A statement from Helen Tamblyn-Saville on the Local Plan which was voted to be adopted by Bassetlaw District Council on 29th May:
‘The Bassetlaw Local Plan passed last night (29th May). While it involved a huge amount of work, and it IS a requirement that councils have them under the National Planning Policy Framework, had I still been a councillor, I could not have supported the plan as it was.
Retford has suffered flooding that is only getting worse and this was a sticking point for me. That’s why I supported calls to review the plan back in 2021 – I wanted to find a way forward that dealt with the very real concerns.
I do not believe that the plan has given proper consideration to our changing weather and what things may be like in 20-30 years time, nor do I believe the planning inspectorate gave this due consideration either. Is that open space still going to be an open space in a few years, or will the waters have made what is classed as flood zone one more of an issue?
Let’s not forget that some people have only just made it back into their homes after the October floods. What will the impact be on those homeowners?
We need homes. That is fact. Everyone deserves a home. Most people I have spoken to recognise that. The concern is that this development could likely contribute to our flooding issues. Additionally, where is the allocation in the plan for social housing, something that is desperately, desperately needed? Affordable housing is not the same as social housing.
I would not have supported this last night as it stood. It’s disappointing that despite the concerns surrounding flooding and infrastructure being raised over again by residents, that the vast majority of councillors pushed ahead with this anyway.
Yes, we need a plan. That is fact. It is also impossible to please everyone, particularly on an emotive issue like this. Nevertheless, I don’t believe the Ordsall plan is in the best interests of Retford due to the concerns I have outlined, which are shared by many.’