This is the manifesto for the Save Our Green Spaces alliance. We have kept it broad reaching to appeal to the widest group of supporters. We expect each of our support groups to have their own additions to this manifesto.
Manifesto
The South West’s green spaces and open countryside are a precious, finite resource. They produce our food, support wild animals and plants, give us free leisure, add to our quality of life and provide environmental services (clean air, peace and tranquility, cooling, drainage and flood protection). Protecting them from development is our top priority. The region is under significant threat from the development proposed in the Regional Spatial Strategy and we believe that central government must listen, and address the concerns of the people who live and work in the South West.
We are an alliance of organisations that includes community groups, environmental campaigns and NGOs from across the region. We have joined together, knowing that our voice is louder and impossible to ignore if we stand united. We will be working together to ensure the countryside is protected for future generations to enjoy.
The Government’s housing plans for 3 million new homes across England by 2020 are unrealistic and unsustainable. Across the South West local authorities and communities are contesting the scale of new housing proposed. We call upon the Government to:
- Commit to sequential development to protect the countryside and support urban regeneration. Local authorities should be rewarded for regenerating urban areas, converting empty buildings where appropriate and bringing empty homes back into use. Genuine and appropriate Brownfield land must be used before Greenfield land is developed. Road schemes that open up the countryside must be opposed, and a sustainable transport plan produced.
- Ensure that the priority for new housing in the region is affordable homes and that these are fully funded. It is unrealistic to rely on a developer-led approach through planning agreements.
- Reduce the overall number of new houses allocated. Housing numbers should not be treated as hard targets and as minimum figures but rather as guidance for a plan, monitor and manage approach to delivery. New housing development should meet local needs and be provided in tandem with community and social facilities. Ill conceived and badly built boxes that benefit nobody but developers are not appropriate.
Find your local campaign group
Small communities need small, sustainable housing projects, with appropriate infrastructure, not large out of town housing estates.
Save our Green Spaces website is owned and maintained by Warmley and Siston Green Spaces
