for the borough.

Rosie Sharpley, Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate commented "We are totally opposed to the whole concept of predict and provide which has led to government demands for housing way beyond the needs of local people and which will result in the loss

of valuable countryside. Coalescence between Woking and Guildford has always been a worry.

Both towns need to protect their identity and green lung." Mary Laker added, "We are also worried that Guildford Borough Council has been reluctant to say if they plan to build on our green spaces such as the land at the Aldershot Road allotments. I want to see a firm commitment not to build here."