Local plan scoping consultation

I’m objecting because this 291-hectare proposal would destroy the character of Ashley. We live in a small rural village with no facilities and a station that barely runs an hourly service, so calling it well connected feels untrue. Every road into Ashley crosses a narrow bridge, and the thought of heavy traffic pouring through them is frightening. This is beautiful Green Belt countryside and productive farmland, surrounded by wildlife, historic buildings and peaceful landscapes. Losing all of that would change Ashley forever. Please do not take this site forward.

I am writing to formally object to the proposal to convert 291 hectares of farmland into housing developments in the Ashley area. This plan, if approved, will have severe and irreversible consequences for the local community, the environment, and the long-term sustainability of the region.
Key Concerns
1. Transport and Safety Issues
The proposal fails to address critical transportation and safety challenges that already plague Ashley. The area’s infrastructure is ill-equipped to support sustainable transit or accommodate increased traffic from new housing developments. Specific concerns include:
o Ashley Train Station: The station lacks the service capacity to handle sustainable transit options. Without significant upgrades, residents will remain dependent on cars, exacerbating congestion and pollution.
o Rural Lane Network: The existing rural road network is inadequate, with narrow bridges (e.g., on the A538/M56) that cannot safely accommodate additional traffic. This forces residents into high-risk driving conditions.
o Congestion on A538/M56: These routes are already congested, and the proposed housing will generate even more traffic, leading to gridlock and unsafe conditions.
o Forced Car Dependency: The lack of safe pedestrian, cycling, and public transport infrastructure will leave residents with no choice but to rely on cars, further straining the already fragile road system.
2. Recent Tragedy Highlights Risks
The recent accident on 16th August, involving a car and a cyclist, underscores the dangers of the current infrastructure. The cyclist suffered serious injuries, including a fractured skull and multiple rib fractures, and remains in hospital. This incident is a stark reminder of how vulnerable road users are in Ashley due to inadequate safety measures. Approving this proposal without addressing these risks would be negligent.
Why This Matters
The Ashley community deserves better. Converting farmland into housing without first resolving transport and safety issues will:
• Endanger lives by increasing traffic on unsafe roads.
• Undermine sustainability by perpetuating car dependency and failing to provide viable alternatives.
• Destroy green spaces that are vital for air quality, mental well-being, and the local ecosystem.
Recommendations for the Local Council
Given these concerns, I urge the council to:
1. Reject the proposal to build housing on 291 hectares of farmland until a comprehensive transport and safety plan is in place.
2. Invest in Ashley Train Station to expand its capacity and improve connectivity.
3. Upgrade rural roads and bridges to accommodate safe pedestrian, cycling, and vehicle traffic.
4. Develop a sustainable transport strategy that prioritizes public transit, walking, and cycling to reduce car dependency.
5. Conduct a full safety audit of the area’s roads and implement measures to protect vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and pedestrians.
The Ashley community should not have to sacrifice safety, sustainability, and quality of life for poorly planned development. I urge you to prioritize the well-being of residents and the environment over profit-driven expansion.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response and hope the council will take these concerns seriously.