Flick is concerned about the proposed development in Eastleigh and the knock on effect on many of our villages in Meon Valley. Traffic has increased hugely through villages such as Owslebury, Upham and Curdridge as well as others. We do need more homes especially affordable homes but this is the wrong location. Flick is supporting the Action Against Destructive Development Group and work with other local MPs, if elected, to find more appropriate sites. Here is what she has written on their website www.add-eastleigh.org. Flick says,
'I am opposed to the planned development of 5300 houses (Option B and C) by Eastleigh Borough council on some of the last green space in the Bishopstoke area. The road infrastructure is already bursting at the seams. Residents in Durley, Curdridge, Owslebury and Upham have all complained to me that traffic is becoming unsustainable and minor roads are clogged up at rush hour.
There are still brownfield sites which should be prioritised for house building in Eastleigh. I am not against house building as we need more houses especially affordable ones, but they have to be in the right place, next to public transport and easy access to shops and public services. Our green spaces and strategic gaps should only be built on when all brownfield sites have been used.
I am also concerned about the environmental impact on the River Itchen with the run off from the roads especially the new proposed road which will be over the Itchen. This is an area of special area of conservation and has salmon and trout that spawn up the river.
I urge Eastleigh Councillors to revisit their local plan in conjunction with neighbouring councils and work on a long term sustainable plan that makes sense to all local residents.