Comment

Representation ID: 12636

Received: 15/10/2021

Respondent: Ms Joanne James

I wish to make you aware of a number of strong objections I have with regards to the above Black Country Plan WAL242 and the proposed development of Green Belt land.

PROTECTING OUR WILDLIFE. The BCP was developed before the pandemic hit, therefore it is out of date and needs to be revisited and reassessed. We have to take into account the dangers posed by climate change that has emerged. Now more than ever we need to protect our local wildlife.
The site itself is known to have the protected species of [Redacted-sensitive information]
The proposed development site would sit in the middle of the Arboretum, Arboretum extension, Park Lime Pits and Hayhead (SNICs) which would destroy wildlife corridors and light overspill may negatively impact the [Redacted-sensitive information] and other wildlife causing destruction of habitats. The wildlife will perish as a result.
I would also point out that there has been NO ecological assessment of the site. As mentioned the site has protected species as defined by the UK legislation and the development would cause potential harm to any populations of these species present on site and therefore are not in compliance with ENVI, ENV2, ENV3 & ENV4 of the BCR
If required I have photos [Redacted-sensitive information].
I also have concerns for the preservation of the 'protected' trees which surround the proposed development and the potential damage from heavy excavation equipment on the root systems.

RESIDENTIAL AMENITY. The proposed greenbelt is an integral part of the landscape. Loss of the existing views from neighbouring properties would adversely affect the residential amenity of neighbouring owners. If developed on, this connection local people have with their natural environment, will be lost forever.

Finally, the coronavirus pandemic exposed how important good quality outdoor green space is for our physical and mental wellbeing. With work-from-home becoming the normal, people have been re-evaluating their lives and as a consequence popularity of rural and coastal properties have seen people moving away from towns in search of a better quality of life.

Good quality green space should be accessible to all, now more than ever. Nature needs green space to thrive and our access to nature needs to thrive too.
The Priority 6 of a 'Vision for Walsall' says 'encourage everyone to feel proud of Walsall.' We should be Proud of our Past our Present and our Future. How can we feel proud when the BCP allows the permanent destruction of our beautiful countryside.
Once our green space is gone it's gone forever.