THE Conservative leader of the opposition to the council has slammed the local government's "surprise backing" for the creation of new towns of at least 10,000 homes in each, stating "we're already at breaking point."

In July this year, the Government launched an "expert taskforce" to spearhead Labour’s plans for a fresh generation of new towns.

The towns, which the new Government says will create communities of at least 10,000 homes each, are billed as a part of the largest housebuilding programme since the post-war period.

Now, in a letter to the Ministry of Housing, under the heading of 'New Towns', Cllr Paul Harvey, leader at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and Cllr Andy Konieczko, portfolio holder for planning at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council said they welcome the opportunity to create new towns in the borough. 

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The two councillorsThe two councillors (Image: HCC/BDBC)

The letter said: "The council supports the emphasis on suitably located new towns to deliver the levels of growth required and would welcome working with partners to help the government in identifying and delivering such opportunities locally.

"It is hoped that Local Planning Authorities are given the opportunity to play an important role in this work."

The Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council's ruling Independent and Liberal Democrat administration’s backing for new towns in the Government’s planning consultation has sparked sharp criticism from the opposition, who argue the strategy is flawed and will create more problems than it solves.

Cllr Simon Minas-Bound, Conservative leader of the opposition, slammed the administration for not consulting others about the statement, saying "We're already at breaking point."

He added: "This administration is pushing forward with surprise new town plans without addressing the current infrastructure gaps and hasn't talked to anyone."

While the administration supports new towns to address housing needs, the opposition believes this approach overlooks critical challenges and lacks transparency.

The councillor explained that the Conservatives have contacted parish and town councils across the borough to see if this has come as big as shock to them "as it has to us as borough councillors."

One major concern is the strain on "already overstretched local infrastructure."

He said: "Public services, such as schools, healthcare, and transport, are struggling to cope, and the opposition warns that adding new towns will exacerbate these issues."

The Gazette has contacted Cllr Paul Harvey for a comment.