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Two items of news on the radio last week brought the policies that might be included in Babergh’s new Local Development Framework to mind.
By way of background I should say that Babergh has recently begun to review the strategic planning policies which at present are contained in the Babergh Local Plan. Inevitably the Government in its enthusiasm for meddling with absolutely everything has laid down new parameters for any future Plan which will now be called the ‘Local Development Framework’. One of the principal differences this time around is that the plan will not all completed in one go but will comprise a series of documents that will be incorporated into the Framework gradually.
Development is in my opinion one of the most important functions of the Council. Decisions made by the Development Committee really do affect the way the District looks and mistakes can lead to permanent blots on the landscape as many of us know to our cost.
It is not surprising therefore that Councillors become anxious and excitable if they feel that their preferences and opinions are not being translated into council policy and I am sure that I will be no exception.
The first radio report concerned housing in the countryside. Lack of affordable and smaller homes are causing a reduction in people likely to use village facilities and this is leading to an unprecendented rate of closure of village shops, pubs etc. Additionally, the countryside is turning into an enclave for the relatively wealthy with a preponderance of large houses.
In my opinion over restrictive planning policies in the countryside are to blame for these shortages. I know that this is a controversial view, but when the time comes I will be pressing for a limited amount of sensitive development to be allowed in rural areas. A few new houses here and there, preferably with planning restriction so that they cannot be overdeveloped into 4 bedroom executive palaces, would continue the gradual organic growth in smaller habitations that has been seen over the centuries and would help to keep rural areas alive.
The second report dwelt on the fact that the swift, a pair of which are shown above, is becoming an endangered species. This is due to over enthusiastic repair of the old barns and other buildings in which they nest. I would like to see much more active consideration given to preserving , enhancing and where appropriate creating a better environment for wild life when developing the relevant planning policies.
