Say No to Labour plans for 140,000 new homes in Solent City

11.15.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Sun 8th May 2005

Commenting on remarks by Keith Hill MP, the Housing minister in the last government, about a potential "Solent Gateway", Eastleigh Lib Dem MP Chris Huhne said: "A Solent Gateway or Solent City project would destroy the character of the villages and towns around Southampton and Portsmouth, which is precisely what has attracted local residents to live in them. Hamble, Bursledon, Netley Abbey and Hedge End would merge into one. This idea should be shot down in flames.

"It is deeply worrying that Labour ministers are thinking about any such proposal. It would cause a sharp fall in the quality of life for local residents as the existing infrastructure of roads, schools and sewers is unable to cope as it is.

"The Liberal Democrats have resisted attempts by both Labour and the Conservatives to build on the greenfields that separate our communities and give them their identity, and we will go on doing so.

"The way to meet the need for more affordable housing in our area is on brownfield sites like Pirelli, not greenfield sites like Allington Lane or the fields between Southampton and the Windhover roundabout at Bursledon" said Mr Huhne.