Issues and Options

The Borough Council needs to substantially increase investment in good standard footways/cycleways linking existing communities together, integrating new development and coordinating with other sustainable modes of transport.

The 2014 Landscape Character Assessment is too generalised to allow proper assessment of the impact of development on sensitive landscapes. More finely grained assessment (through landscape sensitivity studies) is required across the Borough, and the outputs should be reflected in policy so as to allow locally valued landscapes to be protected and enhanced.

Ravensden Parish Council considers Health issues should be given more prominence in the Review, particularly for rural/ageing communities with limited access to health facilities, and in recognition of a limited supply of sheltered or retirement housing, or care facilities. Local health facilities should be planned for strategically and not piecemeal as contributions negotiated with developers. Facilities should be provided as locally as possible and in advance of new development. The Review should contain policies, not dependent on development, to encourage more active lifestyles (e.g. improved footpaths/footways and cycleways in the rural areas)