BASE HEADER

No

ID sylw: 106331

Derbyniwyd: 06/03/2025

Ymatebydd: Mr Scott O'Neill

I believe this development poses significant risks to both the environment and infrastructure of our community and I urge the council to reconsider its proposal.


Green Belt Protection and Exceptional Circumstances

First and foremost, the land earmarked for this development is designated as Green Belt, which should only be developed in exceptional circumstances. The Green Belt serves a critical role in protecting the countryside and preserving the natural environment. Allowing development on this land would set a dangerous precedent and undermine the purpose of the Green Belt. The current proposal does not meet the criteria for exceptional circumstances, and as such, I strongly oppose the use of this land for housing.


Traffic Congestion on the A34

One of my primary concerns regarding this development is the likely increase in traffic, particularly along the A34. The road is already an incredibly busy and often congested route, with frequent delays during peak hours. The addition of new homes would only exacerbate this issue, placing further strain on the local road network. Given the limited alternatives to the A34, the development could lead to even more gridlock, significantly affecting the quality of life for local residents and visitors.


Loss of Nature and Impact on Local Wildlife

The proposed development threatens vital green spaces and local wildlife. Over the years, I have observed a range of bird species, including buzzards, red kites, owls, herons, house sparrows, and song thrushes, all of which rely on the open spaces, hedgerows, and trees in the area. These species are increasingly rare and, in some cases, endangered. The destruction of their habitats for development would be detrimental to their survival in this area, as well as a setback for local conservation efforts.


Flooding Risks

Additionally, the proposed development raises serious concerns regarding flooding. The current natural landscape helps manage surface water runoff, reducing the risk of flooding. By replacing green spaces with hard surfaces such as roads and buildings, this balance will be disturbed, leading to an increased risk of flooding in the local area. Given the region's history of heavy rainfall, I fear that this development could exacerbate flooding problems, potentially affecting residents and infrastructure.


Infrastructure and Services

The proposed development also lacks adequate planning for local infrastructure. The roads in the area are already under considerable strain, and the addition of more homes without improvements to the local road network will only worsen congestion. Additionally, the development fails to address the need for expanded educational facilities to accommodate a growing population, which could negatively impact the quality of education for local children. These infrastructure deficiencies must be addressed before any further steps are taken.


Request for Action

In light of the above concerns, I respectfully urge the planning department to reject this proposal. I believe a thorough environmental impact assessment is necessary, especially regarding the effects on local wildlife, the increased risk of flooding, and the capacity of local infrastructure to support additional housing. Furthermore, any decision should carefully consider the long-term sustainability of the development, both from an environmental and social perspective.