Taylor Wimpey's plans to 'sell off' an important area of green space in The Cornfields has been stalled thanks to the immediate and swift action of County Councillor Stephen Reid, but this episode raises pressing concerns that Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council may not be effectively protecting the green space residents value so highly.
Maria said,
"Open areas of green space in our residential communities are an essential part of their design and important in planning consent being given. However, it appears that an area of green space, this time in Hatch Warren, was about to be 'sold off' by a house builder, leaving residents questioning how many other areas of green space in residential estates might be affected.
"Protecting green space is important to residents, yet we see that the protection put in place by the Council has fallen short. And this isn't the first time. A petition to protect the Old Down, supported by thousands of residents and a vote in full council is still to be acted on by the Council.
"Are there other areas of green space in Basingstoke's estates that could be sold off by house builders?
"Rather than just talking about the importance of green space the Independent led Council needs to act, first to make Old Down a Local Nature Reserve and second to review all the areas of green space in the Borough to ensure those maintained by the Council on behalf of residents cannot then be 'sold off' by house builders."
