We object to the lack of a main modification in relation to criterion b. of this policy, to allocate large swathes of new Green Belt land. Whilst we welcome the creation of some new, compensatory, Green Belt, we are concerned by the large scale of what has been proposed and the lack of justification for such a large designation of new Green Belt land.
Green Belt boundaries are required to have permanence in the long term (NPPF, para.83), and must be capable of enduring beyond the plan period. The Borough Council does not believe that this longer term future has been considered fully and would argue that some of the land being designated as Green Belt may be required in the future to meet increased housing needs. It is not clear that needs beyond the plan period have been calculated or considered in making these proposals. SBC would question how the view has been arrived at that the West of Stevenage safeguarded land provides sufficient capacity to accommodate future growth beyond the plan period, including taking into account the needs of SBC.
Designating such a large swathe of land as new Green Belt within NHDC, would significantly limit the opportunities for NHDC to help in terms of meeting any future needs under the Duty to Co-operate.