I support retaining St Edmundsbury as high amenity lands for the following reasons;
1. Compliance with the National Planning Framework (NPF)
The proposal to rezone St Edmundsbury is not consistent with the objectives of the National Planning Framework, which emphasises:
- Enhancing amenity
- Preserving heritage
- Transitioning to a climate‑resilient society
The NPF places strong focus on green infrastructure, biodiversity, and natural capital. Rezoning St Edmundsbury for development would directly undermine these principles.
2. Protection of Green Infrastructure & Ecological Corridors
St Edmundsbury forms part of a wider ecological network in Lucan. Rezoning and development would:
- Sever ecological corridors
- Damage landscape integrity
- Reduce biodiversity and natural habitats
- Remove mature vegetation that contributes to climate resilience
This contradicts the NPF’s requirement to protect and enhance natural assets, not diminish them.
3. Sense of Place & Community Well‑Being
The NPF emphasises the importance of maintaining a high‑quality “sense of place” and supporting community well‑being. St Edmundsbury is one of the few remaining green, open, and historic landscapes in Lucan. Its loss would:
- Remove a key amenity area used for walking, recreation, and mental well‑being
- Erode the historic character of the area
- Reduce the quality of life for existing residents
The introduction of new housing in this location would permanently remove this green infrastructure.
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4. Inadequate Local Infrastructure to Support Additional Housing
Lucan’s existing infrastructure is already under significant pressure. Rezoning St Edmundsbury for housing would worsen:
- Road congestion — current volumes already exceed capacity
- Public transport strain — buses cannot accommodate existing demand
- M50 bypass traffic — additional vehicles using Lucan roads to avoid tolls on the south side
- Community services — schools, healthcare, and amenities are already stretched
Adding further housing without addressing these deficits contradicts sustainable planning principles.
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5. Conclusion
For these reasons — environmental, infrastructural, heritage‑based, and in line with the National Planning Framework — I strongly oppose the rezoning of St Edmundsbury. The land should be retained as high‑amenity green infrastructure for the benefit of current and future generations.
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