Object

Representation ID: 4468

Received: 23/03/2021

Respondent: Ms Julie Townsend

I am opposed to developing green belt land in principle. However, it is worth noting that much green belt land could be made more of, in terms of enhancing biodiversity, landscape, human health and wellbeing. Much of this land is subject to unsustainable farming practices, use of pesticides, and a range of polluting or otherwise detrimental land management practices (such as for hunting purposes). Should this policy go ahead, there is an opportunity and a need to engage with local communities to consider how net gain can be created in terms of sustainability, such as through tackling unsustainable practices on and close to remaining green belt land, enhancing biodiversity, creating wildlife corridors, reducing/preventing traffic within green spaces, increasing tree planting or better enabling natural scrub/tree regeneration. Involving local communities in this process will create added social value. I recommend consulting and involving Yorkshire Rewilding Network and Wildlife Trusts in this.