Published: Wednesday, 1st July, 2009 10:00am

Residents say green belt is of the highest importance

THE importance of maintaining the borough"s Green Belt was highlighted by residents as results of a consultation on future development were revealed.

The consultation, on the Local Development Framework (LDF), was carried out between March and May to enable the public to express their views about how the Royal Borough can best meet the government target of 6,920 new homes between 2006 and 2026.

A total of 2,163 people replied and 63.5 per cent of respondents rated the Green Belt as of highest importance and a further 16.6 per cent felt its protection was important. There was also a preference for new businesses to be on land next to town centres or other existing employment areas.

Lead member for planning and development, cllr Alison Knight, welcomed the results and said they would help to further firm up the development strategy for the borough.

The final draft of the LDF strategy and further public consultation will be completed in the autumn and is expected to be adopted in December 2010 subject to approval from the Secretary of State.

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