CAUSE: Campaign Against Unsustainable Stortford Expansion

<BODY> <P>CAUSE (Campaign Against Unsustainable Stortford Expansion) is a pressure group whos aim is to prevent any further large-scale housing development having an adverse impact on the town of Bishops Stortford in Hertfordshire, UK.</P> <P>The area of countryside within the bypass to the North of the town is now under threat from a proposed new development of at least 3253 houses. Only strong and active opposition will halt Stortfords headlong expansion and prevent the towns roads and amenities from becoming further overburdened.</P> <P>The Areas of Special Restraint (ASRs), over 200 acres within the A120 bypass to the North of the town, were designated in order to provide land for the predicted housing requirements resulting from the expansion of Stansted Airport. The need for airport-related housing is now accepted to have been dramatically over-estimated. East Hertfordshire District Council (EHDC) now intends to develop the ASR land for general housing needs.</P> <P>Local residents associations, the Civic Society and other groups in the town have formed a campaign committee to fight this development. CAUSE is calling on the planners to listen to local people and turn aside from any development which threatens the character of Bishops Stortford and reduces the quality of life for its residents. CAUSE believes that if further houses are necessary they should be confined to sustainable brownfield sites and endorses the principles of sustainability.</P> <P>In March 1999 nearly 5000 people signed letters of protest to East Hertfordshire District Council against the development of the ASR land. However, the land remains destined for development unless EHDC redesignate it in the Local Plan.</P> <P>(Viewing this page requires a browser capable of displaying frames.) </BODY>