The proposed removal of land…

The proposed removal of land from the greenbelt compromises the integrity of this environmental asset without justification. The land that will be removed is not required for housing, as there is ample vacant land that has been already designated as part of the urbanised area, and is addressed by municipal plans for infrastructure development. Furthermore, the housing that would be developed on these sites would make a minor contribution to the acknowledged additional housing that is required, and would not provide the affordable, higher density homes that the population needs.

The additional housing should be provided through intensification and higher density development that is both environmentally sound, and economically sustainable for the region's municipalities, and contributes to thriving communities. The irreversible loss of greenspace and agricultural land, and future energy requirements associated with growth should be significant criteria in planning for our region's growth. Municipal plans have offered preferable alternative approaches tor providing the needed housing.

Please do not approve the proposed removal of land from the greenbelt.