Tory cabinet member for housing, Sandra Hawke sees no need to consult local councillors or residents about the new housing developments in Andover.

At Thursday’s council meeting I asked whether local councillors would have an input into implementing the new developments. “This been discussed on a number of occasions with particular reference to integrating the new communities with existing communities and also ensuring the impact of the MDAs on existing communities is minimised”  I said. To this end it was agreed that local members would be consulted and involved in this management of the implementation of the MDAs. Work has started in but to date there has been no consultation with councillors in the wards affected (Alamein and St Mary’s). Why not? and when can I expect this consultation to start?” 

Mrs Hawke replied she saw no need to consult and asked what there was to consult about. I repeated the question emphasising the need to ensure the impact on existing communities is minimised. Mrs Hawke again refused to answer the question.

Work has started at East Anton and local residents are already seeing the disruption caused. In the current economic climate it may be many years before the MDAs are completed. I and my fellow Lib Dem councillors will continue to work to ensure that any works are carried out in such a way as to minimise the effect on local communities.