Object

Representation ID: 45993

Received: 05/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Karl Jones

Site: DUH217, Grazing Land Wollaston Farm, Stourbridge.
I object to the allocation of the above site for development on the following bases:
Public open space: The site is located within Community Forum 7, where there is a below-average
quantity of open space. It was well-used by local residents in the past for informal recreation and has a high value to the local community. I believe the site should be re-opened to the public to provide a much-needed green space in this area. The site could additionally be enhanced for nature, for example by developing it as a wildflower meadow.
Landscape sensitivity: This is a green belt, green field site which, although having no agricultural rating and defined as ‘urban’, falls within area S17 having high landscape sensitivity and a “sense of scenic rural character” (Dudley Landscape Sensitivity Assessment). It is my/our opinion that Red ratings for landscape sensitivity should be considered to constitute “significant planning constraints which cannot be mitigated”, despite the high levels of housing land which the BCP is seeking to meet (Site Assessment Report).
Tranquillity: The NPPF states that planning policies should “identify and protect tranquil areas which have remained relatively undisturbed by noise and are prized for their recreational and amenity value for this reason” (NPPF 2019, para 180(b)). The government guidelines on what constitutes a tranquil place are that it is “relatively undisturbed by noise from human sources that undermine the intrinsic character of the area” with a positive soundscape for e.g. of birdsong. (“Guidance: Noise”, HMG 2019, para. 8). This site should be assessed for tranquillity and protected under Policy GB1 (4) on protecting tranquil areas.