Concerns over town growth to be discussed

The meeting has been called following the chamber's public criticism of the council's decision to limit the number of new homes being built in the borough. The council's development committee recently agreed to a target of 300 new homes a year in order to prevent empty, unsold houses and development in unsuitable areas, but the Chamber of Commerce believes the figure needs to be higher in order to attract new businesses and employers.

Cllr Bell said: "We need to set realistic targets. We have to take into account the current state of the economy and the provision of funding for infrastructure such as roads, doctors, schools shops, sports facilities and so on. If we set our targets too high, and can't demonstrate that we're achieving them, then the way is open for speculative developers to put forward planning applications in areas that aren't in our local plan.

"We want to meet with the Chamber of Commerce to explain this reasoning and discuss their concerns face to face, which is why we've invited them to the council offices on Thursday. People will always have different opinions and we welcome debate and challenge, but we've always said that we would prefer people to come and talk to us so that we can have a proper conversation and discuss any concerns."

Cllr Bell will be joined by deputy leader Cllr Barry Graves and development committee chairman Cllr Graham Lawman, as well as the council's chief executive and head of planning and local development, for the meeting with the Chamber of Commerce. The meeting will take place on Thursday 9 February at Swanspool House.