Housing in East Grinstead - A statement from Serena Tierney

6.11.25pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 4th May 2005

No one wants 2500 houses or significant numbers of additional houses in East Grinstead or indeed anywhere in Mid Sussex. Liberal Democrats are keen to protect the existing character of East Grinstead and ensure the existing town benefits from investment in infrastructure after years of neglect. It must also be stated that if there are to be any extra homes, then such houses must not be a bolt on to serve Crawley but bring benefits such as Town Centre regeneration and local jobs. I would like to clarify that, as indicated above, Lib Dems on both Town and County Councils have voted against the current Tory plans for 2500 houses as providing insufficient protection for the town with insufficient safeguards on infrastructure.

Liberal Democrats do acknowledge that there are significant pressures on housing throughout the South East, and East Grinstead is no exception. We cannot bury our head in the sand and just say no. Provision does have to be made for local demand created by factors such as children growing up and wanting (rightly) to leave home and set up on their own. The needs of local workers, especially key workers such as nurses etc, also have to be accommodated. It is also essential to have regard at least to some extent to the needs of local businesses; failure to provide for their work force needs could lead to problems in the local economy.

In satisfying such demand, we believe that so-called 'brown field sites' should be the first to be developed. There are many such sites in Mid Sussex, whether an infill site in towns and villages, or industrial land that is no longer required and yet is suitable for housing.

It must be explained that, before development - any development - takes place, there are, for Lib Dems, pre-conditions. First, we could not support any development that might be detrimental to the character of East Grinstead; we need to ensure that is enhanced before allowing any development, including brown field, Second, it is vital that the necessary infrastructure must be provided before any new houses are completed. By infrastructure, we mean, for East Grinstead, an effective relief road and other measures to reduce congestion in the town below the current level. Further, should any development be imposed, it is vital that Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Sites of Special Scientific Interest and other environmentally important areas are fully protected.

Other aspects of infrastructure that are already under pressure, and thus which need investment before further development, include water (both supply and sewerage), electricity supply, schools, doctors and other aspects of medical support, and community facilities. This list is not meant to be comprehensive - there are other areas too.

Finally, in relation to any future developments, I believe very strongly that all new buildings must be energy efficient. This means all should have dual flush toilets to save water and - to save energy and use it more efficiently - proper insulation, photovoltaic cells as roof tiles and solar panels for hot water.