Full text:
Objection to the Proposed Local Development
I strongly object to this massive proposed development and the significant and far-reaching impact it will have on the local community, environment, infrastructure and the lives of those who currently live and work in the area.
1. Devastating Impact on the Local Farming Community
The proposed development would have a devastating impact on the local farming community. Much of the land in this area is owned by the Duchy, and as a consequence, farmers whose land is affected by the development, together with their families, could lose their livelihoods.
Farming is not simply an occupation in this area; it is an integral part of the local community and has shaped the character and landscape of the countryside for generations. Removing agricultural land and disrupting established farms risks destroying a way of life that has existed here for generations.
2. Destruction of Established Local Communities and Way of Life
The development would have a profound impact on the foundations of our existing local communities. Families have lived, worked and farmed in these areas for generations, developing a strong connection to the land and to the surrounding countryside.
The construction of thousands of densely packed new homes would fundamentally alter the character of these communities. It would bring an enormous increase in population and urbanisation into an area whose appeal and identity are based largely on its rural nature.
I am deeply concerned that insufficient consideration is being given to the people who already live here, their heritage, their connection to the land and the culture and way of life that make this area unique.
3. Significant Environmental and Wildlife Impact
Given the stated commitment to protecting and respecting the environment, I am extremely concerned that a development of this scale is even being considered in such a sensitive rural location.
The destruction of large areas of countryside, together with the noise, light, traffic and general disruption associated with the construction of thousands of homes, would have a significant and potentially irreversible impact on local wildlife and biodiversity.
The area contains a rich variety of habitats, including small woodlands, agricultural fields, natural brooks and ponds. These habitats support a diverse ecosystem of mammals, birds, amphibians and insects.
The wildlife regularly seen in the area includes:
Mammals: Red foxes, European badgers, roe deer and muntjac deer.
Birds of prey: Buzzards are commonly seen circling above the fields, while barn owls hunt over the farmland at dusk.
Woodland and farmland birds: The surrounding trees and fields support great spotted woodpeckers, wood pigeons, robins, wrens and dunnocks. During the summer months, migratory swallows and house martins are also regularly seen.
Waterbirds: Local brooks and ponds provide habitat for kingfishers, herons and various species of wild duck.
Amphibians and insects: Dragonflies, damselflies, butterflies, frogs and toads are also present throughout the area.
These habitats form an interconnected ecosystem, and the loss or fragmentation of them could have serious consequences for local biodiversity.
4. Pressure on Local Infrastructure and Facilities
A development of this scale would inevitably place substantial additional pressure on existing local infrastructure and services.
I am particularly concerned about the impact on:
Local schools and educational facilities
GP surgeries and medical services
Roads and existing transport infrastructure
Drainage and other essential services
Local amenities and community facilities
The existing infrastructure has developed around the current population and rural nature of the area. Adding thousands of new homes and a substantial new population would place enormous pressure on services that are already likely to be limited.
5. Personal Impact on Me and My Family
This development would also have a profound personal impact on me and my family.
I have worked hard throughout my life with the aspiration of one day being able to live in the countryside, surrounded by nature and open space. I have achieved that goal and have built my family life here.
The unique character of where we live — the open countryside, wildlife, peace and sense of space — is a fundamental part of why we chose to live here and raise our family.
The proposed development would fundamentally change that environment. The destruction of the surrounding countryside and the introduction of thousands of new homes would result in noise, traffic, congestion, construction activity and an enormous disruption to the peaceful rural environment that currently exists.
The prospect of living through years of construction, followed by the permanent urbanisation of the surrounding countryside, is extremely distressing to me and my family.
6. Noise, Traffic and Construction Disruption
The construction of thousands of homes would inevitably create prolonged and substantial disruption.
There would be significant increases in:
Construction noise
Heavy goods vehicle movements
General traffic
Dust and air pollution
Light pollution
Congestion
Noise from increased residential activity
This disruption could continue for many years, fundamentally changing the peaceful character of the area.
Even once construction is complete, the increased population would result in significantly higher levels of traffic and noise than currently experienced.
7. Impact on Property Value and Character
I am also extremely concerned about the impact this development will have on the value and desirability of my property.
One of the property's unique selling points is its rural setting, surrounding countryside, open views, peace, tranquillity and proximity to nature. These characteristics are not simply aesthetic; they are fundamental to the reason the property was purchased and to its value.
The loss of the surrounding countryside and replacement with thousands of densely packed homes would fundamentally alter this setting and remove many of the characteristics that make the property unique.
Conclusion
I strongly urge the relevant planning authorities to consider the cumulative impact of this development rather than simply assessing the number of homes that could be built.
This is not simply a proposal to construct houses. It represents a fundamental transformation of the countryside, the environment, local farming, existing communities and the lives of the people who already live here.
The potential loss of agricultural land, destruction of wildlife habitats, pressure on infrastructure, increased traffic and noise, loss of rural character and the profound impact on existing residents must all be properly considered.
For these reasons, I strongly object to the proposed development and respectfully ask that the application be refused.
