Karin Smyth, MP for Bristol South, has welcomed renewed protection for Bedminster Down Green Belt following her representations to Mayor Rees.
In May 2019 Karin Smyth was contacted by constituents who were concerned that the draft Policy DS10: Changes to the Green Belt in South Bristol in the Bristol Local Plan Review. This plan sought to remove land at Bedminster Down from the Green Belt and to make development allocations. Ms. Smyth agreed that this would be a disastrous decision for the local area.
In her letter to the Mayor, Karin said:
It is very surprising that the Council is proposing that housing be constructed on valuable farm land particularly given public statements regarding the plan for a Park and Ride at Sims Hill close to the M32. It is not clear how building houses on farm land at Bedminster Down assists Bristol in seeking gold status as a Sustainable Food City nor does it appear compatible with the importance of local food production.
She went on to state that:
I can assure you that Bedminster Down is a very important part of the south Bristol landscape therefore the proposal to remove it from the Green Belt is extremely disappointing.
In the next few years there will be a substantial loss of green space in my constituency for housing, specifically at Hengrove airfield, which I do support. There are also plans for very significant numbers of new homes in Bedminster, Knowle, Ashton and Hartcliffe which have my support.
However it is not clear to me whether it is necessary for even more green space to be lost in south Bristol.
Karin Smyth MP welcomes this positive decision from Mayor Marvin Rees.
Karin Smyth, MP for Bristol South, said:
“The draft plans to remove land in Bedminster Down from the Green Belt would have been disastrous for our natural environment, people’s wellbeing and our commitment to tackle climate change.
“When I wrote to the Mayor in May 2019 calling for these plans to be dropped I did so because I know the importance of Bedminster Down to the residents of south Bristol.
“Going forward, I hope that decision makers will continue to listen carefully to the communities in their area. Protecting our natural environment for future generations is vital and I will continue to do all I can to support local groups who want to protect and extend our green spaces.”