Nicola Blackwood: 4,500 houses are simply too many
In response to a letter from the Begbroke and Yarnton Green Belt Campaign, Nicola Blackwood, Parliamentary Candidate for Oxford West & Abingdon, writes,
“While we all recognise the urgent need for more local housing, as Oxford housing is the least affordable in the country when compared to income, it is a balance. While we do need new housing in the area, common sense tells us that should not come at the expense of the very special character of these villages. 4,500 houses are simply too many.
It is perfectly possible to add a sensible number of houses and still protect what all of us love about Yarnton, Begbroke and Kidlington, and that is what I will be fighting for alongside the residents who have entrusted me with their petition that I have now delivered to Cherwell Council saying just that. Development doesn’t mean destruction if planners genuinely listen to local residents, ensure they put in place infrastructure before expansion and use some common sense along the way”.