The Bishop’s Stortford Independent has covered Bishop’s Stortford Town Council’s call on the Government to protect Bishop’s Stortford’s Green Belt with new legislation. Prompted by the attempt to divide up and sell Thorley Lane East Woods, the council will write to the Government seeking legislation to protect sites like Thorley Lane East Woods.
Councillor David Snowdon said:
“I’m pleased that the town council agreed to write to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to express our frustrations and to seek a change in the law to prevent this from happening in the future. I’ve already written to the Minister for Housing and it’s important that we keep up the momentum on this topic.
Communities across the country are blighted by farmland, woods and open space being touted around estate agents and auction houses at valuations far above the amenity land value which would represent a fair market value.
The town council has already offered to buy the Thorley Lane East Woods and the Rye Street meads land from the owners at a fair market value but have been rebuffed. The council agreed to stand ready to acquire the land if at all possible at a market rate.”
Following the passing of the resolutions by the town council, MP Julie Marson pledged her continuing support.
Read more in the Bishop’s Stortford Independent.