Local plan scoping consultation

Comment

Representation ID: 2263

Received: 23/08/2026

Respondent: Natalie Abbott

The matters listed are all important considerations. However as we are facing a climate and biodiversity emergency consideration of the impact of all developments on carbon emissions and on our natural environment must be at the centre of the plan.
All new housing and commercial buildings should include high standard insulation, air source heat pumps for heating AND cooling and photovoltaic panels.
Active travel should be encouraged by the provision of footpaths and cyclepaths that are fit for purpose, alongside public transport provision.

Comment

Representation ID: 2277

Received: 23/08/2026

Respondent: Natalie Abbott

A new local plan is necessary as we have more understanding of the threats posed by climate change than many of us acknowledged at the time the current plan was drawn up. We now understand the threat to food security, and the increased risk of extreme weather events with associated wildfires and flooding. Therefore we now need a plan that reduces carbon emissions as much as possible through better designed housing, transition away from fossil fuels for heating and transport. We need to protect the natural envirnoment that itself protects against climate breakdown - peat bogs are critical here.

Comment

Representation ID: 2279

Received: 23/08/2026

Respondent: Natalie Abbott

Basing the housing need on a simple percentage of current housing seems a bit unsophisticated and should be challenged. Clearly there is a need for housing, particularly affordable and social housing but there should be a better way of assessing need so that the right amount of the right sort of housing is provided.
A proper audit of empty properties that could be utilised and of brownfield sites should be undertaken.

Comment

Representation ID: 2280

Received: 23/08/2026

Respondent: Natalie Abbott

Any consideration of recategorising green belt land as grey belt should take into consideration the importance of connectivity for wildlife. Wildlife corridors must be maintained to allow wildlife to thrive and the decline in biodiversity halted.
It is critical that irreplaceable habitats are not destroyed....these include peat bogs (peat takes thousands of years to form and locks up carbon), and ancient woodland (cannot be replaced by planting new trees). To maintain the health of these sites appropriate buffer zones must also be provided.

Comment

Representation ID: 2281

Received: 23/08/2026

Respondent: Natalie Abbott

I think that brownfield development is a positive move but each area should be properly assessed to ensure that it is truly a site that is not important wildlife habitat. It is not always obvious so proper impact assessments should be carried out.

Comment

Representation ID: 2282

Received: 23/08/2026

Respondent: Natalie Abbott

The same impact assessments should apply as apply to residential development and offices and industrial premises should be build to a high sustainability standards including renewable energy, and energy efficiency as well as good sustainable transport options.
Very importantly water usage particularly by data centres should be considered in the planning process.

Comment

Representation ID: 2283

Received: 23/08/2026

Respondent: Natalie Abbott

It is crucial that plans are assessed for sustainability and include environment impact assessments. Addressing the impacts of climate change should be part of the planning system.

Comment

Representation ID: 2284

Received: 23/08/2026

Respondent: Natalie Abbott

My priorities for the vision are the inclusion of the local nature recovery strategy such that the decline in biodiversity is reversed to the benefit of all residents. This would include protection of local wildlife sites and their connectivity. The vision should be one where a healthier environment and lifestyle is encouraged through better designed housing and work places, realistic active travel options and access to nature within 15 minutes walk.

Comment

Representation ID: 3495

Received: 30/08/2026

Respondent: Natalie Abbott

Basing the housing need on a simple percentage of current housing seems a bit unsophisticated and should be challenged. Clearly there is a need for housing, particularly affordable and social housing ,but there should be a better way of assessing need so that the right amount of the right sort of housing is provided.
A proper audit of empty properties that could be utilised and of brownfield sites should be undertaken.

Comment

Representation ID: 3496

Received: 30/08/2026

Respondent: Natalie Abbott

A Council led identification of development sites should be implemented rather than relying on developers to pick out sites that they might find preferable. Developer's focus will understandably be on the financial and business aspects whereas I would expect the Council to take a broader approach. This would include capacity of existing infrastructure to support additional housing, business or industrial premises, availability of access to green spaces and for active travel opportunities and any negative impacts on the natural environment and wildlife. It should prioritise development of unused buildings and prioritise carefully assessed brownfield sites.