Guisborough, a town nestled in North Yorkshire known for its rich history and vibrant community, now faces an unsettling crisis—overdevelopment. Over the past three decades, the rapid expansion of housing estates has pushed the town's resources, including infrastructure, education facilities, and healthcare services, to their limits. Without urgent intervention, Guisborough stands to lose the charm and quality of life that its residents hold dear.

Housing developments, while aimed at accommodating a growing population, have regrettably outpaced the town's capacity to provide essential services. Currently, schools are overwhelmed, leading to larger class sizes and a reduced quality of education. Healthcare facilities are stretched thin, making it increasingly difficult for residents to access timely medical care. NHS dentists have a waiting list in the order of 300 people. The existing road infrastructure, not designed to handle such a surge, is plagued with congestion and posing safety risks. Several roads, namely Rectory Lane and Enfield Chase have become gridlocked at certain times of the day due to the retail park

Should these new housing developments be built, and taking into account the other housing developments constructed in the last 10 years, the housing stock based on the land area of Guisborough will have increased by approximately 10% which is a significant increase in small market town. Yet, investment in local infrastructure has not kept up with this growth. As a result, the strain on public resources has become untenable, impacting the everyday lives of those who call this town home. 

Our vision for Guisborough is one where sustainable practices are at the forefront of development decisions. We call for a temporary moratorium on the approval of new housing estates until a thorough impact assessment is conducted—a plan that bolsters public services to accommodate existing and future growth. By adopting a more measured approach, we can ensure that Guisborough remains a thriving community that balances growth with the well-being of its residents.

At present there are several new developments planned, land of Stokesley Road, land of Trefoil Close and land at Newstead Farm, this would equate to another 300 plus house. The existing roads cannot accommodate all these additional vehicles and the speed with which they travel.

Join me in urging local authorities, including the Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, to prioritize a sustainable future for Guisborough. Your support is crucial to preserving the town's unique character and ensuring that development occurs in a manner that benefits all residents. 

Let us protect what makes Guisborough special. It's time for our voice to be heard before it's too late. We must advocate for responsible development that honours the town's capacity, prioritises the welfare of its current residents and protects the green spaces and surrounding area.

Please sign this petition to demand an immediate halt to further construction and a commitment to sustainable urban planning in Guisborough.