The part of the Yare Valley affected by all these proposals has a high amenity value, is clearly visible from both Bluebell Road, and from the well­ used riverside path. The huge, unsightly McCarthy and Stone development already degrades part of the valley and ANY further developments, either adjacent to the valley or in the area adjacent and south of the UEA land would be a highly misjudged decision on the part of the City council.

Existing Local Plans identify the Yare Valley as a "Strategic Green Infrastructure Corridor'' protected by River Valley Policies. The City Council planners should honour and stand by their own policies and possible developers should also honour local plans which were drawn up to protect this important natural, wildlife corridor which so many local people value and use.

The original decision, in which NONE of the City councillors had visited the McCarthy and Stone site under discussion, was not taken unanimously. Such a situation must not reoccur. All councillors should be instructed to visit all the proposed sites, to walk the Yare valley footpath, and Bluebell Road and to view the valley as local residents do, often daily. Further visual intrusion of development in the Yare valley would totally degrade the valley, and make it less attractive to both wildlife and to human visitors: the latter walk it to enjoy a moment of peace, tranquillity, to see flowers, birds, hear birdsong and to be able to enjoy a different natural habitat, when so much of it has been taken away. To have such an oasis of nature close to the city, is an invaluable asset: please do not destroy it: once gone, it can never be replaced.

Sites 0133 E and F 9 the strawberry field and donkey field, running parallel to Bluebell Road and an existing footpath parallel to the hedge and leading down to the river, are an important natural haven for much wildlife, plants, insects, birds and small mammals. Already under threat in many areas, such natural habitats as do remain should be valued, not sacrificed to development. These areas must be available for public access, but also allowed to flourish with a varied flora and fauna.

01461 is close to Cringleford Wood, another site of local biodiversity and a haven for wildlife. By threatening to develop this site, you threaten the whole integrity of the valley, making it less likely to function as an ecosystem. I speak as a geographer as well as a local resident: I understand the inter­ relationship between weather, landscape, plants, birds, soils etc.: perhaps councillors and developers could consider other aspects outside those of mere land value or more houses.

0514 running along the river edge at Colney is very close to existing development, close to the hospital and any further development here would be a further degradation of the valley at one it its narrowest points.

The present Yare Valley, 'green corridor' is much used, and indeed, over­ used, judging by the degraded paths in places. Therefore, every effort should be make to INCREASE the size of the corridor to meet the likely increased demand on it, from a growing local population. With so much extra housing at Round House, New Found Farm etc., surely we have enough local development in Cringleford and around Eaton?

Continued expansion of the UEA, more housing as listed, make the preservation of the existing undeveloped areas around the Yare Valley a vital necessity: please do not consider such a damaging and unnecessary intrusion into this already fragile ecosystem. The City Council policy brief R42 required development of the original McCarthy site, to protect and enhance environmental assets within and adjacent to the site, including retaining tree belts yet removal of mature beech trees was allowed. Why was the council allowed to so blatantly ignore its own guidance?

Never again: this list of proposed threats to the Yare Valley must be stopped.