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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