Ive seen plans thwarted by local people who have set up 'friends of groups' to manage the land and improve it as a local amenity that supports wild flora and fauna with a view to the land being designated as an LNR (local nature reserve) by the council. It does afford some protection. But I suppose it could be a bit late for that and dont know if its affected by the size of the area in question.
LNR local nature reserve status is another to look into. There is a little parcel of land locally that has development all around it. I know there is interest in developing this last bit, so have done wildlife surveys on behalf of the Town Council and recommended elevating it to LNR status. The key thing with LNR is that it provides a special interest to local people, your site sounds like it could fit the bill Tootles, especially if it is already used by local dog walkers, that sort of thing.
TPOs and LIsted Buildings are not things the council will overlook - they will knwo about them (they probably initiated them in the first place) and they have to take them into account. Developers can usually plan the development to work around features such as this and incorporate them into the development, so they wouldnt necessarily prevent the permission being granted.
As someone has pointed out, there is a presumption in favour of development, and the fact that lot of local people don't like it is not in iteslf enough enough to prevent it. People almost always oppose new housing developments close to where they live, but there is an urgent need for more housing, so councils need valid "plannng reasons" if they are to reject an application. Otherwise it will just get taken to appeal and the Government inspector will overrule the Council.
The Council will have a Local Development Plan covering the coming years, and if this land is earmarked for housing on this plan, it's likely to go ahead in some form. I don't think the Parish Council can prevent it - as far as I know their role is just advisory.
It is still worth getting involved, though - in a similar case in our village, local people had some input into the final design and density of a housing development, and to the provision of footpaths, car parking, play areas, etc, as well as to the preservation of natural features and protection for wildlife. You may not be able to prevent it entirely, but you could still make a difference.
Thanks Green. I'm trying not to be a NIMBY but must admit that some of my objection is down to the fact that it will spoil what is a lovely view, and also block sunlight, in addition to the loss of habitat etc.
We have fought and won against several outrageous planning applications in this village. As you say, planning application has not yet been submitted so you do have time on your side, but there is so much you can do to enlist support, once you know what you are fighting against..
Write to your local councillor, your county councillor and your MP. They are there to serve you and should all be anxious to appear 'in a good' light especially with an election in May.
Also, write to as many local newspapers serving your area by way of a letter or a news item.
Contact your local radio station and the television companies which cover your area.
I do have a facebook account but never really had use for it. However, I was amazed at the amount of interest it generated around the village once someone had set it up.
All the above addresses can be found on the internet and it's amazing how the interest will snowball. Writing to organisations set up to protect listed buildings and local history groups (your library should have details) will also generate support. As others have written, protecting wildlife is high on people's agendas nowadays and it may be worthwhile to contact these organisations to enlist their support even before the application goes in..
We were lucky in as much as we had a superb Parish Council who kept everyone informed on what was happening and so many people came forward to help organise public meetings and demonstrations.
Posts
Ive seen plans thwarted by local people who have set up 'friends of groups' to manage the land and improve it as a local amenity that supports wild flora and fauna with a view to the land being designated as an LNR (local nature reserve) by the council. It does afford some protection. But I suppose it could be a bit late for that and dont know if its affected by the size of the area in question.
LNR local nature reserve status is another to look into. There is a little parcel of land locally that has development all around it. I know there is interest in developing this last bit, so have done wildlife surveys on behalf of the Town Council and recommended elevating it to LNR status. The key thing with LNR is that it provides a special interest to local people, your site sounds like it could fit the bill Tootles, especially if it is already used by local dog walkers, that sort of thing.
Lol I'm really not doing well at this this morning, apologies Yviestevie, I should learn to refresh before posting.
Great minds Gemma, Im always doing the same thing.
Wow! Just got back in from taking mother in law shopping to see all of these really helpful replies. THANKS!
Ill check for TPOs. They are glorious big old trees.
The skittle alley is grade 1 listed so I'm hoping that will help.
We've got newts in our garden so they must also be in the field. The river Witham runs across the bottom so I think they may come up from there.
Ive looked at logging it as a village green and found some info about Local Green Spaces that may help.
So very helpful all - huge thanks.
TPOs and LIsted Buildings are not things the council will overlook - they will knwo about them (they probably initiated them in the first place) and they have to take them into account. Developers can usually plan the development to work around features such as this and incorporate them into the development, so they wouldnt necessarily prevent the permission being granted.
As someone has pointed out, there is a presumption in favour of development, and the fact that lot of local people don't like it is not in iteslf enough enough to prevent it. People almost always oppose new housing developments close to where they live, but there is an urgent need for more housing, so councils need valid "plannng reasons" if they are to reject an application. Otherwise it will just get taken to appeal and the Government inspector will overrule the Council.
The Council will have a Local Development Plan covering the coming years, and if this land is earmarked for housing on this plan, it's likely to go ahead in some form. I don't think the Parish Council can prevent it - as far as I know their role is just advisory.
It is still worth getting involved, though - in a similar case in our village, local people had some input into the final design and density of a housing development, and to the provision of footpaths, car parking, play areas, etc, as well as to the preservation of natural features and protection for wildlife. You may not be able to prevent it entirely, but you could still make a difference.
Thanks Green. I'm trying not to be a NIMBY but must admit that some of my objection is down to the fact that it will spoil what is a lovely view, and also block sunlight, in addition to the loss of habitat etc.
We have fought and won against several outrageous planning applications in this village. As you say, planning application has not yet been submitted so you do have time on your side, but there is so much you can do to enlist support, once you know what you are fighting against..
Write to your local councillor, your county councillor and your MP. They are there to serve you and should all be anxious to appear 'in a good' light especially with an election in May.
Also, write to as many local newspapers serving your area by way of a letter or a news item.
Contact your local radio station and the television companies which cover your area.
I do have a facebook account but never really had use for it. However, I was amazed at the amount of interest it generated around the village once someone had set it up.
All the above addresses can be found on the internet and it's amazing how the interest will snowball. Writing to organisations set up to protect listed buildings and local history groups (your library should have details) will also generate support. As others have written, protecting wildlife is high on people's agendas nowadays and it may be worthwhile to contact these organisations to enlist their support even before the application goes in..
We were lucky in as much as we had a superb Parish Council who kept everyone informed on what was happening and so many people came forward to help organise public meetings and demonstrations.
Good luck Tootles
Tootles , noticed you mentioned River Witham , do you live in Lincolnshire ?
I have been involved in stopping / amending developments but it is very difficult
I would start by checking there is a Local Plan with regards to planning