Support

Representation ID: 10917

Received: 19/08/2021

Respondent: Philip Briarty

I am pleased, following review of the Green Belt around Halesowen, that ‘The Plan’ is supporting the protection of special green belt areas around Coombswood, Lapal, Grange Hill,Tack Farm,Hayley Green, Lutley, Foxcote Farm etc.. and are rejecting the ‘Call for Sites’ proposals that would severely damage these areas and adversely impact upon neighbouring special sites in Worcestershire including ancient Uffmoor Wood; the Clent Hills; and the Hagley Estate, including, of course, the prominent Iron Age Fort on Wychbury Hill.
This is a special countryside, which should receive appropriate recognition for its contribution to the to the informal recreational needs of a wide community, including, of course those of the individual Black Country Authorities, but also the needs of Birmingham; North Worcestershire and beyond.
In the 1980s and subsequent decades, Dudley Council through its Countryside Service followed a policy known as the ‘Dudley Countryside Management Plan’, to promote and improve this countryside for landscape; biodiversity; historic and informal recreational values
The benefits of that policy are still palpable today and were particularly valuable to the mental physical well being of many users who benefited from this countryside during Covid 19 restrictions
Walk leaflets promote this countryside and are every popular
The balance, which is very sensitive and depends upon the whole, as much as the component areas ,is delicate and would be severely damaged by urban developments, including the new roads and infrastructure.
I reiterate my support