Development density exceeds 100 per hectare in 2006-7

Spelthorne Council's Annual Monitoring Report for the Local Development Framework shows that the average density for new builds of more than 10 homes was over 100 per hectare for the first time. This was up from a figure of just over 60 in the previous year. This figure is much higher than that for any other local borough and is an indication of the level of over-development we are experiencing.

LibDem Councillor Lawrence Nichols at the October Council meeting asked the Leader if he intended to "celebrate" or "regret" this milestone. In a lengthy answer Councillor Packman sought to explain the individual circumstances of the developments that contributed to this average density rather than to address the real issue. Lawrence Nichols said "I find it difficult to believe that this average can be compatible with improving Spelthorne and building quality new homes for people. We all know that we are seeing over-development throughout Spelthorne and this is a consequence of Council policies for many years".

Local LibDems have consistently expressed the view that the new Local Development Framework represents a missed opportunity to reverse the trend. Rather than put in place policies that would reflect local need and sentiment, the Tory-controlled Council have put in place weak controls that collectively leave Spelthorne open to unsatisfactory development.

The full text of the question and the Leaders response will shortly be available on the Spelthorne website.