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Open Season on the Green Belt

Dear Councillor,

The value of green open spaces has been brought into sharper focus by the current restrictions in place due to Covid-19.  Open spaces are always important resources for the health and well-being of local communities but at the moment they are proving to be essential by providing the opportunity for recreation and exercise.  Indeed the Government is encouraging this as a means of supporting our physical and mental health during this difficult time.

Many of you will have wards away from the North of the District and will not be aware that the areas being allocated for development in the current Cherwell Local Plan Partial Review are those which surround the villages of Kidlington, Yarnton and Begbroke.  These communities have very little space within the boundaries of the villages due to their urban densities and size.  The loss of the surrounding countryside would be highly detrimental.  It is crucial that this land, the importance of which was recognised by its inclusion within the Oxford Green Belt, is protected for future generations.

I have attached an article from a recent edition (2nd April) of the Oxford Times where our Chairman, Giles Lewis examines the political contradictions in current Green Belt policies.  Could you please take a few minutes to read this.

The original article is also available online via this link
https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/18350591.oxford-green-belt-land-now-risk/

We understand the pressure on you to vote to adopt the Local Plan.  However, we urge you to take a wider, longer term view and vote against it.

Yours sincerely

Cherwell Development Watch Alliance

Cherwell Development Watch Alliance is an organisation that represents the residents and campaign groups of Kidlington, Begbroke, Yarnton, North Oxford and Woodstock.