PRESS RELEASE

30th September 2002

PROPOSED HOUSING AT SCHOOL WOOD, NETHY BRIDGE

At School Wood we have an ancient woodland site of high amenity value and of great importance to wildlife. The quality of this woodland is being sacrificed for the profits of multinational Eagle Star a part of the massive Zurich group with assets of billions. This development will be mostly for the luxury/second home market. It is in a village which already has an exceptionally high proportion of second homes.

This decision shows that the Council’s planning policies are completely failing to take a responsible, long term view. Many will conclude that the Council cannot be trusted with planning powers in a National Park. Rather than selling out to development we must secure a local housing needs policy that keeps a lid on speculative building for the luxury market. We need decisions that genuinely serve the long term interests of future generations in the provision of affordable housing, whilst sustaining and enhancing a quality environment in what after all could be one of the finest National Parks in Europe .

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Press statement ends          For further information please contact Gus Jones tel/fax 01479 821491