Generally, I do not support…

Generally, I do not support the continued attrition of prime farmland lost to development forever, with no prospect of ever being Grade 1 farmland again. I would, however, expect development to be permitted on farms already impacted by prior practices; things like quarrying for aggregates, or landfill that is not a garbage (methane-producing) dump. Farms that were historically or recently allowed to be compromised in such ways are never likely to again be Grade 1 farmland anyway, and likely to never be consolidated with larger farm holdings because they require much higher inputs to succesfully grow any crops. These farms may be increasingly uneconomic and there should be tolerable potential to develop them for uses other than agriculture. All still with environmental impact studies and other necessary caveats to ensure it is the right development in the right way, in the right place, at the right time. All that said, the Normal Farm Practices Board will need a significant boost to handle the inevitable complaints and issues as more people move into what is, still, an industrial area - that's what farming is, industry. The current process, with three years typical for a NFPB hearing to be completed, is untenable. If houses are permitted on low-grade farms and farmland they should not also be able to have extra dwelings (basement suites) or tiny homes as of right; this quickly will exceed the carrying capacity of well- and sewer- capacities amongst other service-related difficiencies. Rural living is already difficult - there are no trades (because there is so much work to be done in the cities), schools continue to be threatened with closure, shops struggle to compete with big box stores, doctors have closed patient lists, and off-farm work is essential for most farmers to get by. When you deplete even the successful farms, you make all of these issues that much worse; where are the trades that will maintain those homes? Who will deal with hoarding and "scrap yard" appearances, and livestock losses to loose dogs, or trespass mowing of hay "because it looks weedy", as we already see in our neighbourhood? People moved to the rural areas because they fell out with urban neighbours, and they bring their selfish attitudes with them; they think our farmland is their playground, and theirs for the taking. If you allow more development then please make sure to educate people about rural living and behaviours so the first time a new neighbour shows up at the door it isn't to complain about an overhanging tree, long grass in hay fields, or that their dog should be able to run free over the fields all day and chase animals in paddocks. Thank you.