Medway Liberal Democrats support World Environmental Day on Friday 5th June
World Environment Day on Friday 5th June raises awareness on environmental issues and challenges. Local Liberal Democrats have vigorously campaigned to protect Medway's environment and recently have opposed developments on orchards located in Lower Rainham and rural land in Capstone Valley.
We want to protect these spaces as a vital local asset for everyone and have called on the Council to improve environmental standards in our towns. Adopting a coherent, credible Local Plan would help protect the surrounding environment against developments of this nature, by building on 'brown build' sites as opposed to destroying Green Belt sites.
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Whilst we recognise the need for new housing, it must be in the right places, where there is a good provision of infrastructure. Concentrating developments in areas with good bus and rail links to reduce car usage, and in locations where there is scope to provide decent pedestrian, cycling and public transport connections.
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Recent proposed developments will have a devastating impact and drastically change the face of our rural areas. A Local Development Plan should protect our environment against developments of this nature, with clear guidance on where to build sufficient housing to meet government targets, and simultaneously improve the quality and quantity of new residential development to stimulate regeneration in our town centres.
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Alan Bullion, for the Liberal Democrats said "Liberal Democrats want to preserve open spaces around our towns, giving the local community space for leisure and recreation, without causing harm to Medway's most sensitive wildlife habitats and species. We would improve the connectivity of habitats to provide robust ecological networks and provide new allotments on 'brown build' sites to provide for an increased population. Medway's parks and green are vital resources for us all, bringing our communities together and benefitting our physical and mental health and wellbeing."
Liberal Democrats want to secure the provision of Medway's green infrastructure, fully supporting adaptation to climate change, improving flood management and prevention, and improving urban air quality as well as providing other important benefits which underpin sustainable economic growth. For all the progress that has been made, there is still undoubtedly more to be done.
ENDS
NOTES FOR EDITORS:
Medway Urban Green Spaces Forum - For more information - The Medway Urban Forest