Lib Dems Calls for Extraordinary Council Meeting to Debate House Building Targets Granted

A council meeting to discuss Bromsgrove's huge hike for house building targets has been granted following Lib Dem councillors calling for an extraordinary meeting.

Bromsgrove's Green Belt was already under threat from Conservative run Bromsgrove District Council's review of local Green Belt, which has currently been paused. The Labour Government have proposed planning reforms which will increase Bromsgrove's house building target by 82%. This means that over 700 new homes will be built in Bromsgrove each year by the Council, threatening Green Belt even further.

Lib Dem Councillor and group leader Rob Hunter called for an extraordinary meeting to take place to submit a response to the consultation. Cllr. Hunter said: "Bromsgrove desperately needs more homes that are genuinely affordable for local people to rent as well as buy, but too often the homes built locally are anything but. Giving developers free rein over our countryside is not the answer. Local communities should have more control and developers stronger incentives to regenerate brownfield sites. Bromsgrove deserves better and as a Council we must make sure the voice of local residents is heard."

Local campaigner James Clarke who is standing to represent Sidemoor on Bromsgrove District Council commented: "Traffic congestion in Bromsgrove continues to get worse and that is why I have been campaigning along with the Lib Dems for a Western Relief Road. It is disappointing that Conservative and Labour councillors in Bromsgrove recently voted against conducting a study into traffic relief options following the previously proposed route for a relief road becoming unavailable as houses are now being built in Perryfields. Congestion will only get worse in Bromsgrove if Labour and the Conservatives continue to support new homes without any significant new infrastructure."

The extraordinary meeting is due to take place on 23rd September at 6PM at Bromsgrove District Council. Members of the public are invited to attend or watch the meeting live online.