Issues and Options for the Ipswich Local Plan Review

Comment

Representation ID: 24935

Received: 26/10/2017

Respondent: Greenways Countryside Project

Agent: Mr James Baker

This area benefits from a spectacular natural environment with internationally important wildlife populations and habitats. This resource contributes hugely to the quality of life for residents and is not replaceable, so should be protected at all cost.

Comment

Representation ID: 25341

Received: 26/10/2017

Respondent: Greenways Countryside Project

Agent: Mr James Baker

Scenario A, the lowest growth option is the most appropriate for this area, due to the limited infrastructure and important natural environment.

Comment

Representation ID: 25342

Received: 26/10/2017

Respondent: Greenways Countryside Project

Agent: Mr James Baker

We support the continued separation from neighbouring villages. This helps to define the very important 'green rim' of open space around the town.

Comment

Representation ID: 25343

Received: 26/10/2017

Respondent: Greenways Countryside Project

Agent: Mr James Baker

Protecting existing open space is vital. To meet the needs of a growing population and in light of declining wildlife populations, all the open space in Ipswich is needed and more. Any change of policy to allow building on open spaces would be significantly detrimental and unsustainable.

Comment

Representation ID: 25344

Received: 26/10/2017

Respondent: Greenways Countryside Project

Agent: Mr James Baker

Additional significant areas of semi-natural greenspace are required (in addition to the proposed Garden Suburb country park) across the Ipswich Policy Area to sustain the likely levels of housing growth. Orwell Country Park requires the inclusion of all of the land at Pond Hall Farm to allow sustainable access and reduce disturbance of overwintering wildfowl in the Orwell Estuary SPA.

Comment

Representation ID: 25345

Received: 26/10/2017

Respondent: Greenways Countryside Project

Agent: Mr James Baker

Providing high quality open space close to where people live is vital to reduce journeys to more vulnerable sites (eg European Protected estuaries). Increased investment in local parks and open spaces would create a 'better offer' to local residents. Sites of high aesthetic and wildlife value along with popular facilities (eg: cafes, destination play features, dog play areas etc), are most likely to achieve this.

Comment

Representation ID: 25346

Received: 26/10/2017

Respondent: Greenways Countryside Project

Agent: Mr James Baker

As a general principle, all of these existing 'countryside' areas form part of the 'green rim' concept, providing much needed breathing space between settlements - both for people and wildlife. Comments made on each site, see attached document.

Comment

Representation ID: 25347

Received: 26/10/2017

Respondent: Greenways Countryside Project

Agent: Mr James Baker

Strongly oppose re-allocation of existing limited open space, allotments etc because of their public and wildlife benefit. Playing fields, if not required for that purpose should be considered for change to wildlife open space to meet increasing needs, especially where located in or near to the ecological network.

Comment

Representation ID: 25348

Received: 26/10/2017

Respondent: Greenways Countryside Project

Agent: Mr James Baker

Our perception is that there is not enough open space to meet the needs of a growing population and wildlife.

Comment

Representation ID: 25349

Received: 26/10/2017

Respondent: Greenways Countryside Project

Agent: Mr James Baker

More accessible natural greenspace is required in addition to the new Garden Suburb countrypark to meet the needs of a growing population/biodiversity. Although very positive, the new GS country park is small for the numbers of people living in the area. Expansion of natural greenspace around the green rim (from the GS country park and generally) is vital to increase the diversity of greenspace offered and accessibility to more residents. Pond Hall Farm should be included within Orwell Country Park to allow visitors to be drawn away from the protected estuary on routes that will cause less disturbance to wildlife.