THE UDP - Our input and why it is important

The revision of the Trafford Unitary Development Plan (UDP) provides an opportunity for residents to have some input into policies for the next 5-10 years.  The Society received a copy of the draft revisions from Trafford and several members of the committee carefully read this through and got together several times to decide what comments we should make.  Brian Bingham, Rod Woodhead, Len Dunning and David English (just coincidence it's all men this time) came up with FIVE points on which detailed submissions have been made to Trafford.
Some of these relate to matters of principle, as a safeguard for the future.
 
1.   Uner current rules a developer of new housing must provide "recreational space" for the prospective house occupiers.  If the can't provide it "on site", they can pay money to the Council BEFORE the development takes place.  The money can then be used to provide facilities at another site.  If the money was not used by the Council within ten years, it could be returned to the developers.
Our comment is that this could leave the actions of Councillors or officers open to mis-interpretation, and therefore the rule should be drafted differently.
 
2.   Also regarding building development on "Open Space", Trafford's idea is that if a developer builds on the whole of an open space site, they could provide the required proportion of recreational open space within an EXISTING designated "Open Space".  This would effectively mean the loss of part of the existing open space.  (This is what nearly happened with the Bowling Green at Albert Place in Altrincham, and the suggestion that it should be moved to take up existing space in John Leigh Park).
Our comment is that this should not happen and that the proportional recreational open space required with a housing development should be additional to any existing.
 
3.   In the conservatioln section of the UDP, there is a reference to the protection of "Ancient Hedgerows".  The wording in the UDP relates to hedgerows in the "countryside" within Trafford.
Most of Trafford is no longer "countryside" but there are still many old hedgerows which are now between housing estates that remain from the old field and farm boundaries.  These hedges in built-up areas are very important, apart from their intrinsic beauty as part of the landscape, as they help with noise mitigation, air purification, etc. as well as being a habitat for wildlife, especially birds.
Our comment is that the wording be changed so that this policy relates to the whole of the borough.