Object

Representation ID: 12788

Received: 06/10/2021

Respondent: Rhiannon and Tony Fearn

Number of people: 2

I am writing to you to express my objections to the current plans to build on green belt and conservation areas in the Great Barr area and also, longer term under the Black Country Strategic Plan.

I object firstly on the grounds that this is completely contradictory to the National Planning Policy Framework, which states; Proposals affecting the Green Belt 147. Inappropriate development is, by definition, harmful to the Green Belt and should not be approved except in very special circumstances. 148. When considering any planning application, local planning authorities should ensure that substantial weight is given to any harm to the Green Belt. 'Very special circumstances' will not exist unless the potential harm to the Green Belt by reason of inappropriateness, and any other harm resulting from the proposal, is clearly outweighed by other considerations.
I ask that the number of affordable houses that are needed is calculated and allocated to the redevelopment of brownfield sites. Rather than the constant and irreversible destruction of our green belt.
Secondly on I ask that the following in considered in relation to these two projects;
• The impact on the existing roads. How will such a huge increase in traffic be managed on the existing roads and how is this in line with the Governments Carbon Budgets - we are falling behind and predicted not to meet our 4th (2023-2027) and 5th (2028-2032) budgets already
• Are these developments planned as many are to just be a bolt on to existing communities and therefore overwhelming infrastructure and amenities. What quality of life does this then offer people when you are constantly battling to get your children into schools, doctors, dentists, who are overwhelmed with applications and appointments. Fighting your way through traffic jams to get to work or a local shop. This raises stress levels, in turn raises mental health issues and in turn incurs huge costs to a health system which is already suffering under strain
• What legacy is left for future generations when we continue to ignore climate change warnings in a rush to build, build, build
• The safety of our roads is at the forefront of my mind currently. With two fatal accidents just this week, 1 within a 30mph speed limit zone. With more traffic, stressed out drivers on narrower and busier roads - is this not a dangerous combination?