BSCF's objections to Whitehall House development

Reference Planning Application 3/08/1160/FP

Further to your telephone conversation with Michael Hurford on the 4th of August, I confirm our objection to this proposal. There are no exceptional circumstances to permit housing in the Green Belt, nor are there any possibilities for exceptions to this rule under Policy HSG8.

We therefore recommend that the owners make an alternative application to improve Whitehall House and the four cottages and that the substantial tree screen is left intact.

I would also like to point out that the Inspector at the examination of the local plan made the following statement in her report.

"I do not agree with the objector’s assessment of the objection site in terms of its Green Belt contributions. The site forms part of the Green Wedge that penetrates the built up part of Bishop's Stortford and plays an important Green Belt purpose of maintaining the setting, health and well being of the town. Furthermore, it contributes to the environmental and biodiversity interest of the area and supports an extensive range of recreational opportunities thereby fulfilling Green Belt objectives. Even if my perceptions of the site were incorrect, there is no exceptional case for removing its Green Belt status."

In conclusion, the Bishop's Stortford Civic Federation does not believe that anything has changed in the intervening period which should be allowed to alter the Inspector’s conclusions.