Object

Representation ID: 16805

Received: 10/10/2021

Respondent: Mrs Isabel Moore

Comments on Draft Plan Consultation - Black Country Plan - Walsall Borough.
Specific objection to the following: Walsall Housing on Green Belt Land WSA3 - Land North of Stonnall Road.

I am opposed to building on green-belt land. Much of this is essential, productive agricultural land. As a country we need to aim to become self-sufficient in food production in order to cut down on the devastating environmental effect of air miles involved in importing food which can be grown perfectly well here.
Decreasing the amount of green-belt can lead to the destruction of biodiversity, having a knock-on effect on air quality as well as on food production. Trees in particular cut down the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere, and all food crops rely on pollination by beneficial insects which would disappear without biodiversity.
Building on green-belt, and the increased roads etc. which this would entail, would considerably decrease the ground available for draining away of rain water, with the potential risk of flooding in some areas.
The recent pandemic has demonstrated the necessity for us all to have the opportunity to exercise outdoors, in open spaces, for our physical and mental well-being. The green-belt in the WSA3 proposal helps provide this amenity close to existing homes, together with views across the Trent Valley and further afield, all without the need to travel and further pollute the atmosphere.
It should also be considered that this proposal would considerably reduce the value of a number of existing properties which currently surround the green-belt.