Green Belt
Countryside...next door
Green Belts are one of the most powerful and effective tools for protecting the countryside. Green Belt land is designated by law to
- protect the open character of the countryside next to urban areas
- focus and stimulate regeneration in neglected sites within cities and towns
- stop towns merging into each other
- protect the countryside setting of historic cities and towns
Green Belt land isn't necessarily conventionally beautiful countryside or especially significant for nature conservation. But it is land that is precious because it is open and undeveloped - a place where built development can only take place in the most exceptional circumstances. We believe that if Green Belt land is derelict or unsightly then it should be turned into attractive countryside that will be valuable to people living in nearby towns and cities.
South Yorkshire's Green Belt
It's taken decades of hard campaigning to get the South Yorkshire Green Belt. Without it, Sheffield would have sprawled out into the Peak District in the west. It would have merged eastwards with Rotherham, eventually engulfing Barnsley and Doncaster. However, South Yorkshire's Green Belt is under increasing pressure from developers, and we're constantly campaigning to protect and improve it.
Full Green Belt for Doncaster!
South Yorkshire's Green Belt still isn't complete. Land to the east of Doncaster isn't designated as Green Belt so it is still vulnerable to development. We're really worried about the huge rise in urban sprawl - including an increase in proposals for housing, storage and distribution developments - down the eastern boundary of Doncaster. We're campaigning for the Green Belt to be extended all the way around Doncaster.
Have your say
Doncaster Council is currently formulating its new Local Development Framework, including its new Core Strategy. This sets out the overall plan of development in the Borough. The Core Strategy will also determine what happens to the Green Belt. So far, the draft maintains the boundary and general extent of the Green Belt. We hope that strong public and political support will persuade Doncaster Council that the Green Belt must be expanded in the east - and that it can be done without jeopardising economic growth or new housing needed for local people.
The open consultation period for the new Core Strategy is now over, but there is another stage in the process where you can have your say - if Green Belt expansion still isn't included. We're expecting Doncaster Council to publish a revised draft for public comments in March or April 2011, before it goes off to be examined by an independent planning inspector.
So keep your eyes peeled for Doncaster's amended Core Strategy in the spring. If it hasn't been revised to include a full Green Belt - please join us in objecting to it. Keep checking Doncaster Council's website.
Also, have a look at our campaign briefing, which includes a sample letter to send to Doncaster Council.
Contact John King and join our Doncaster Green Belt Campaign.
National campaign
Join CPRE's national campaign for Green Belts.
