In the realm of politics, the power of constructive action often gets overshadowed by the allure of the blame game. As someone deeply invested in the welfare of Mole Valley, it's disheartening to witness a lack of clear, actionable strategies from those in power. The recent leaflets from the Liberal Democrats have prompted me to address some critical issues and misconceptions circulating in our community.
The Heart of the Matter
For the past five years, the Liberal Democrats have steered the ship at Mole Valley District Council, overseeing the local plan process. The significance of this plan cannot be understated—it's the blueprint for our future, outlining where and how we live, work, and preserve the green spaces so integral to our identity. Yet, despite multiple opportunities to refine and improve this vital document, the administration has fallen short of its promises.
Thousands of residents across the district have voiced their dissatisfaction, feeling overlooked despite participating in two rounds of public consultations. Their feedback not only demonstrated a profound understanding of the planning challenges at hand—highlighting that many of the selected sites lack the necessary infrastructure to support new development—but also reflected a strong desire to preserve the Green Belt and maintain wildlife corridors for future generations. Our treasured Green Belt is significantly protected under the National Planning Policy Framework, which received further reinforcement from the Secretary of State in December 2023. It serves as a development of last resort, mandating that all alternative options be exhaustively considered before a council can declare exceptional circumstances. This widespread concern among the community underscores the pressing need for a more inclusive, well-considered approach to our local plan, one that aligns with both our environmental commitments and the aspirations of Mole Valley's residents.
Promises vs. Reality
Winning power comes with an inherent promise: to deliver on your commitments. Unfortunately, the gap between promise and performance has been all too evident. The local plan, as it stands, fails to meet the crucial needs of our community—providing affordable housing for key workers and young families without encroaching on our cherished Green Belt.
In 2022, the council voted on a draft plan that included green belt sites, a decision that not only demonstrated their support for the plan but also highlighted a significant failure to prioritise the right kind of development. Despite their recent vote, citing limited choices due to governmental pressure, it's clear that more proactive, innovative solutions could have been explored.
A Call for Action, Not Words
The issue of housing in Mole Valley is a pressing one. We need to find a balance between protecting our rural character and ensuring that affordable homes are available to keep key workers in the area and provide for families. This balance requires thoughtful planning, strategic site selection, and a commitment to sustainable development—a commitment that has been lacking.
Through my involvement in local plan formation across Surrey, I've seen firsthand the complexities and challenges that come with these decisions. However, complexity is not an excuse for inaction. The Liberal Democrats have had five years to take charge, to communicate effectively, and to deliver on their promises. Instead, we've seen a cycle of blame and misinformation.
Moving Forward
As we stand at a crossroads, the path forward requires more than just identifying problems—it demands solutions. It's time for the Liberal Democrats to step up, show us how they plan to rectify their missteps and ensure that Mole Valley thrives. We need a local plan that reflects our values, protects our environment, and addresses our housing needs. Let's focus on building a future we can all be proud of.
My video accompanying this post illustrates our community deserves transparency, accountability, and action. The local plan is more than a document; it's a vision for our future. And it's time that vision was realised with the care, dedication, and foresight that Mole Valley deserves.
