Opposing Planning Applications

[Wild Woolwell]

I always seem to be asking questions !!

Has anyone had a recent positive experience in opposing a development in their area - specifically where wildspace has been threatened by the proposal - I have literally today found that one such development may be taking place in our community of Woolwell. I once was a member of a county Planning Commitee so know the ropes pretty well on that score - it's the on the ground tactics I am interested in - as ways and means change over time - and was often at the receiving end of lobbying myself. Any thoughts welcome.

Steve

[Wild Woolwell]

I know this is a bit of a local issue – but its useful if anyone in my neck of the woods ( ie South Devon , Plymouth ) is reading , ( and if you are get in touch ) - and also , on a wider basis demonstrates the sort of dialogue anyone can, and possibly should, be engaging with in their local area where development threatens wild-space.

Gather evidence and make a stand !!

That’s enough rhetoric – if you are interested in our local campaign to save a small area of unused industrial land for the community – click on the link below.

LETTER TO THE LOCAL PLANNERS

[Tinkerbell]

We too have a small piece of industrial land, right in the middle of the town. Although we are surrounded by beautiful countryside we don't have a park. A large supermarket chain wanted to build on it at one time, but there was a lot of local objection (we have enough traffic jams in the summer as it is). So the land remains concreted and derelict - any ideas how and who to lobby for 'makeover'?

[henrya]

Before you give this bit of land a 'makeover' check to see what's there now. There might be all sorts of interesting and exciting creatures and plants living there. People often think of 'brownfield' sites as being good for nothing but redevelopment, but this is far from the case.

henrya

[Tinkerbell]

Good point Henrya, the only problem is that 'no-one' has access at present. I'll see if there is a local natural history society with any info.

[Wild Woolwell]

suggest you start off by checking with your local planning authority - who ought to be aware firstly who owns the land and will be able to advise you of the use the land is earmarked for under your Local Plan ( probably industrial use , retail or mixed ) - having done that - try your local Wildlife Trust, local Groundwork, use this site to ask for suggestions , talk to people in your area , and try to draw up an outline plan for managing site for wildlife with your local help- remember undeveloped land such as this is described in the National Biodiversity strategy as being potentially of significance fou urban biodiversity. Also referring back to your local Wildlife Trust - go on their website and find the links which should be there for your local regional Biodiversity Partnership - there will almost certainly be a Towns, Cities and Development working party. The early part of this processs is DULL - but once the ball is rolling who knows - I am not certain that efforts here in Woolwell are going to be successful- but I believe it is worth trying. Hope this is of some help.

Steve

[Tinkerbell]

Thanks Steve - will try to get the ball rolling as you suggest. Hope others are as enthusiastic as me.

[hairy]

I know this thread was started some time ago, but thought I'd mention that a group I'm involved with has successfully challenged some planning applications - even when these have been supported by 'professional' wildlife consultancies.

There's a short "Citizen's Guide to Badgers and Planning" on our website and a link to a CPRE run dedicated Planning Help website.

regards

Roger

Stop DEFRA killing more Badgers - www.stopthecull.info

[emcdaid]

As you have been involved at the committee level you will know it very much depends opun how the land is designated. If it is designated as development land then it is unlikely tyhat you will be able to stop the development unless there are truley rare species/habitats. If there are species such as bats / newts or rare plants I would suggest that you write to the planning officer asking what steps are being taken to assess the existing wildlife value of the site - any information found will help with arguing for mitigation or changes to the plans.

It is essential that you stick to facts about the site's value to wildlife as overplaying its value undermines the conservation cause overall. Another tactic that is worth trying is to ensure that local residents contact the relevant councillor directly to express their concern over loss of habitat or green space. It might also be worth looking at planningaid.rtpi.org.uk

The key to protecting habitats and green space is to get involved at the local plan (now called Local Development Frameworks I think) stage as once land is allocated for development it is hard to repell development - mitigation or retention on valuable features is often the best you can expect.

[judynorth]

we too are fighting development in our local area and have set up a heritage campaign group.We have a web site with lots of planning help,tips etc that may be of use.the address is
[url]www.ju - deleted multiple links
Have you thought about applying for a village green ?
Judy

[nightshade]

could english nature get a survey done?it costs nothing to ask

[judynorth]

The Idea is good but it is very hard to get people like english nature on board unless you have a protected species,but maybe a local nature group could do a survey or ask at the local uni,its also worth contacting friends of the earth they can offer help/advice.There are lots of contacts out there FOE.CPRE,andn the OSS who can help with village greens
Judy