Newcastle Lib Dems condemn Labour's threat to Gosforth Nature Reserve

The Labour administration at Newcastle Council is planning to build 21,000 homes on the city's Green Belt. One of the most worrying proposals would see 600 homes built right up against Gosforth Nature Reserve which forms the northern edge of the Ouseburn wildlife corridor. The development would wipe out some of the natural foraging area around the reserve. "This is yet another example of Labour's lack of commitment to the environment" said Gareth Kane, Lib Dem Spokesman for the Environment on the Council, "This is a terrible blunder and if it goes ahead, it cannot be undone. We call on Labour to withdraw the proposal immediately."

Strangely for an administration whose slogan is "Let's Talk", the original consultation period was extremely brief, and no consultation meetings have been arranged for the east of the city. An Independent/Liberal Democrat motion to Council in early November forced Labour to extend the consultation by three months. Newcastle Lib Dem councillors have been pressing the Council to hold meetings on the east side of the city so everyone can have their say.