CAMPAIGNERS are calling on their MP to help them fight a blueprint for 250 new homes on the outskirts of Uppingham.
A group of residents will hold a meeting with Alan Duncan tomorrow to discuss Rutland County Council’s new policy for future development in the county.
Last summer the council published its vision for what Rutland’s priorities should be and reside
nts have until Tuesday to voice their opinions on the outcome of the consultation.
Ideas outlined in the Core Strategy Policy include 1,000 new homes to the north west of Oakham, 250 homes to the north west of Uppingham, five acres of new employment land across the county and limited development at Rutland Water.
Michael and Rosemary Tolkien, of Firs Avenue in Uppingham, have launched a campaign against the plans and are urging Rutlanders to have their say before next week’s deadline.
Mrs Tolkien said: “As well as destroying the countryside, 250 unnecessary new homes will put intolerable strain on the overstretched infrastructure of the town.
“A huge addition to the population also threatens the character of this unique and historic market town.
“It is certainly a matter of great concern to the entire Uppingham community and time allowed for response has been pitifully short.”
MP Alan Duncan will attend a meeting with residents from Firs Avenue on Friday afternoon where they will discuss the impact a north-south bypass might have on the town, possible noise and pollution created from the new homes and the impact they would have on town services like schools, shops and medical care.
Mrs Tolkien added: “Three hundred new homes would be a disaster for the town.
“We hope that by June 30 more people will lodge complaints to the county council and that Alan Duncan will do the same.”
Details about the Core Strategy are available on-line at www.rutland. gov.uk/corestrategy or at Uppingham Library until Friday and Catmose in Oakham until Tuesday.
The final document will be submitted to the Secretary of State in 2010.
It will form a key part of the council’s Local Development Framework which is the basis for all planning policies which influences the council’s decisions about what can be developed in Rutland and where.
