Greens focus on strengthening, not building on green belts:
02 August 2005
Dr Shahrar Ali, Policy Coordinator for the London Federation of Green Parties commented: "As green belts roll into their fiftieth anniversary, it is now, more than ever, important to support them against the increasing encroachment of urban sprawl and zealous property developers, and recognise green areas as an important and integral part of our environment."
"From Trent Park in Enfield to Fairlop Plain in Redbridge, Green Belts continue to be vulnerable to university campus expansion or racecourse developers. Yet local communities are crying out for these natural environments to be preserved and protected both for their own sake and for the good of future generations."
"Fifty years on from the establishment of preservation orders, we must renew our commitment to the Green Belts of London and the UK. The Greens will continue to challenge ill-considered and short-term planning consents granted by councils and the Government, not just for our own sakes but for the beautiful creatures we all share this planet with," said Dr Ali.
The Green Party believe green belts are valuable areas in their own right, not just land to be excluded from mainstream development. The Green party would retain and rigorously strengthen green belt legislation as a positive measure to revitalise the countryside and encourage the extension of the green belts.
ENDS
Editors' notes1) news.bbc.co.uk
