Local plan scoping consultation

Comment

Representation ID: 3498

Received: 30/08/2026

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: 3499

Received: 30/08/2026

Respondent: Natalie Abbott

I understand that green gaps are designed to prevent towns merging etc but they should also should consider the needs of wildlife in maintaining good quality habitat and connectivity and the need to reverse the decline in biodiversity that we are experiencing.

Comment

Representation ID: 3500

Received: 30/08/2026

Respondent: Natalie Abbott

I agree that basing the housing need on a simple percentage of current housing is too simplistic 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. I welcome the intention to conduct a housingh needs assessment.
In addition an audit of long standing empty properties that could be developed and of any brownfield sites should be undertaken.

Comment

Representation ID: 3501

Received: 30/08/2026

Respondent: Natalie Abbott

I agree with the intention to ensure that the housing mix meets the needs of the population. What measures will be put in place to ensure that developers comply with, for example, the agreed level of affordable homes? Is it clear what is meant by "affordable".
Evidence from previous developments indicates that developers have been able to find ways of reducing their obligations.

Comment

Representation ID: 3502

Received: 30/08/2026

Respondent: Natalie Abbott

As previously indicated the standard method for assessing housing needs to be improved upon to determine the actual need.

Comment

Representation ID: 3503

Received: 30/08/2026

Respondent: Natalie Abbott

The context of climate change should inform every part of the local plan given the potential impacts on the health and well being of current and future generations.
In this context we must preserve natural assets that help tackle carbon emissions - (for example preserving and restoring our peat bogs) and stop the declone in biodiversity caused by loss of wildlife habitats.
This going alongside stringent requirements for development to be highly energy and water efficient and to include renewable energy generation and storage.

Comment

Representation ID: 3504

Received: 30/08/2026

Respondent: Natalie Abbott

I agree with these requirements with the proviso that they are made more specific.

Comment

Representation ID: 3505

Received: 30/08/2026

Respondent: Natalie Abbott

To ensure that the impact of the development plan on the natural environment is fully recognised and assessed wildlife and the natural environment should be specifically listed as stakeholders, perhaps practically through existing local nature conservation groups.