I received a response from Cllr Julie Young regarding my previous blog post.
I have updated the previous blog post with some notes from what she said.
I also emailed a reply, which went to all the Greenstead Ward councillors. My reply is reproduced here:
Dear Ms Young,
Size of Country Park
Of course, it is the size of the “country park” that is the crucial point. The area a hundred yards to the side of Salary Brook along its length is very unlikely to be developed, and could be called a “country park”. That would leave an enormous housing sprawl over the hillsides opposite Greenstead and Longridge Park.
Boundaries of Country Park
The boundaries need to be very clearly defined, as well. “East of the tree line” could be interpreted in several ways, I think. The term “Salary Brook Valley”, used last year by the Lib Dems, is a mistake, I think – the “valley” is only the part at the bottom of the slopes. A good informal definition I have recently heard is from Sir Bob Russell, who said “new development should only be over the brow of the hill and out of sight of existing residents of Greenstead and Longridge Park”. Of course this needs formally defining, including with maps.
Current Local Plan Proposals
The current Local Plan proposals from Colchester and Tendring Councils talk about a country park of 70 hectares, incorporating Churn Wood. Highwoods Country Park is 150 hectares, so more than double the size.
Comparing here:
https://binged.it/2a9lqHO
and looking at the attached map from the recent Tendring meeting, which shows an enormous potential area of development, it is obvious that, apart from Churn Wood, there will probably be very little green space protected apart from probably the few hundred yards around Salary Brook that I mention above. (In the attached map, Greenstead and Longridge Park are in the bottom 25% of the page.)
Churn Wood is protected anyway – see the second attachment.
Tendring Council
Much of the proposed development near Longridge Park, and Greenstead, is part of Tendring Council’s area. Representations need to continue to be made to them as well.
Your Newsletter
I hope your newsletter will describe how the local plans as currently proposed will mean that the hill-slopes opposite Greenstead and Longridge Park will almost certainly be covered in houses. I hope you will encourage residents to object to this in the current public consultations.
Representations to the Councils
I hope you will be making representations to both councils in your capacities as councillors.
Please keep me informed. I will update the CHEAG blog.
Regards
James
Colchester East Action Group (CHEAG)
Blog: http://cheag.blogspot.co.uk/
I completely agree with Sir Bob Russell's definition as to an acceptable solution - ie that any proposed 'new development should only be over the brow of the hill and out of sight of existing residents of Greenstead and Longridge Park' - this is the only acceptable solution to avoid an 'enormous housing sprawl over the hillsides opposite Greenstead and Longridge Park'. To foresee how this would look, simply walk up on the hill and look towards Greenstead. The concrete jungle seen there is what we, in Greenstead and Longridge, would see every day out of our windows. Whereas an incorporation of the hillside leading up to Churn Wood as country park area would provide for a natural barrier between Greenstead/Longridge and any new development, retaining the rural character of the area, and a sense of established and separate identity and a pride in these communities. Having a common appreciation of and pride in where you live is important, as it leads to a common responsibility, and shared care and concern for these areas.
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