Sharon Taylor meeting Annie Large
Sharon Taylor, Labour’s parliamentary candidate, has welcomed the news that the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government has issued his final decision and granted outline planning permission for development on land west of the A1 (M) at Stevenage.
The project, led by the West of Stevenage Consortium, will provide 3,600 dwellings and business premises, shops, leisure, social and community facilities, open space and landscaping as well as provision of infrastructure, highways and public transport facilities.
Sharon Taylor said,
“Today’s decision by the Secretary of State comes after a lengthy and complicated planning process which began in 2001 and I am grateful that he has taken the time to consider carefully all of the issues before coming to his decision.
“Stevenage West is an exciting development which aims to deliver 1,375 affordable homes for people in housing need in our area such as those on housing waiting lists, the elderly, those with special needs and key workers. It will also provide the housing for skilled workers that our key businesses in Stevenage have been asking for.
“It will also offer a huge range of facilities to people in Stevenage and beyond, including space for new businesses, schools shops and leisure and health services.
“Most importantly, this decision has been made with the infrastructure, sustainability and impact to the surrounding area in mind and I am sure that the development of Stevenage West will be a huge boost to the town and will ensure the re-development of the town centre and Lister Hospital.”
Barbara Follett Labour MP for Stevenage added,
“This is great news for Stevenage. Especially in today’s difficult economic climate. It will bring much needed investment, jobs and, homes into the town. It will also help to safeguard the plans we have to expand the town centre and the Lister hospital. I could not be more pleased. Over the past few months I have been working hard with colleagues in government to make sure that this project gets the green light and, after all these years and all the setbacks, it finally has.”
On Wednesday 23rd December, following the announcement, Sharon visited Helpworth Court in Chells to speak with local residents Michael Hudson and Annie Large to discuss the Stevenage West Development. When asked about the announcement Ms Large said,
“I was pleased to hear that permission has been given for new homes to be built in the Stevenage area, they are something that the town really needs. I know from my own experience how tricky it can be to find an affordable home in Stevenage and I know I am lucky that I managed to move in to Hepworth Court, as there are so many people who are still waiting.
“The Stevenage West development looks like it will provide much needed homes for people in Stevenage and I think it’s really important that many of them will be affordable ones for those on housing waiting lists, key workers and the elderly.”