Alan Bullion, Candidate for Rainham & Gillingham, Promises to Protect Our Orchards
Alan Bullion, Liberal Democrat Candidate for Rainham and Gillingham has pledged to oppose any planning application put forward to Medway Council to build 1,250 residential units on orchards located in Lower Rainham, which if goes ahead, would destroy Grade 1 agricultural land off Pump Lane.
Alan said "We believe this would obliterate an area of locally valued landscape and therefore is completely incompatible with the aims of sustainable development. Medway's rural heritage in this area will be lost and can never be recovered if this development goes ahead. As with Capstone Valley and Riverside Country Park, these spaces are a vital asset for everyone.
This massive development would have a devastating impact on the surrounding environment and drastically change the face of the rural area. The land provides a sanctuary for a number of species, with the orchards home to bees in hives, as well as rabbits, badgers and hawks that fly over the area looking for prey.
Such large-scale construction will add significantly more car travel in a well-preserved rural area. The increased level of traffic from this scheme and all the other developments committed and proposed in the Lower Rainham area will significantly increase traffic congestion and worsen already poor air quality.
The Conservative-run council has not yet adopted a coherent, credible Local Plan which gives clear guidance on where to build sufficient housing to meet government targets, so allowing development on 'brown build' sites as opposed to destroying Green Belt sites."
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Liberal Democrats are calling on Medway Council to adopt a Local Development Plan to help protect the environment against developments of this nature and simultaneously improve the quality and quantity of new residential development to stimulate regeneration in our town centres.
Over 3000 objections from local residents have been submitted to Medway Council
ALAN BULLION
Alan Bullion works in London for a publishing company and commutes from High Brooms station, where he successfully campaigned for a second ticket machine, as well as more capacity and fairer fares for rail and bus travellers. Alan is a former school Governor and pupil of Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys, and is chair of its Alumni society.
Alan has long been active on a number of issues, such as defending recreation and sports facilities against development. Delivering additional school places and keeping social care to support older people.
Alan has focused on issues such as safer streets and 20mph zones, especially around schools and building up care at local hospitals. Alan also is a great believer in life-long learning, having done degrees with the Open University and Southampton as a mature student.