Support

Representation ID: 18226

Received: 04/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Tom Freer

Support for Protection of Green Belt

The Black Country Plan - Support for Protection of Green Belt
I support Dudley Council in its proposal to protect the greenbelt at Halesowen (Illey,
Lapal, Uffmoor, Hayley Green, Coombeswood), Lutley, and Foxcote.
These areas provide an escape from every day stress within the urban environment and
have proved themselves invaluable during the Covid crisis. They are important
aesthetically, physically and for mental well being. They are our ‘life's blood’, breathing
oxygen into the atmosphere and absorbing CO2.
Over many years, the public have been encouraged by Dudley Council’s positive
approach to the landscape, historic and informal recreational value of this countryside. It
is appreciated that the footpaths were restored and way marked in countryside
improvement projects, to encourage public use and enjoyment. There is often a false
perception that the Black Country is totally urbanised and industrialised. However this
countryside perfectly integrates into North Worcestershire and provides the foreground
to the Clent Hills, historic Hagley Park and various villages. It is living proof that the
perception of total urbanisation is incorrect. This relationship, which is finely balanced,
would be vulnerable to inappropriate development with roads and associated
infrastructure. I reiterate that the Council’s protection of this countryside, following
various studies, is fully supported.