'Orpington green belt under threat from new town of up to 25,000 new homes'

Housing Secretary Angela Rayner spearheaded a £150 million deal with developers aimed at creating new towns, with Chelsfield as a primary location. This could result in 10,000 to 25,000 new homes lacking sufficient infrastructure and altering community landscapes. Local areas, particularly St Mary Cray, face similar threats with proposals for significant housing developments on agricultural land. Government actions, including proposed restrictions on local councillors’ planning authority, risk increased pressure on the green belt. Critics, including locals and political representatives, argue these changes jeopardize community involvement and environmental preservation.

"The proposed housing developments could lead to between 10,000 to 25,000 homes being built, overwhelming local communities without adequate infrastructure."

"Angela Rayner’s plans to strip local councillors of their decision-making power risk diminishing community voice in planning, particularly on contentious applications."

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