Plans for in and around Andover Essay Example
Plans for in and around Andover Essay Example

Plans for in and around Andover Essay Example

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  • Pages: 4 (908 words)
  • Published: December 17, 2017
  • Type: Case Study
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The proposed plans for the new town indicate inevitable growth, possibly transforming it into another Milton Keynes within 20, 30 or 50 years. This growth will eliminate any rural buffer between Andover, Basingstoke, and Winchester. A local politician was asked some questions regarding the developments, and here are the questions and their corresponding answers:
Q: Why is building in this part of the countryside not the answer?
A: The reason is that it is not sustainable. Eagle Star is the only party that disagrees with the government and other main parties that future housing settlements should be sustainable.

Despite Eagle Star proposing a new town with 9,000 houses and over 20,000 residents, we believe the plan is not feasible due to insufficient resources like schools, shops, and job opportunities. This would inevitably result in

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pressure for more housing development and lead to increased pollution from car travel to other towns and cities. Additionally, it would cause loss of quality farmland and 5,000 tonnes of wheat production lost annually while eroding the rural buffer that benefits Winchester, Basingstoke, and Andover. However, given the Hampshire County Structure Plan's current scope allowing up to 42,000 houses with an additional reserve of 14,000 until 2016; greenfield site development may be unavoidable.

The government approved plans in March 2000 to build 43,000 new homes annually for the next five years, as a result of a report by a team of planning inspectors led by Professor Crow. This means that there will be 860,000 new homes in south-east counties within the next twenty years. It is preferred that only brownfield sites be used for 60% of these new homes,

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and greenfield sites should only be considered as a last option and for relatively small parcels of land. Hampshire County Council aims to reduce car usage, but the proposed mass development near Micheldever Station by Zurich Eagle Star may not facilitate this. Travellers are likely to opt for their cars instead of the train service to reach nearby cities such as Basingstoke, Winchester and London.

According to The Babtie Group's independent research report, traffic congestion on all roads in the area is predicted to significantly and worryingly increase, which would result in higher pollution levels. Additionally, the report indicates that Zurich Eagle Star's projections for employment generated by the new town are unsupported, even with the availability of small business units on site. Even if 50% of the residents could find employment within the new town, the remaining population would still need to commute to work outside of the area.

The Babtie Group has concluded that the area may attract people who wish to move out of London and commute, which could result in the area becoming a dormitory town. This could have disastrous economic implications for nearby towns like Andover, Basingstoke, and Winchester. Additionally, water will be a significant issue as supplies will need to be transported from the south through a new pipeline. The government's motives for this development should be scrutinized, as England already needs to accommodate an additional 4 people.

The expected rise in the number of households to 4 million by 2016 is a result of various factors including an increase in the adult population and socio-structural changes. The reduced fertility rates have led to a decline in natural population, which has been

offset by the increase in adults. Post-War generations have benefited from better healthcare, diet, and education resulting in improved life expectancy. Despite this, average household sizes have decreased from 2.4 to 2 due to higher divorce rates, more single-parent families, and a preference for living alone.

By 2020, immigration is expected to bring in over 60,000 additional adults to England. Although greenfield development is typically seen as a less expensive and easier option compared to brownfield development, which is often viewed as more costly and difficult, developers tend to opt for greenfield sites. Nevertheless, brownfield sites could potentially be more economically feasible due to preexisting markets, favorable planning systems, utility access, and the presence of nearby amenities.

Due to the shortage of brownfield sites, some greenfield development is unavoidable. Planning policy should adapt to current times. Urban areas are experiencing a resurgence, as evidenced by the success of developments like central Birmingham and Docklands that have lured people away from rural areas. The notion that people don't want to dwell in city centres is no longer valid. Nonetheless, constructing on greenfield sites remains easier than on brownfield ones, despite developers' assertions to the contrary.

The aim of setting a target of 75% for brownfield sites is to exert pressure on developers to showcase their expertise and innovation in rejuvenating previously utilized areas, benefiting both urban and rural regions. This effort is crucial as the plan to construct three towns equivalent in size to Liverpool in the countryside is already underway. Given the limited size of the country, it is crucial to protect its green spaces and promote the development of healthy towns. Urban living is vital as it

fosters creativity, which is essential for a thriving town. The abandonment of vacant flats, offices, and shops negatively impacts these areas; however, it presents immense opportunities for urban regeneration. Consequently, it is imperative to take immediate measures to revamp our cities and towns while safeguarding our environment for future generations.

Global warming cannot be addressed by dispersing the population in rural areas. The global carbon dioxide emission targets will not be achieved until individuals willingly choose to refrain from using their vehicles. Furthermore, constructing greenfield sites contradicts the current policy of abstaining from new road constructions.

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