Support to retain high amenity zoning
I strongly support the councillors' decision to retain current high amenity zoning and reject residential rezoning in St Edmundsbury.
My primary concerns are on public health grounds
In the proposed rezoning report I saw no evidence of an impact assessment on the negative health consequences for the local population of removing this green space and increasing pollution in the area.
Preserving biodiversity in this area is absolutely paramount but protecting the cardiovascular and general health of current and future human populations is of equal importance and this was not addressed in any meaningful way by the proposals to date. In fact the public health aspect was entirely under recognized and insufficiently addressed in one brief line only.
Green spaces have been proven to be essential for our physical and mental health, and this is more pertinent than ever in the face of rising levels of obesity and anxiety/depression. Conversely, air pollution has been established as a modifiable risk factor for stroke and other cardiovascular problems, as well as dementia. Trees have also demonstrated undeniable benefits for human health.
My children are growing up in a village choked by traffic fumes and this is a rare location where they can breathe clean air. The recent heatwave highlighted the importance of the cool shade of wooded areas. And the plant life and wildlife of St Eds offers irreplaceable nature learning for local children including the many schools that access the area for nature lessons.
St Edmundsbury has a unique sense of place which offers respite and retreat from suburban sprawl. It is a rare safe traffic-free space in Lucan where kids can run freely without fear of cars. It's also a safe walking space for vulnerable pedestrians like older people or buggy users away from traffic, risk from e-scooters etc.
Protecting St Eds clearly aligns with the biodiversity and climate resilience priorities of the NPF.
I strongly object to the redevelopment of this area for housing and fully support it being preserved in its current format on crucial public health grounds.