brentwood.gov.uk

I am writing in connection with the public consultation on the proposals for the Dunton Hills Garden Village, part of your Local Plan. As a resident within the Dunton area, residing within the Basildon Council area, and having weighed up the pros and cons of the proposals, I feel strongly compelled to register my opposition to the plans for the Dunton Hills Garden Village. One of my most pressing concerns, as member of the Essex Wildlife Trust and a lifelong wildlife and nature enthusiast, is the fact that the plans will consume valuable Green Belt land. This in itself is wholly unacceptable and totally unnecessary. Green Belt preservation MUST be taken into account when meeting housing quotas and creating Local Plans. Only in exceptional circumstances can large swathes of valuable countryside be removed. The circumstances surrounding the Dunton Village Garden Suburb are certainly NOT exceptional. My partner and I moved to the Dunton area for rest and peace. For me personally, nature therapy has proved significantly curative. Scientific evidence abounds backing the benefits of spending time in natural environments. Of course this is just one aspect. Another is biodiversity. Biodiversity is essential in boosting our ecosystems which in turn have considerable impact upon factors of national importance, such as crop harvests. Biodiversity is the cornerstone of natural sustainability for every form of life. Removing Green Belt land and the vital habitats it provides for plants, trees and animals leads to ecosystem instability, loss of valuable species and ultimately, climate change. Surely with some creative thinking, there is an alternative solution that does not involve the destruction of the beauty and heritage for which the UK is affectionately known? It is time to start thinking laterally and to stop disregarding what is of true importance. The thought of losing a significant proportion of our beautiful countryside in the name of commercial development, where is has been proved and evidence presented that endangered species are dwelling, is incredibly upsetting. It is simply unacceptable. Another area of concern is of course the pressure on our local infrastructure. It seems strange that 'Brentwood Enterprise Park' is actually going to be situated in and putting pressure on the local infrastructure of Basildon Borough Council. And of course eating up our valuable Green Belt land. It is currently enough of a challenge to get a doctor's appointment or to see a consultant at a local hospital. Accident and emergency waiting times are excessive already. The roads are busy enough, and our local transport network is under too much pressure. In other words, we have enough burdens upon our current infrastructure. I would appreciate it if you would please record my comments and opposition to the proposals for the Dunton Hills Garden Village.