brentwood.gov.uk

The National Planning Policy Framework should be read as a whole: need alone is not the only factor to be considered when drawing up a Local Plan.
The Framework is clear that local planning authorities should, through their Local Plans, meet objectively assessed needs unless any adverse impacts of doing so would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, when assessed against the policies in the Framework taken as a whole, or specific policies in the Framework indicate development should be restricted. Such policies include those relating to sites protected under the Birds and Habitats Directives, and/or designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest; land designated as Green Belt, Local Green Space, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Heritage Coast or within a National Park or the Broads; designated heritage assets; and locations at risk of flooding or coastal erosion.
The Framework makes clear that, once established, Green Belt boundaries should only be altered in exceptional circumstances, through the preparation or review of the Local Plan.
Unmet housing need (including for traveller sites) is unlikely to outweigh the harm to the Green Belt and other harm to constitute the "very special circumstances" justifying inappropriate development on a site within the Green Belt.
The fundamental aim of Green Belt policy is to prevent urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open; the essential characteristics of Green Belts are their openness and their permanence.
I wholly object to this development which is considered a wholly political move by Brentwood Council to avoid upsetting their voters. The development would if Basildon goes ahead with Policy H10 in their Local Plan completely negate the fundamental principle and aim of green belt to prevent urban sprawl. Furthermore because of its locality on the border of Basildon Borough it is clear that the necessary infrastructure and service providers in Basildon will bear the brunt of the impact of this development. There is only 400mtrs of green belt that acts as a buffer to prevent Basildon and Brentwood merging into one. As I understand it Brentwood Council have failed to carry out Green Belt, ecology, landscape and infrastructure assessments for the site. I do believe also that there is an over provision of traveller sites which does not conform to the latest guidance.