Further Proposed Modifications to the North Hertfordshire Local Plan 2011- 2031
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Further Proposed Modifications to the North Hertfordshire Local Plan 2011- 2031
MM 035 / FM 057
Representation ID: 8883
Received: 24/06/2021
Respondent: Mr and Mrs David and Dawn Waterhouse
Number of people: 2
I fully understand the need for long term planning to cover housing needs, however, since the Local Plan was launch, so much has changed in terms of population and its expected growth.
From my understanding the ONS have in the past few years revised/advised their prediction for a much smaller growth in population than first thought. The Local Plan was devised around estimates that are perhaps 10 years or older. Added to the estimated reduction in population are two (2) huge factors being ‘Brexit’ and the ‘COVID Pandemic’.
Both these factors have had a dramatic effect on population, especially with large sections of Europeans returning to their natural home lands. COVID has meant populations are working in different ways and has had an effect on traditional commuter areas. Added to this the Green Belt is sacred ground and once lost cannot be regained. The past year, or so, has demonstrated the need for quality green space to assist in peoples well-being. Not reducing these areas.
In and around most/if not all towns, there are multiple ‘brown sites’ that could be developed. Promoting more but smaller developments in the heart of our towns. Which, economically, need all the help than can get, with persons choosing not to use town centres for shopping/entertainment.
Central and Local Government are promoting an eco policy. That surely doesn’t include the permanent destruction of Green Belt sites that are not only used by humans but are also home to thousands of plants, animals, birds and insects that form part of this delicate landscape.
So I respectfully request we hit the ‘stop’ button and re think the local plan to take into account the expected reduction in population numbers - and thus save the Green Belt.
I fully understand the need for long term planning to cover housing needs, however, since the Local Plan was launch, so much has changed in terms of population and its expected growth.
From my understanding the ONS have in the past few years revised/advised their prediction for a much smaller growth in population than first thought. The Local Plan was devised around estimates that are perhaps 10 years or older. Added to the estimated reduction in population are two (2) huge factors being ‘Brexit’ and the ‘COVID Pandemic’.
Both these factors have had a dramatic effect on population, especially with large sections of Europeans returning to their natural home lands. COVID has meant populations are working in different ways and has had an effect on traditional commuter areas. Added to this the Green Belt is sacred ground and once lost cannot be regained. The past year, or so, has demonstrated the need for quality green space to assist in peoples well-being. Not reducing these areas.
In and around most/if not all towns, there are multiple ‘brown sites’ that could be developed. Promoting more but smaller developments in the heart of our towns. Which, economically, need all the help than can get, with persons choosing not to use town centres for shopping/entertainment.
Central and Local Government are promoting an eco policy. That surely doesn’t include the permanent destruction of Green Belt sites that are not only used by humans but are also home to thousands of plants, animals, birds and insects that form part of this delicate landscape.
So I respectfully request we hit the ‘stop’ button and re think the local plan to take into account the expected reduction in population numbers - and thus save the Green Belt.
