General Discussion
Orchard actually.
The point I'm making ( as also it seems are others from right across the political spectrum) is that this new planning policy could create developemental mayhem in our countryside.
Do you want that? Cos I know I don't.
Nothing has changed, I can show you hectares of land that was marked as 'greenbelt' never to be built on, now covered with wall to wall housing and shops. The World changes and much as some people don't like it it is called progress, it is hardly fair to say I'm alright Jack, I've got my house you must make do with whatever is left.
Like I said, nothing has changed, years ago we were hoodwinked by the promise of 'greenbelt' land, which was a lie now the powers that be are at least being, could we use the word 'HONEST'.
'Powers that be' being honest? That's a new one! Why should this lot be any different from the others that have gone before them? Don't make me laugh.
Progress eh? Well it all depends on how you define that word. If you think it is progress that national planning policy should, bottom line, basically give carte blanche to developers to build whatever they wish wherever they wish provided they can put forward a case that it will be of benefit to the community (even if the community in question is vehemently opposed to whatever it is the developers wish to build) then I suppose you might think that is progress. I don't.
Any chance you could tell us why you think the contents of the Draft National Planning Policy constitute 'progress'?
Oh and on the matter of new housing. It isn't necessarily the case of people being against the building of new housing per se.. What is of concern is how much new housing gets built and where.
You understand my point exactly, nothing has changed, the nonsense about 'greenbelt' land which was always going to be built on anyway has now gone and the planners are now saying lets put all options on the table, you can't have it both ways.
This is a 'draft' policy, go to this link where you can download the whole or summary documents and submit your comments and objections, it isn't law it is a 'DRAFT' open for discussions until 17th Oct.
This link will take you to the full policy docs and also a summary,
BTW I can't find the section which, as you say "gives carte blanche to developers to build whatever they wish wherever they wish"
http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/draftframework
Thank you for that link - I was already aware of it and had been taking a look.
"gives carte blanche to developers to build whatever they wish wherever they wish" was me paraphrasing the extract below which is taken from the link you have given.
Presumption in favour of sustainable development (the presumption)
The presumption is a new policy designed to ensure that the planning system as a whole focuses on opportunities. The presumption means that where local plans are not up-to-date, or not a clear basis for decisions, development should be allowed
As you say, this policy is still at draft stage and can therefore still be commented upon. Precisely why I have raised it on this website - to bring it and its implicaitons to the attention of others. When the likes of Friends of the Earth and the National Trust (to mention but two organisations) join forces to raise the alarm about the implications of the contents of this draft then I think it's time we all took some notice.
Let me pose a hypothetical question:
Let us suppose, just for the sake of argument, that via a referendum a local community rejects its proposed neighbourhood plan. What then?
In the absence of such a plan would the presumption in favour of development come into play?
and here's another link that contains some interesting points
http://www.guardian.co.uk/theobserver/2011/sep/11/the-big-issue-greenfield-development
Lynne, your hypothetical question poses an interesting point. I don't want our green spaces built on without proper planning considerations being made first.
Here's another link worth looking at:
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-chl/w-countryside_environment/w-planning-landing.htm
I've just e-mailed our MP about all of this. Strongly urge others who have similar concerns to do the same. Here is her e-mail address.