The Babergh and Mid Suffolk Joint Local Plan (JLP) is a framework for shaping our communities and guiding development over the period to 2037. The JLP has been published and the last date to make final representation is 12 noon December 24th 2020.
The issue at stake is the designation of LOCAL GREEN SPACE.
The designation of Local Green Spaces are a way for communities to protect areas of land they value highly and safeguard them from speculative developers.
The only mechanism for nominating a Local Green Space currently is through an adopted Neighbourhood Development Plan.
Local Green Space can only be designated when the Local Plan is being reviewed or a Neighbourhood Plan is being produced.
Producing a Neighbourhood Development Plan is a complex process likely to take a number of years.
Needless to say, most communities do not have an adopted Neighbourhood Development Plan.
The best mechanism for communities to propose Local Green Spaces would be through the JLP.
But the JLP does not propose a mechanism for allowing the designation of a Local Green Space.
This puts many communities at an unfair disadvantage on designation of Local Green Spaces.
The JLP needs to have a process included for communities to recommend Local Green Spaces which is not dependent on having a Neighbourhood Development Plan.
It is our belief it is not sound or legally compliant to implement the JLP without tackling this issue due to the unfair nature and lack of equal opportunities.
If you support our views on this issue, please email your objection to
localplan@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk
By 12 noon 24th December 2020
Sharri McGarry on behalf of the Stowmarket Eco Future Group
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
What are the ‘particular circumstances’ that qualify a piece of land for Local Green Space Designation protection?
- The land has to be ‘reasonably close to the community it serves’.
- There is no definition of this in the NPPF and it will be up to individual planning authorities to define. This may vary depending on the size of the community to which the green space relates, the size of the green space or the value placed on it by the community. The land must not be isolated from the community. Some councils have policies relating to LGS and have introduced a maximum distance between the space and the community. For instance, one has stated it must be within 400 metres, another 600 metres.
- The land has to be ‘demonstrably special to a local community’.
- Evidence must be provided of the land’s value to and use by the local community to show that it holds a particular local significance. The land must fulfil one or more of the following criteria:
(a) Beauty
This relates to the visual attractiveness of the site, and its contribution to landscape, character and or setting of the settlement. The LGS would need to contribute to local identity, character of the area and a sense of place, and make an important contribution to the physical form and layout of the settlement. It may link up with other open spaces and allow views through or beyond the settlement which are valued locally.
(b) Historic significance
The land should provide a setting for, and allow views of, heritage assets or other locally-valued landmarks. It may be necessary to research historic records from the County Archaeologist or National or Local Records Office.
(c) Recreational value
It must have local significance for recreation, perhaps through the variety of activities it supports, and be of value to the community.
(d) Tranquility
Some authorities have an existing tranquility map showing areas that provide an oasis of calm and a space for quiet reflection.
(e) Richness of wildlife
This might include the value of its habitat, and priority areas may have been identified by the council. It may require some objective evidence, such as a designation, like a wildlife site or Local Nature Reserve.
- The land needs to be ‘local in character, not an extensive tract of land’.
- The criteria may differ between settlements depending on their physical size and population. The areas would normally be fairly self-contained with clearly-defined edges.
Open Spaces Society https://www.oss.org.uk/faqs-about-local-green-space-designation/
About our group.
Stowmarket Eco Future Group is a group set up in Stowmarket to
. Provide a focal point for all citizens and groups working for the good of the environment in the local area
. Provide an arena when interested Councillors can interact with environmentally aware citizens in an informal community
. Support councils/volunteer groups in progressing initiatives that have beneficial impacts on the environment
. Propose new projects with the same aim
Find us on Facebook or email stowmarketecofuture@gmail.com
The area of Stowmarket that we would like to be designated as a Local Green Space is Tinkler’s Meadow. This green space exemplifies the intrinsic beauty of rolling hills, wooded river valley and historic landscape features located at the scenic gateway into Stowmarket separating countryside from built environment. Tinklers Meadow is within the locally designated Special Landscape Area of Rattlesden River Valley, is rich in biodiversity and located next to three County Wildlife Sites.