Object

Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Draft

Representation ID: 1276

Received: 30/11/2016

Respondent: Mr David McDonnell

Legally compliant? No

Sound? No

Duty to co-operate? No

Representation Summary:

Object to SP5:
-Policy does not comply with NPPF, section 80
-Areas denoted for development serve as amenity space to the current urban areas
-Contravention of the District Plan No.2 2007

Full text:

In the opening statement you state "We support the principles of the Green Belt and recognise the intrinsic value of the countryside.", then you go onto move the green belt as suits and give back a meaningless section between Stevenage and Luton.

The government is quite clear on the purpose of green belt, to stop exactly the development you are trying to force through

The National Planning Policy Framework (published on 27 March 2012) is clear on this and Section 80 States:
Green Belt serves five purposes:

to check the unrestricted sprawl of large built-up areas;
to prevent neighbouring towns merging into one another;
to assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment;
to preserve the setting and special character of historic towns; and
to assist in urban regeneration, by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land.

this scheme contravenes these guidelines from the government. The land n GA2 is not just agricultural land, it is green belt and is used as amenity space for the residents of Great Asby.

Also referencing the District Local Plan alterations 2 - it states

"Green Belt

In the Green Belt, as shown on the Proposals Map, the Council will aim to keep the uses of land open in character. Except for proposals within settlements which accord with Policy 3, or in very special circumstances, planning permission will only be granted for new buildings, extensions, and changes of use of buildings and of land which are appropriate in the Green Belt, and which would not result in significant visual impact.

Policy 3 - Settlements within the Green Belt

In settlements within the Green Belt, the Council will not normally permit development proposals, except for:

that strictly necessary for the housing and employment needs of agriculture, forestry, leisure and local services in the rural areas that cannot practicably be met outside the Green Belt; or
the local facilities and services needs of the settlement within which the development is proposed; or
the meeting of an identified rural housing need in compliance with Policy 29; or
a single dwelling on a small plot located within the built core of the settlement, which will not result in the outward expansion of the settlement or have any other adverse impact on the local environment or other policy aims within the Green Belt."

Noen of the above is satisfied with regards to the proposals for GA1 & GA2