Object

Representation ID: 46230

Received: 05/10/2021

Respondent: Ms Catherine Cooley

Site: ID 10511, The Three Fields, Norton, DY8 3LS
Objection to The Three Fields, Norton, DY8 3LS not receiving a Local Green Space
Designation (site ID 10511 as it appears in the Site Assessment Report, section A-6: Sites
Assessed for Local Green Space, from p. 534).
This is a comment on an unallocated site.
While I support the non-allocation of the Three Fields, Norton (site reference
SA-0076-DUD as it appears in Appendix A:Dudley) in the Draft Local Plan and
its continued protection under green belt designation, I believe that due to the
pressure on local authorities to release green belt land for development, sites
which have particular significance and importance to the local community
should be identified and protected by the additional designation of Local Green
Space.
Three Fields meets criteria for the designation of Local Green Space. It meets all
of Part A criteria, including being ‘local in character’ and is in ‘close proximity to the
community it serves’ (NPPF). The site is “demonstrably special to the local community”, as
evidenced by the supporting evidence submitted alongside the original LGS application. The
site is extensively used by the local community, is important to residents of all ages and from
all groups, regarded as a tremendous community amenity seen as adding value to the local
area, important for maintaining community spirit, and an asset that should be passed on to
future generations.
The site has been assessed as meeting two of the Part B criteria (Beauty, and
Recreation) and therefore meets national criteria for a Local Green Space.
Beauty: The site is visually attractive, offers magnificent panoramic views, and
contributes to local identity, character of the area and a sense of place.
Recreational value: The site has been used for informal recreation for over 50
years, is popular with walkers, cyclists, and those using the site as a ‘green
gym’. It forms part of a wider green corridor and offers walkers access to the
wider countryside. It is used by dog walkers, and encourages a ‘sense of
community’ amongst the socially isolated. It is very popular with children, for
informal recreation, games, and nature study. The site has been used in the
past for organised social activities and could be used again for similar activities
as well as by local schools and community groups in activities related to the
local natural environment.
The Site Assessment summary for this site quotes the NPPF; “if land is already
protected by Greenbelt Policy then consideration should be given to whether
any additional local benefits would be gained by designations as local green
space”, and suggests that since the site is green belt, “there would not be any
additional local benefits” in designating the site a LGS (p. 537 of Appendix A).
However, Government guidance on LGS designation states that even within
green belts a LGS designation can “help to identify areas that are of particular
importance to the local community” (“Open space, sports and recreation
facilities, public rights of way and local green space”, HMG 2014, Para: 010).
Green Belt designation itself does not recognise any additional value to the
local community which a site may have above the five stated purposes of the
green belt. Specifically, “green belts do not recognise… the community value of
land” (Neighbourhood Planning, 2019, para.134). Given the ever-growing
pressure exerted on local authorities to release Green Belt sites for
development, a LGS designation would demonstrate the importance of this site
to the local community and its local significance beyond that of being simply
‘green belt’. This site should therefore be granted a Local Green Space
designation.
Tranquillity: This site should be protected under Policy GB1 (4) on protecting tranquil areas.
The site is experienced as a natural space, and is described by visitors as a ‘piece of the
countryside’. It is often possible to observe and listen to the sounds of farm animals in
adjacent fields. It is possible to enjoy sunrise and sunsets, and because of Dark Skies, the stars
at night. There are extensive views over local countryside, fields, woodland and distant hills.
The dominant soundscape is that of birdsong. 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 is 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).
Designations: The site has mature hedgerows which should be surveyed. Other
hedgerows in the locality recently received SLINC protection (Racecourse Lane
SLINC, Norton).