Letter to West Briton dated 7/3/2010 in regard to further proposed developments around Truro
Dear Editor,
Like many readers, I am horrified at the prospect of the proposed development of a supermarket and new housing on the eastern side of Truro ('Duchy is slammed over bid for superstore on city site' WB 4/3/10). The Green Party is totally opposed to this development, as well as other proposed developments in the Truro-Threemilestone corridor, and further commercial development further along the Fal at Newham.
I hope I am not alone in coming to the conclusion that it is totally unsatisfactory that the Duchy of Cornwall is insisting on a 'trade off' to develop more housing and commercial property, in return for a Park and Ride scheme on the eastern side of the city. I believe it is incorrect to 'sell' the park and ride site as an environmentally friendly scheme to ease traffic congestion. The Duchy's proposal represents total hypocrisy compared with the fine sentiments of Prince Charles's recent Richard Dimbleby lecture (among other statements in a similar vein) where he argued the need to restrict development and protect the countryside.
In my view the development of a Park and Ride scheme on the east of the city will not solve the current traffic problems. Since I moved to the area fifteen years ago, I have witnessed the significant increase in traffic build up every morning, which now starts at Tresilian towards the city. If the scheme is developed, why would people want to park at this proposed site, after suffering the majority of the congestion, rather than continue to travel the extra mile or so to the centre of the city? Secondly, the development of housing and a supermarket, on the proposed site will only add to the existing congestion problems. The housing will no doubt be unaffordable to most local people, and the last thing Truro needs is another supermarket; which will undoubtedly destroy the trade of city shop keepers even further, and possibly lead to further closures of local business in the city centre.
The Green Party believes we must work to rebuild sustainable communities in our villages and towns. People must be given the opportunity to work near to where they live. We must not continue to promote and encourage people to commute to Truro, St Austell and Plymouth. Modern information and communications technology makes it possible for more administrative work to be completed at home, which in turn helps individuals improve their work /life balance. The Green Party would also redistribute finance from roadbuilding programmes to reopen many branch rail lines closed by government since the end of the last world war. We would also improve other public transport, to enable those who have to commute to view buses and trains as an affordable and reliable alternative to using private cars.
Importantly I propose a green belt around the existing city limits of Truro, and this is designed and implemented by Cornwall Council as a top priority. No developer should be allowed to make Truro into yet another urban sprall with suburbs spreading out to Threemilestone, Shortlanesend, Ladock and Playing Place. Unless we act now, there is a real danger of Cornwall becoming another anonymous county, with no specific character, and our lives becoming synonymous with the 'hustle and bustle' of people's lives 'up country'.
A green belt around Truro would ensure development only occurs on existing 'brown field' sites rather than destroy the countryside further. Where development is necessary, it should be, where possible, be in areas needing regeneration and where jobs are crucially needed. Lastly I would say shame on Prince Charles for allowing the Duchy to promote this proposal which is completely at odds with his other statements about protecting our culture and natural environment.
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