Local plan scoping consultation

Peatland:
- Must be protected and not built upon. This should not be negotiable! Peatland serves as huge natural carbon stores and provides habitat for wildlife. Peatland is vital to protect future generations against the effects of climate change and it cannot simply be replaced
Green belt:
- Important to protect greenbelt and use other viable spaces before destroying countryside. There are so many derelict sites that could be repurposed before even considering destroying one single tree or green space.
Environmental issues:
- Consider loss of biodiversity and ensure building doesn't impact on this - we are nothing without nature (that is no understatement).
Irreplaceable habitats:
- Nature doesn't just relocate, habitats don't just come back overnight because a couple of new trees were planted on the new housing estate. It takes years, decades, hundreds of years in some cases. Destruction is destruction and should be seriously considered.
Protect all wildlife sites:
- Protection should mean the threat of being bought or sold and developed on should be removed and not up for auction over and over and over again.
Local nature recovery strategy:
- Consider any past developments and the impact they had on nature. Proactively build, protect and manage spaces to encourage nature recovery.
Green space for all:
- This is one that is closest to my heart. People should be able to access green space easily from their homes. It is vital for mental and physical health. Neighbourhoods should be linked via green spaces that are safe for all ages and abilities to walk, run, or cycle through.
Flooding:
- Loss of trees and land that has not been covered in concrete will lead to more flooding when the rainfall has nowhere to go. Trees provide shade and grassland absorbs heat instead of radiating it (like tarmac and concrete).
Infrastructure:
Is 146% increase in housing really necessary - my local area has already had so much growth of late. The town cannot cope with this already! Our roads are an absolute nightmare, we can't get doctor or hospital appointments, there are no ambulances, you need to take bedding and snacks to A+E because you'll be waiting so long, our schools are bursting at the seams and everything feels on the brink of collapse as it is as services buckle under the pressure.