16/06/05 - Conservatives Call For Better Design

Councillor Nick Martin, "We must plan for the future."

Experienced Shaw & Nine Elms, Conservative Councillor Nick Martin is calling for improved planning guidelines for new houses / housing estates.

The new guidelines should include:

• Built locations in each property (or per household) for the storage of Wheelie Bins / Household Waste.
  
• Streets wide enough for the access of waste bin lorries, fire engines, ambulances etc. and service vehicles in general.
  
• Lay-bys and enough off street parking to avoid the streets being clogged up with parked cars when bin lorries or emergency vehicles need to get through.

Councillor Nick Martin, "Experience shows with any new estate you have to get it right first time.  It is vital we provide a suitable infrastructure, and as a Council we have to set these clear guidelines into practice.  It is clear too many areas these basic standards have not been delivered which can not continue."

Councillor Justin Tomlinson, Conservative, Abbey Meads Ward, "I fully support these suggestions.  In many areas through the Abbey Meads ward I have grave concerns that the infrastructure is unacceptable.  The planning guidelines were simply not strong enough, and now there is little that can be done retrospectively.  The Conservatives are right to make sure we get all future developments not only right for now, but for future generations."