Comment: 75-homes and the by-election
Yesterday’s news of an application to build 75 homes in the heart of Chilbolton has alarmed many residents. It has also thrown a spotlight on tomorrow’s by-election.
The Chilbolton residents’ forum on Facebook lit up yesterday with villagers expressing their fears: “This is awful”, “Is now the time to write in opposition?”, “I find it rather depressing”, “Imagine the flooding and water displacement, if the field above the Village is covered with concrete.”
There is confusion over the Parish Council’s role in this. Why are there 75 homes, rather than 25? Did the Parish Council know this was coming? Will the Parish Council be opposing this?
All three candidates say they decided to stand for election because they were unhappy with the way the Parish Council handled their development proposal. And all three also strongly support a referendum.
Yesterday’s announcement has reminded many people of their fears over housing development and what it might mean to the Village.
The election tomorrow gives us the chance to demonstrate the strength of that feeling. It is also the opportunity to give the successful candidates a strong mandate when they join the Parish Council.
The Vote
You can read more about the candidates’ views here:
Voting takes place tomorrow at the Village Hall and is open from 7am to 10pm. Electors can vote for one or two candidates.
You will have to show an acceptable form of photo ID before you are issued with a ballot paper. This includes driving licences and passports, but also a wide range of other documents - there is more information here.
Results
chilbolton.news will be at the count later in the evening, and will be bringing you the results and comments from the candidates as soon as we can.