Comment
Strategic Growth Options
Representation ID: 4357
Received: 13/02/2015
Respondent: Mr Richard Romang
Biodiversity needs to be protected in both greenbelt and brownfield sites (biodiversity offsetting doesn't work)
Communities should be encouraged to develop their own local design strategies to safeguard local vernacular and heritage.
Yes there is land that could be developed in my local area, however, I do not think development is currently sustainable in the greenbelt land surrounding the villages.
biodiversity, ecological values and green corridors should also be considered as part of the document. Even though land is in a designated green belt and a vital part of the character of the landscape agricultural land for example would have less ecological value than ancient woodland. I would also say that some brownfield sites also have more ecological value than agricultural land.
With regards to heritage i feel the villages should be encouraged to develop their own design guidelines to ensure that development is in keeping with the character of conservation areas and the village vernacular. Too much development is occurring as infill or replacing smaller buildings which is out of scale or using inappropriate materials. Local communities, as stated in the NPPF, should have more say in the type of development occurring in their neighborhoods.