Effingham resident Paula Moss, founder of Ruralroar.org.uk and Vice Chair of Effingham Parish Council has been interviewed by Martin Giles, editor of the Guildford Dragon. The interview which clearly explains the grey belt issues can be accessed here.
EFFRA recently published an article by Paula about her campaign.
The campaign has generated considerable support and interest. The public meeting What does Grey Belt mean for our villages? to be held at East Horsley Village Hall at 7.30pm on Friday 9th October is now fully booked. The panel at the meeting will include Zoe Franklin M.P.; Counillor Catherine Young, West Surrey Council; Councillor Fiona White, Planning Lead Guildford Borough Council; Councillor George Potter, Guildford Borough Councillor and Paula. A report will be published on the meeting
Hello
I hope in your meeting you can be aware of the context required when talking of the green to grey belt changes. It isn’t all bad news. Some urban park areas need protection and are vital for the physical and mental health of many residents. Indeed especially in densely populated areas. We do need to look at housing targets and careful consideration of new land opportunities could be welcome. Many green belt areas do not have the same value as urban spaces. I hope my opinion may be shared at your meeting.
Hello,Sally, thanks for the response.
The meeting is focused on the impact of the grey belt policy. I can assure you that the grey belt policy will not have a detrimental impact on any urban area. Urban park areas are not in the Green Belt. And I agree they are essential and should be protected – but the grey belt policy does not address urban areas or parks.
Grey belt policy directs development away from towns and large built-up areas. The types of development being proposed under it are the equivalent in size to dumping the entire population of Scotland in a field outside London. So the focus of the meeting is not on the principle of development but the scale and impact on the area targeted by grey belt policy and the need to release brownfield sites (like the old garage forecourts in the Green Belt we were promised grey belt would identify). I hope that reassures you.