WINCHESTER MP Steve Brine has written to the new Leader of Winchester City Council to challenge her to continue Winchester’s opposition to Eastleigh Liberal Democrat plans to build 5,000 houses on the city district’s boundary.

Mr Brine wrote to Cllr Lucille Thompson to reiterate the ‘grave concerns’ that many people across Colden Common, Brambridge, Twyford, Otterbourne, Compton and Shawford have over the impact of the development, which has strong opposition led by Against Destructive Development (ADD), a non-partisan independent group.

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The city council has previously spoken out against Eastleigh Borough Council, and the fact that after many years they have still failed to sign off a Local Plan, and Mr Brine is seeking assurances from Cllr Thompson that, despite the new council also being Liberal Democrat-led, she will maintain Winchester’s longstanding position and speak out on behalf of local residents.

Mr Brine said: “I congratulate Cllr Thompson on her new position, and hope we can work constructively together for the benefit of my constituents. I appreciate she is still settling into the role, but hope she will appreciate there is a great deal of anxiety among my constituents on this issue.”

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