Calderdale's green fields - in peril!

Sept 2011 Calderdale Friends of the Earth is asking Councillor Battye, Leader of the Council, and Craig Whittaker MP for Calder Valley - the representatives of the Coalition Government parties here in Calderdale - why their two parties are proposing changes to the national planning framework that will effectively strip greenfield sites across Calderdale of the protection they have been given in recent years, putting them at the mercy of property developers who will 'cherry pick' them rather than invest in sustainable and affordable housing at brownfield locations? Read our letter here.

LATEST NEWS: 17th Oct: as the petitions are handed in .. 'Huge' lobbying war chest behind the property developers ... 'not a coincidence that a requirement forcing councils to allow new homes only to be built on previously developed brownfield sites was dropped from the draft planning documents'. 4th Oct Planning Minister Greg Clark feels the pressure - "'Of course, we'll make use of brownfield land before greenfield land. ... If people think there is some desire not to prioritise the re-use of derelict land then that is something I think the consultation will clearly address." Bob Neill, Local Government and Planning minister - 'the Government has admitted there will be far reaching changes to the draft National Planning Policy Framework'. 30th Sept: Read Halifax Courier article here. Lobby of Parliament on 12th October.

The removal of all the guidance which encouraged planning authorities and housebuilders alike to develop 'brownfield sites before greenfield' will put more than 300 greenfield sites across Calderdale and around 450 hectares - that's the size of about 625 football pitches! - at risk.

The implications of these changes have been hidden by an absence of local debate and quite misleading claims from the Government. By the time local communities find out what has been done it will be too late to do anything. They will see property developers grabbing precious green sites that they have long treasured, but will no longer be able to defend. Other provisions of this 'National Planning Policy Framework' comprehensively stack the deck in favour of developers and against local communities, and councils.

This is just part of a comprehensive dismantling of existing planning guidance, which has provided detailed and helpful advice to developers and communities alike as to the type and standard of development that we all want to achieve. It prevents urban sprawl, the wrong development in the wrong place, environmental damage and nuisances, breaches of noise limits, and so much more. It promotes a sustainable society and a low carbon future. It's a fundamental protection for the quality of the urban and rural environments we like to live in.

If changes are needed to the Planning Framework much more sustainable alternatives are available.

Take ACTION now - join the coalition against Greenfield development and for sustainable planning

1. Email Leader of Calderdale Council Janet Battye and Craig Whittaker MP for Calder Valley

Suggested title 'Calderdale's green fields - in peril!' & message: "Why are your two parties supporting unnecessary and unsustainable changes to the planning framework that will place greenfield sites across Calderdale in peril? Please publicly express your opposition to these changes and ask for the draft National Planning Policy Framework to be withdrawn".

Add your own thoughts if you wish, maybe about a greenfield site near you which you value.

2. Email your local councillor asking them to object to these changes

3. National Trust: sign their 'Planning for People' petition 211,000+ signatures at 17th Oct and email your MP NEW: read their Manifesto for changes needed to draft NPPF

4. 38 Degrees: sign their 'Save our Countryside' petition 115,000+ signatures at 17th Oct. See petition handed in here

5. Reply to Government Consultation: closing date 17th October, 2011

6. Please circulate these opportunities for action to friends and colleagues

Further information: Daily Telegraph extended coverage, and expert blog by Andrew Lainton

** What's happening at the Party Conferences? **

Labour Party comes out against planning reforms: "Ms Creagh said the framework should be amended so that it reinstates a requirement that previously-developed brownfield sites are developed ahead of greenfield areas."

Greens urge government u-turn over shocking planning proposals: ""Ministers are intent on scrapping the policy of building on Brownfield sites before Greenfield sites ..."

The five-point Liberal Democrat plan for dealing with the NPPF fallout: 'Chief secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander said that the planning system was a "major vested interest" standing in the way of growth.'

Conservatives: Francis Maude launches tirade against the critics of new planning reforms