This consultation by Wycombe District Council is set against a background of
significant housing targets imposed on the District from above. The growth in
the town that will result, with all the adverse implications, will be resented and
resisted by many, and risk setting people from one part of the District against
another as people seek to protect precious landscapes from development.
In parallel with these impositions from above has been the relentless stripping
away of real power of self-determination from local authorities. This process
began with the Conservative Governments of Margaret Thatcher and John Major,
and has been consistently continued by the Labour Governments of Tony Blair
and Gordon Brown.
Liberal Democrats believe strongly in giving real power back to communities, so
that they can exercise choices for themselves. Housing need which has been
identified by local communities is much more likely to be accommodated
‘organically’ and by consent. There is no doubt that there are unmet housing
needs in Wycombe District. In particular, many local villages and smaller
communities may welcome small-scale development, with homes earmarked for
local people at affordable costs. Our proposals seek to give priority to such
needs.
The proposed Major developments in the plan have potential to dramatically
alter the Town for good or ill.
Quite rightly local groups and residents are raising major objections to the plans
and solutions proposed.
Wycombe Liberal Democrats cannot support major development in Wycombe
District as proposed until adverse effects on infrastructure have been addressed.
We are concerned that local transport, schools and NHS facilities cannot cope
with current proposals.
Now is the time for some changes to the plan. There is no single policy that can
make this happen. We therefore propose policies and options that will help the
people of High Wycombe and surrounding area minimise the damage that would
be inflicted by the existing plan.
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