Each case should be considered on its merits and evidence supplied by land promoters. Propose site at Black Rock, Portishead - part of the site is a former nursery business. Any site closer to the larger settlement boundaries needs to be carefully reviewed whether or not it is Green Belt.
Re p.90, development of previously developed land in the countryside, : Policy considerations should include consideration of the purpose of conserving and enhancing natural beauty in relation to, or affecting land within the Mendip Hills AONB
We do not agree with the principle of extending the policy to include private residential development only. If economic and general community uses have been ruled out, then community-owned options should be offered, which may include limited community-owned residential.
There is an inherent view that previously developed land is of limited ecological value. This is not true and is reflected in the production of the Open Mosaic Habitats on Previously Developed Land description of priority habitats for the UK. We therefore believe that particular ecological scrutiny should be given to proposals to develop on previously developed land.
