Keele neighbourhood plan representations

KNP9

I have now read and generally approve of the details proposed in the Keele Neighbourhood plan in seeking to preserve the open landscape setting of Keele Village and maintain the green gaps that contribute to its distinctive historic and rural character.

However, I am concerned that the following parcel of land has not been recognised within the policy despite making a significant contribution to the landscape setting of the village:
Triangle field formed by Station Road,A525 Keele By-pass and Old Chapel Close, post codeST5 5BS

Policy KNP9 identifies this field adjacent to station Road and A525 ("The Narley") as an area of particular landscape value. Whilst the field above is separated from The Narley by the remnant section of Pepper Street and a small number of existing historic character dwellings, it nevertheless forms part of the same wider landscape setting on the west side of Keele Village and performs a similar landscape function.

The field contributes positively to the openness and rural character of the village edge. it comprises well-established vegetation, including established trees, hedgerows and other landscape features, and provides an important green buffer between existing residential properties and the A525 bypass. Together with nearby open land, including The Narley, it helps maintain the perception of a green and undeveloped setting to this part of Keele and reinforces the transition between the built form of the village and the surrounding countryside.

The supporting text to Policy KNP9 states that its purpose is to ensure that the contribution of the landscape setting to the historic character of Keele Village is properly taken into account. In my view, this field performs a similar function to the areas specifically identified within the policy and makes a meaningful contribution to the setting of the Conservation Area and the wider landscape character of the village.

Its exclusion from Policy KNP9 therefore appears inconsistent with the policy's objectives, I respectfully request that the council review the site and consider extending the area under policy KNP9 to include this field.

The area in question currently benefits from Green Belt and open countryside protections, the purpose of this request is to ensure its specific contribution to the landscape setting of Keele and be explicitly recognised through Policy KNP9.