Should we build in greenbelts?

Should we build in Greenbelts?

Personally, I am a strong environmentalist, which means that I am strongly against people building on green belt areas. People decide to live on either the edge of a city or in the countryside for a good reason- peace and quiet, and who are we to say that they should be denied that. Surely however, before we build on green belt areas we should focus on the regeneration of inner city areas which are awful to look at- Newcastle Quayside is a good example of this. For example, I think that the citizens of Scotswood need the jobs of cleaners and receptionists etc within NGP more than the citizens of Hazelrigg.

I have to agree with you David. Why situate these new developments in the middle of nowhere on a new greenfield site when there are disused places that can be improved. It's like starting a new chocolate bar when there's still half an old one left!

Personally, I think that we are delaying the inevitable. Eventually the brown field sites will run out and what are we supposed to do then?? Theres no doubt that population will continue to grow and all those new people need a place to live. Im not saying that we shouldnt keep some country side,but whats more important; animals and habitats or people?

I do partially agree with you Caroline, yes we will eventually have to build on green filed sites, but surely it is best for us to delay it as long as possible so that more people can enjoy our beautiful countryside?

Simon wrote:

It's like starting a new chocolate bar when there's still half an old one left!

Thats a great anallegy! I agree though, why ruin an area of countyside with houses when theres wasted land in cities!? Plus, inner city housing is closer to services and, well, pretty much everything.

It's true. Keeping houses in the highly populated areas saves the tax payer millions. There are less of the common emergency services required and if everyone is close by then transport costs are cut also saving the planet. Aren't they?

I do agree with the points made, but instead of saying that we have to stay in urban areas why don't we start thinking of ways to expand the services needed. we will eventually have to start building in the countryside so instead of having a massive panic when we realise that the time has come we should start to gradually build in the country and expand the services as we go, this way people can get used to the idea of building in the country and we can still enjoy the scenery for a while longer.