During Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities questions in the House of Commons this week, Richard asked the Minister for a meeting to discuss the progress review by the National Infrastructure Commission, published this week, which in his view confirmed that East West Rail is an excuse for even greater housing development in Bedfordshire and the region. He asked for housing growth in the Ox-Cam arc not to be progressed until the shortage of local services is addressed.
Richard Fuller MP said:
Housing growth in North East Bedfordshire has exceeded the national average by 2 1/2 times over recent years, resulting in acute pressure on public services such as doctors, dentists and school places.
On Monday in Parliament I highlighted the widely recognised belief that East West Rail represents little more than a trojan horse to ever more house building in this region and ever greater pressure on essential services. I asked the Minister for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to assure me that the current shortages would be addressed, and new infrastructure put in place before any further housing development was undertaken in North east Bedfordshire.
Richard's question and the Minister's reply can be watched here. The National Infrastructure Commission's 2023 Progress Review, published on Monday, can be read here.
