Introduction
Comments on the previous options consultation in Spring 2024 are still relevant. These comments will be reviewed and taken into account, together with additional comments received, when the draft plan is being prepared. Below is a short summary of some of the main issues raised in the previous consultation.
Issues raised during the 2024 Option Consultation
- Issues raised relating to addressing the housing shortage and the need for affordable options for young people, but also concerns about development not reflecting and therefore changing the village's local character and resulting in overdevelopment. Preference for development on brownfield sites is noted to protect green spaces.
- There is concern that local infrastructure and services (GP and dental practices, schools, shops) are inadequate for current residents, exacerbated by poor public transport that disconnects the community. There's a call for improving infrastructure alongside or prior to housing expansion.
- There is a push for a sustainable Whitchurch with reduced car dependency via better planning, despite the current reliance on cars due to inadequate public transport.
- There is concern over potential increases in traffic congestion, particularly on the A37, with suggestions including enhancing public transport, promoting sustainable travel, and upgrading road infrastructure.
- Proposals to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality include rerouting heavy goods vehicles and establishing traffic calming measures, amid concerns that new development could intensify these issues.