Fears that the Exmouth and Exeter East constituency could be “tarmacked over” have been raised by David Reed MP in his maiden speech to parliament.
Mr Reed, who was elected to represent the new area in July, told the House of Commons he is concerned about the pressure to build large numbers of new homes, adding that he wanted to ensure the right services were put in place alongside properties.
“I am deeply concerned that large parts of Exmouth and Exeter East will be tarmacked over within one generation,” he said.
“Of course we need new homes for the next generation, so that they can live near their friends, family and work, but we must have a tempered approach and ensure that we do not overdevelop and destroy our countryside, and the culture of our historic towns and villages.”
The former royal marine, who trained at the commando training centre in Lympstone, added that while the area he now represents has “much to celebrate” it also has “its fair share of issues.”
He continued: “From an aged and degraded sewerage network to antisocial behaviour, there are many issues that my constituents have placed trust in me to help improve.
“For too long, we have built new houses in the area without delivering appropriate and corresponding infrastructure.
“I fear the new government’s top-down housing targets will further compound that issue, and I will do all I can to ensure that the right mix of houses are built, in the right places, with the right infrastructure and public consultation.”
Mr Reed wants to improve the constituency’s social care provision, post-16 education options, job opportunities, transport links, and provide support for farmers.
To help bring investment into the region, he said he would work with any south west MP – “regardless of political affinity” – to secure funding.
In the tradition of maiden speeches, he paid tribute to the MPs who oversaw or still oversee the constituencies that his is made up from.
He praised former Conservative East Devon MP Simon Jupp for his “relentless” campaigning for the south west, said former Exeter MP Sir Ben Bradshaw’s “judgment and leadership would be missed” by Labour, and promised to “diligently represent” the constituents he had inherited from Mel Stride, who was re-elected as Conservative MP for Central Devon.
Mr Reed gave his “heartfelt thanks” to the people of Exmouth and Exeter East, and praised the support of his new spouse.
“For the record, I want it to be known that getting married during the early stage of a general election campaign makes for an interesting start,” he said.
“Thank you to my wife for being a constant voice of reason and my rock throughout.”
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