With only one week to go before the New Local Plan Public Consultation closing date on 16th February 2024, we've listed some ideas to help you write your letter of objection. These ideas can be used in conjunction with our article How to object to a council's New Local Plan which proposes development on Green Belt land originally published on 27th November 2023.
Key Issues and Arguments:
Green Belt Protection:
Emphasize the importance of protecting the Green Belt, citing NPPF Chapter 13 and the lack of exceptional circumstances justifying development. Highlight the permanent and essential nature of the Green Belt.
Flora and Fauna:
Focus on the critical habitat of Hencliff Wood and its diverse wildlife populations, threatened by development on EPS-HA1. Refer to the Review of Ecology Submission report produced by LUC on behalf of SGC and The Woodland Trust's concerns in relation to outline planning application P23/01330/O.
Green Infrastructure Corridor F:
Explain how the proposed developments fragment this vital corridor for wildlife movement and its connection to the Avon Valley. Stress its ecological significance and recreational benefits.
Landscape and Aesthetics:
Address the visual impact of construction and potential loss of scenic views, highlighting the stricter stance of the December 2023 NPPF update. Refer to paragraph 150 of the NPPF.
Recreational Value:
Underscore the importance of Green Belt land for recreation, mental and physical health, and the loss of valuable space for residents and visitors. Refer to paragraph 102 of the NPPF.
Contradictions in Relation to Environmental Policies:
Point out contradictions between the proposed development and the Council's own environmental policies (Climate and nature emergency, Green Infrastructure Strategy), as well as the West of England Combined Authority's environmental policies, which include Nature recovery and becoming a Net Zero carbon region by 2030.
Loss of Agricultural Land:
Highlight the importance of preserving agricultural land and the benefits of sustainable agriculture practices in the Green Belt. Sheep currently graze on EPS-HA2 and maize has been grown on EPS-HA1 for the last decade. Refer to paragraph 180.b) of the NPPF.
River Avon Contamination:
Raise concerns about potential pollution of the River Avon from a new development, impacting wildlife and recreational users, including wild swimmers, paddle boarders and kayakers.
Heritage Assets:
Highlight the threat to irreplaceable historical treasures like Grade II-Listed buildings Castle Inn Farmhouse and West Hanham House, and the site of the Roman Villa, by development on Green Belt land. Refer to Chapter 16 of the NPPF.
Sustainability Concerns:
Address the unsustainable nature of each development, particularly the distance from essential services and public transport, leading to increased car dependency and contradicting sustainable development principles.
Pressure on Services:
Express concerns about the strain on healthcare facilities like Hanham Health and local roads (including Hencliffe Way, Riverside Way, Castle Farm Road and Abbots Road) due to the number of new residents.
Social Concerns:
Raise concerns about the impact on community character and the potential for increased anti-social behaviour.
DEFRA MAGIC Maps:
Use DEFRA MAGIC Maps data to highlight the importance of the woodlands and their designations like Ancient Woodland, Local Nature Reserve, and Woodland Priority Habitat England - High Spatial Priority.
Bickley Wood SSSI:
Highlight the risk of damage to the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and potential loss of protected species due to development near EPS-HA2 and EPS-HA3.
Strength of Feeling:
Mention the Change.org petition with 1443 signatories opposing the development of "The Batch" (P23/01330/O) showcasing community resistance.
Conclusion:
Conclude by reiterating the unsustainability of the development, urging the Council to preserve green spaces by removing sites EPS-HA1, EPS-HA2 and EPS-HA3 from the local plan and prioritizing sustainable brownfield sites in the North Fringe.
Additional Tips:
Personalize your letter with specific examples and concerns relevant to your location and perspective.
Be clear, concise, and respectful in your tone.
Provide evidence and references to support your arguments.
Once your objection letters are ready, please visit our New Local Plan page for instructions on how to submit.
Remember, your voice matters! Use this information effectively to draft a powerful objection letter and protect Hanham's Green Belt for the current and future generations. Once it's gone, it's gone FOREVER.
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