GREEN BELT

Green Belts - visit - http://www.naturenet.net/status/greenbelt.html  for more information but they are usually elements of national planning policy, expressed through County Structure Plans. However, there are various different measures and schemes which have been referred to as 'Green Belt’ and not all of them are the same. The biggest Green Belt in the UK is known as the Metropolitan Green Belt, around London. There are other major green belts around the West Midlands conurbation, Manchester, Liverpool, and in South and West Yorkshire. This principle was established in 1955. Furthermore, green belts are growing still. Between 1979 and 1993 the green belt area designated in England doubled.

Cane Hill – is designated as Green Belt land which is due for development. However the London Borough of Croydon has desinated that this development cannot be of a greater footprint than that of the old Hospital site, albeit that this does not have to be contained to where the old buildings were. The developer, English Partnership ( now The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) says the scheme will provide new jobs and homes for local people whilst respecting and improving the existing environment. It is important that our proposals are being developed within the site's Green Belt planning designation and we recognise the environmental importance of the Cane Hill site to the local community. They are consulting with residents on the possible options.  

Farthing Downs and Coulsdon Commons: In the summer of last year the Friends organised exhibitions, leaflets and articles about the City of London's proposals for new visitor facilities on Farthing Downs to replace the current toilet block at the back of the car park. The proposals included a café kiosk with seating area, information boards for news and events and exhibitions and displays both on the natural and ancient history of the Downs. Space has been allocated for new toilets with baby changing and disabled facilities. The preliminary consultation offered three design options giving choices between reuse of the current building or a new traditional or modern building. The answer from everyone canvassed was a resounding 'yes' to these proposals with the preference for style very evenly split between the three options. The results have been passed back to the City and, following this, more detailed public consultation is being planned for summer this year. Volunteers from the Friends and the Coulsdon Green Belt Action Group will be on hand to help with the survey. Click here to go to West Wickham and Coulsdon Common Newsletter

Help support the work of the Friends of Farthing Downs - The Friends work in partnership with the City of London (owners and managers of Farthing Downs), and in addition to helping shape projects like the new proposed visitor facilities and organising talks and guided walks, there are many other ways the Friends can help protect and enhance this unique site. We can work as independent group to campaign to protect the Downs from possible development or actions which may affect its value as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) or its ancient archaeology. Friends can raise funds for community projects on the Downs and acquisition of land adjacent to the Downs. A fund raising campaign by the Coulsdon Green Belt Action Group helped the acquisition of Woodplace Farm Fields, now managed by the City as a local open space. In 2006 the Friends won funding to support an archaeological survey on the Downs carried out by volunteers organised by English Heritage. We currently have contact with local schools with a view to organising a programme of walks for children which will complement their school work. If you would like details about guided walks, more information about the Friends or both please contact Pauline Payne on 01737 554449 or email fofd@btinternet.com