The green belt is of benefit for all

The joint spatial plan (JSP) produced by the West of England Combined Authority states that there needs to be an additional 14,500 homes built in the Bath and North East Somerset Council area by 2036. This is an area where over 70 per cent of land is currently in green belt and over 80 per cent of land is used for agriculture. The pressure by developers to build on green belt land is enormous. It is an important time to remind ourselves of the purposes of green belt: Green belt serves five purposes: to check the unrestricted sprawl of large built-up areas to prevent neighbouring towns merging into one another to assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment to preserve the setting and special character of historic towns to assist in urban regeneration, by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land Green belt land is not about pretty views for those that live there. Green belt provides essential agricultural land, habitats for wildlife, natural carbon capture, recreational activity, a haven of peace and well-being, as well as preserving the essential character of our towns and villages. The green belt is of benefit for residents in urban areas such as Bath as well as rural areas. “Exceptional circumstances” have to be demonstrated to build on green belt land. The word exceptional should not be replaced by convenient. Housing needs to be built on brown-field sites first. Housing needs to be built where jobs and facilities exist to minimise the need for travel. If village communities desire small-scale housing development with affordable housing to meet their needs, that is fine. What is unacceptable is imposed large scale development changing the character of our villages. Bath and North East Somerset Council is producing a local plan which goes out for consultation in 2019. It is important that everyone registers their views. Saltford, Compton Dando, Corston, Newton St Loe, Burnett, Chewton Keynsham, and Queen Charlton are wonderful examples of villages whose identity and character need preserving. This is our top priority. Duncan Hounsell Alastair Singleton Liberal Democrat spokespersons for Saltford and the villages