Plan for submission evidence base

Comment

Representation ID: 10450

Received: 29/07/2022

Respondent: Biddenham Society

We have already provided a comment on Policy DS1(S) Resources and Climate Change through the
formal commentary route but it was unclear where we might provide a comment on the Site
Assessment Pro Formas that impact our historical village.
There are three village sites allocated for potential development in this Local Plan:
- 218 – Land to the rear of 21a to 39 Church End, Biddenham (5+ houses)
- 578 – Land east of Vicars Close, Biddenham (12 houses)
- 808 – Land south of Vicars Close, Biddenham (12 houses)
The proposed infill development of the remaining green spaces in and around Biddenham continues
to reduce the tranquil and rural characteristics of the village, turning it more into a Great Denhamtype
community rather than the historical and rural village that it is. Not only does this detract from
the pleasant visual and community nature of the village but it also reduces the habitat for wildlife
that has always been an inherent part of the village. Such development has far more negative impact
than, for example, adding the same 30-or-so houses to one of the more significant developments
that is planned across the region. Why destroy what we already have through infill and reduce water
run-offs, CO2 absorption and wildlife habitat when alternative plans could easily be implemented?
The Biddenham Society recommends that the inclusion of these sites is reconsidered and not
included within the plan.