Over-development in Yorkshire and the Humber13 February 2008
The economy in Yorkshire and the Humber has seen transition and growth. Its industrial past has declined and has been replaced by commercial and service industries.
Regional decision makers are aspiring to levels of economic activity seen in London and the South East. It is doubtful that this can be achieved within the region's environmental limits.
Pressure on the environment will come from:
- Increased airport capacity
Humberside, Leeds-Bradford and Doncaster have all been earmarked for expansion.
- Growth in housing and population
Up to 30,000 new homes are to be built in the region every year until 2016.
- Expansion in the road network
There are plans to widen the M1 and other major roads in the region.
- Waste
Dalton, Burn Airfield and Allerton Park Quarry are just some of the sites earmarked for possible new waste treatment plants including incinerators.
It doesn't have to be this way. The region was at the forefront of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century.
By investing in the right technology and infrastructure, Yorkshire and Humber can become 21st century leaders in the low carbon revolution.
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