Have your say: Canterbury City Council's Local Plan

Thank you to all those who have written to me to share their concerns about Canterbury City Council's Local Plan.

This has been the subject of heated discussion for the last few years. I have heard from constituents concerned about proposed developments in Chestfield, Wincheap - especially the latest plans for development of Thannington Rec, as well as the ongoing controversial proposal for Brooklands Farm, and the recently reversed and extremely unpopular Blean development.

While I am proud of what we have achieved during this time raising the voices and concerns of residents to leadership of Canterbury City Council, it remains to be said that each and every iteration of the Local Plan raises serious concerns for residents across Canterbury, Whitstable and our villages.

More social housing in Canterbury is desperately needed, however, this should not and cannot come at the cost of losing our vital green spaces which are relied upon by so many. In particular, park land or public space in built up or traffic-heavy areas must be protected. We also know that air pollution in and around Canterbury has often failed testing of safe levels done by concerned citizens and community groups.

As your Member of Parliament, I am able to raise my constituents’ voices in Parliament however I do not have decision-making power on local housing plans. That remains the responsibility and decision of those elected Canterbury City Councillors of all political parties who vote on Housing plans.

I urge each member of our constituency to raise your concerns to Canterbury City Council directly through the following link, before the consultation ends on Tuesday 21st October:

https://haveyoursay.canterbury.gov.uk/draft-canterbury-district-local-plan-focused-consultation-2025

Please share this information with both those who would, and would not, be typically engaged in local democracy and encourage people to share their thoughts and concerns via the link above. This is your chance to have your voices heard on the future of our city. We usually hear from the same names, the most active groups and certain areas of the City.

I particularly urge under-represented groups including residents in social housing, built up areas, or larger housing estates in our villages to speak up and have their say. Please post the link on your neighbourhood groups, local Facebook pages and forums or have chats with other parents in the school playground, or wherever you might be able to engage others to get involved.

I am not a 'Nimby', and nor are those worried about the over-development of our busy city. We simply have the right to expect imaginative and thoughtful Housing initiatives that enhance our communities rather than making life more difficult, stretch local services even further, or increase traffic to unbearable levels while removing our few precious and important green spaces.