A LEADING conservationist has expressed fears about a further delay in the preparation of the crucial blueprint for the future of Nuneaton and Bedworth.
The Local Plan shapes the changes that will take place in the borough up to 2028, identifies areas of growth and set out its vision of housing and industrial needs.
But a document sensationally `leaked' to the Nuneaton News earlier this year led to the cross party working group on the plan being suspended while investigation to find the'mole' took place.
The document pin-pointed nine potential sites for development, including areas of Weddington, Bedworth Woodlands and Seeswood Pool.
Protesters battling to protect and preserve some of the borough’s precious remaining countryside are worried that the delay will leave it at the mercy of the developers.
Among them is Keith Kondakor, the first Green Party councillor in the history of the borough, who has now discovered that a scrutiny committee which acts as a planning and environment `watchdog' will hear next week about another delay to the Local Plan.
Cllr Kondakor said: “We will have yet another five months delay on the Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Plan.”
He added: “It seems impossible to produce a plan that meets Labour’s implausible growth targets, keeps their promises to some communities about locations to be saved and would pass an examination of soundness by the planning inspectorate.”
Cllr Kondakor urged the council to speed up the process: “The only sensible way is to have more sane growth targets and get a plan out for consultation that is not going to lead to more delays and legal challenge,” he said.
Cllr Danny Aldington, cabinet member for planning and development at the Town Hall, said: “The council is continuing to work towards the preparation of a Borough Plan.
“While no final decisions have yet been taken on what is to be included in the final plan, the many options continue to be carefully considered by council officers working alongside elected members.”
He added: “It has always been the intention of the council to consult on these options with members of the public later this year and this remains out target.”
