South East Plan is undemocratic, unrealistic and wrong

6.47.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 7th May 2009

The government wants to close the gap between Woking and Guildford

Sue Doughty has strongly criticised the South East plan as unrealistic and unreasonable today. The implication that we can find 60% of the land needed from brownfield sites means that many people are condemned to suffer in overcrowded developments will little open space.

The plan to build on green belt land to the North East of Guildford is deeply disappointing to local people, and there is huge concern about the land between Woking and Guildford which is also earmarked for possible development.

Sue said "We are totally opposed to the whole concept of predict and provide which has led to demands for housing beyond the needs of local people and which will result in the loss of valuable countryside and open spaces. Guildford should not be treated as a dormitory town for London.

"The plan refers to Guildford as a 'centre for significant change' but in reality this is a blue print for Guildford to lose it's unique identity and character." She added.

People in the North of Guildford have already found to their cost that over extensive in fill of land has led to congestion and major problems, and already residents in West Guildford are concerned about possible risks to green spaces.

With the General Election only a year away Sue warned that if she is returned to Parliament she will immediately work to get the plan overturned. "This plan is not based on local needs, and has ignored the huge number of responses from Guildford. It is unfair, it is undemocratic and it is wrong" she said.