We have campaigned against this development for years.
We've asked the Labour Council Leader Simon Letts to stop the sale of Council land for the development. He refused. And Councillor Letts further insulted residents by suggesting they pay for a very expensive legal battle - a Judicial Review. Councillor Letts also stated that he didn't think that it was an issue that the development company is registered as a company in Jersey.
It still doesn't have final planning permission.
We have sent the below letter to the developers and their agents Evander.
We hope they scrap this development now.
We will keep fighting this development with residents.
Denise and Andrew
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RE: Your South
Central Proposal - Test Lane, Redbridge, Southampton
We write on
behalf of hundreds of residents of Redbridge who urge you to
reconsider, or preferably scrap, your plans for your unnecessary
development at Test Lane / Gover Road in Southampton (so-called
“South Central”). It is still very unpopular here and we
advise that you will continue to receive stiff resistance from us and
residents.
We have already
successively delayed and modified the development, as well as adding
to the conditions that you have to meet – including Section 106 and
Section 278 agreements – which you still have failed to complete
after such a long time. Perhaps you and Evander should have listened
more carefully early on to the views of residents?
The current and
future uncertainty of trading with the EU has resulted in a
withdrawal of investment in property, demonstrated by several UK
property investment funds ceasing trading recently.
Clearly there has
been a slowdown in interest and further threats to viability are
clear from an oversupply of distribution centres and warehousing that
are already being built and planned in Nursling and Rownhams, very
close to your proposal.
The above
factors have reduced the need, the profitability and desirability of
your proposed development in Test Lane. In addition, your
development is “speculative” in your own words!
We repeat that
we urge you to reconsider, or preferably scrap, your plans. Surely
other developments are causing you less hassle and bringing less
resistance than South Central?
Residents are
also appalled that the Leader of Southampton City Council, Councillor
Simon Letts, with whom you have negotiated a deal on his Council's
land, does not believe it is a matter for the Council to decide not
sell to tax havens - it’s down to Parliament he says! Do you agree?
Jersey - where your Company is registered, cannot hide forever from
tax penalties or increased scrutiny and democratic control. The UK
HMRC have warned there are “No safe havens” - where will
a crackdown leave you if Parliament acts? We believe you would
struggle.
To repeat, we
would also advise that we and residents will continue to campaign
actively on the development. Residents are fully aware of the detail
of the consent and will be monitoring every detail of the build very
closely. They are being advised and guided by us – we are
experienced and successful campaigners as we have already proved.
The site is also
difficult with regard to wildlife as it adjoins a nature reserve that
is protected by international laws; short-eared owls have repeatedly
been photographed on site. There are also time limits when vegetation
can be cleared and already you are behind schedule. Residents are in
contact with an ecologist and Hampshire and the Isle of Wight
Wildlife Trust. Unlike the Council we will protect the wildlife and
environment – do you wish to do so as well?
If you do, you
must scrap your unwanted and unnecessary proposal.
We await your
response regarding your intentions for ceasing your investment in
this site!
Be warned - the
development will be watched! And the Redbridge Residents Association
is motivated to stop you.
Independent
Councillor Andrew Pope and Denise Wyatt
Millbrook,
Redbridge and Maybush Independents