No Brainer
I wondered what to write in this month’s article but, having received a leaflet from Taylor Wimpey saying that they are planning to apply for permission to build 1100 homes between Barkby and Syston, it’s a no brainer.
We were aware that they would be applying to build 900 homes but this news has really come as a proper kick in the teeth. The LLFA has stated that they will fully engage with CBC, EA and the developer regarding the application for 900 homes and “will be seeking for betterment with regards to flood risk management” and “every effort should be taken to minimise surface water volume run-off”. They are now looking at a 22% increase in the number of proposed homes!!
This engagement better work.
Taylor Wimpey’s sales pitch sounds good, have a look at www.taylorwimpey.co.uk/new-homes/syston-south-east-syston. What’s missing? Flood mitigation, not just for that site but the whole of Syston, I suppose it’s not a positive sales pitch. They held an open day on 25th September to show residents their plans and to get feedback from residents prior to putting in their planning application.
We’re not against building homes but flood mitigation measures for the current problem and for the new site need to be installed and then constantly maintained.
Climate change, new builds, lack of maintenance, lack of funds, fly tipping etc. all go towards increasing the possibility of flooding. We need to look after the environment AND the humans. The residents of Barkby, Syston, Sileby – the list is endless – can then relax when it rains.
On a lighter note, we had a great time at the Summer Fayre. Many people stopped at our stand to see the pictures and talk to us even the Mayor and Mayoress were keen to know about the work we are doing. Thank you to everyone who took part in our “Guess the Weight of the Sandbag” competition, the actual weight was 16.5kg. I had to keep a straight face when one young man was absolutely spot on – quite difficult I can tell you!
Syston Community Flood Group