Local plan scoping consultation

Comment

Representation ID: 5034

Received: 27/08/2026

Respondent: Stephen Wharfe

I would like to object strongly to the proposal to build thousands of houses in Ashley.
Firstly I believe that all brown field sites should be utilised before we even think of building on prime agricultural land. World politics are in a fragile state, we are an island, we already rely on substantial amount of food imports. If a conflict was to break out, which is a distinct possibility those imports could be cut off overnight. We must strengthen our food production capacity, not cripple it by building on good agricultural land, rewilding, solar farms etc are undermining our capacity to feed ourselves. There were two conflicts in the last century when the importance home production was paramount. We now have twice as many people and a lot less land. It is time for politicians to come to their senses and realise that we all have to eat. I know that many believe that we do not need farmers as food comes from supermarket, doesn’t it?
Another point is: we cannot sell the homes we now have, so who is going to buy all these new homes?