AS the founder member of Harvington Says NO (HSN), I'm saddened by Steve Taylor's (one of the four named developers) vicious attack on the elderly residents of Harvington in the Journal (February 12).

Firstly, I'm 46 and by no means an octogenarian. The nucleus of HSN team has an average age 35-45. The HSN campaign has been supported by over 500 village residents of all ages from16-85.

Irrespective of the group's make-up, the comments were disrespectful and Mr Taylor should consider an apology to Harvington's elder generation.

His comments are nothing short of throwing the dummy out of the cot while shooting yourself in the foot. It's disappointing that a professional of his stature can be this immature.

HSN only exists because of the existence of developers (like Mr Taylor) who pay lip-service and disrespect village communities in their drive to build quick-profit housing solutions irrespective of the consequences.

It's no coincidence that these speculative large applications are only in areas where no official five-year housing supply has been ratified.

It's important to state that HSN doesn't have a 'not in my backyard' attitude, and is pro-active to development recognising that housing development is needed beyond what the local planning authority perceive is necessary.

This is why HSN have been instrumental in getting the concept of a neighbourhood plan under the Localism Act 2011 on the parish council agenda.

A neighbourhood plan will allow the community to work closely with developers to decide where village growth is best located and served, thus adopting a collaborative approach and providing sustainable development.

If Mr Taylor wishes to work in the "enclave" of Harvington community collaboratively in future, I can recommend a little 'growing up' beforehand and an apology is necessary!

Paul Waite

Founder

Harvington Says NO

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