We support the ‘Proposed policy direction’ as outlined in the GC LP ‘First proposals’ document to resist ‘inappropriate development of residential gardens and the subdivision of existing plots’
In our established city suburbs and villages, larger private gardens, green spaces and small areas of woodland form a series of green networks together with publicly owned open green spaces such as those on housing estates, village greens, parks, recreation grounds, allotments, community orchards, cemeteries and burial grounds to enable wildlife to traverse and thrive within the built environment. In some cases, these networks link to green infrastructure in the surrounding countryside.
These privately owned spaces often with mature trees and shrubs also contribute to the local character, particularly in some of the villages.
In recent years there has been a significant loss of privately owned gardens, green spaces and small patches of mature trees for house extensions, hard landscaping, new housing plots, hard standing for parking in front gardens and garden offices. It is understandable why this is happening and some issues are not under the control of Council Policy
However, even where planning permission is required there is often little mitigation required for biodiversity loss. This appears to be steadily reducing the available green habitat within the city suburbs and villages and it seems likely that the value of the green networks is being reduced. For subdivision of plots, where there are no applicable TPOs the land is usually cleared of mature trees and shrubs before planning permission is sought and then little or no measures are put in place to address biodiversity loss.
Such measures are relatively cheap with items such as swift nest bricks (easily built high into the gable ends or under the eaves) available from £30 per unit, trees from £50 and shrubs from £20 and easy to provide hedgehog friendly fencing costing just a little more than a standard fence.
So, we suggest that this Policy should include specific mention of the type of mitigation/enhancement for biodiversity that will be required where permission is given to develop such sites.