Housing balance

12:22pm Friday 18th July 2008

THE article which featured on the front page of the Amersham and Chesham Free Press (July 4) was somewhat out of tune with what is actually happening in Chiltern District.

Of course, we want people to take the future of the planning policy and the Green Belt in Chiltern seriously and would encourage everyone with an interest to take part in the current consultation.

However, I would like to point out that at this stage we are only looking at the broad strategic options and only once the forward strategic option has been selected we will look at specific locations.

The key issue for Chiltern is housing and we need to balance the need for affordable housing in our district with the need to protect and conserve our beautiful environment. In deciding the best places for the new homes (at least 2,900 additional homes over the next two years is the number proposed by The South East Plan) we think there are four main options and we would like to know which one you would prefer.

Please, take this chance to find out about the four options we are proposing and have your say. You have until August 11 to comment on the four proposals. You can either call the planning policy team on 01494 732268, email planningpolicy@chiltern.gov.uk www.chiltern.gov.uk/planning/ldf/studie.

Once a decision has been reached by the Council this will then be submitted to the Government Planning Inspectorate in Spring 2009 for its consideration. Please take this chance to have your say now.

Gill Gowing
Corporate director for planning and the environment
Chiltern District Council

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