Issues and Options for the Ipswich Local Plan Review

Comment

Representation ID: 25001

Received: 30/10/2017

Respondent: Suffolk Wildlife Trust

We recommend that the issues are expanded to include the need to secure ecological enhancements as part of new developments.

Comment

Representation ID: 25002

Received: 30/10/2017

Respondent: Suffolk Wildlife Trust

The Borough and surrounding areas have a wide network of wildlife-rich sites, ranging from those of international importance (such as the Stour and Orwell Estuaries Special Protection Area (SPA) to those of more local importance. These sites are part of a valuable network and the Local Plan must protect all areas
of ecological value. This should include sites designated for their nature conservation interest, including County Wildlife Sites (CWS), and areas of greenspace that, whilst undesignated, contribute to the overall biodiversity value of the area.

Comment

Representation ID: 25003

Received: 30/10/2017

Respondent: Suffolk Wildlife Trust

In relation to the top priorities identified for Ipswich Borough we recommend that a definition of 'sustainable' is included in the document. In relation to the environment, this should include the priority to create a thriving, enhanced natural environment for the benefit of people and wildlife.

Comment

Representation ID: 25005

Received: 30/10/2017

Respondent: Suffolk Wildlife Trust

We would object to the allocation of greenspaces for new development. As recognised by the council, such areas are essential for the health and wellbeing of residents, the town's biodiversity and wildlife network, climate change mitigation and adaptation and to create an attractive environment.

An integrated, landscape scale approach is key to conserving wildlife, even where it is demonstrated that a site is of no ecological value in its own right, it may contribute to the green infrastructure of the area as part of a network.

Comment

Representation ID: 25006

Received: 30/10/2017

Respondent: Suffolk Wildlife Trust

We object to the re-allocation of open space for housing.
The loss of such sites to development would not only result in local biodiversity losses, but would also decrease connectivity and fragment the network of greenspaces throughout the town.
The 2012/13 Ipswich Wildlife Audit identified the ecological value of the majority of the greenspaces within the town and provides a good evidence base for the value of these sites.

In addition it could significantly increase visitor pressure on other sensitive designated sites, such as the Stour and Orwell Estuaries, by displacing people from the areas they currently use for recreation.

Comment

Representation ID: 25007

Received: 30/10/2017

Respondent: Suffolk Wildlife Trust

Any decision to look at infilling of gaps between settlements must consider any likely impacts on the green infrastructure network of the area. Gaps between settlements are likely to contribute to this network, providing connectivity between greenspaces within the town and those on the urban fringe. These connections must be protected, reinforced and enhanced through the Local Plan.

Comment

Representation ID: 25015

Received: 30/10/2017

Respondent: Suffolk Wildlife Trust

All areas need sufficient high-quality greenspace, with good connectivity to and through the network.

Comment

Representation ID: 25016

Received: 30/10/2017

Respondent: Suffolk Wildlife Trust

All areas need sufficient high-quality greenspace, with good connectivity to and through the network.

Circular dog walking routes of at least 2.7km with a start point within 400-500m of the properties. Such routes are needed to help ensure that sensitive designated sites (such as the Stour and Orwell Estuaries) are protected from the adverse impacts that can arise from such activities.

Comment

Representation ID: 25017

Received: 30/10/2017

Respondent: Suffolk Wildlife Trust

Policy DM4 - could be amended to ensure that all new SuDS are designed to maximise their wildlife value in accordance with published best practice guidance.

Policy DM5 and DM6 - could be amended to ensure that the design of new developments secures enhancements for wildlife.

Policy DM29 - New sports and recreation facilities can represent significant areas of greenspace, the policy should therefore ensure that such development maximises the biodiversity opportunities of such sites.

Policy DM31 - We support this policy, however it may be necessary to update Plan 5 (Ipswich Ecological Network).

Comment

Representation ID: 25018

Received: 30/10/2017

Respondent: Suffolk Wildlife Trust

Whilst we do not have any recommendations for employment sites that could be re-allocated to residential use, it should be noted that employment site E15 includes Ransomes Europark Heathland CWS. Consideration of any use types in this area must ensure that the CWS is secured and suitably protected.