Some of the plan seems to be in direct contravention of what is actually planned for the city. For example
There is a lot about green spaces and increasing green spaces in the city centre – however, the only green space in the city, Bishop Lucey Park, is having much of its soft landscaping and trees removed and paved over to facilitate access to the (as yet not even started) Event Centre. How do you square saying on the one hand we need more green space in the city centre, while simultaneously removing the only one we have?
There is much talk of looking towards the river, increasing river amenities etc, but the current plan for flood relief including walls means that it would not be possible (given increased rates of flow).
There is also much talk of the development of the Tivoli Docks and the Marina Park with no mention of how these areas are to be protected from rising sea levels.
It is unforgivable really that you haven't included a consultation on the OPW flood protection plan for the city. I'm sure many people are still in the dark about how little of the city is protected by the OPWs plan, how it doesn't have a plan for water rising up through the drains (a major source of flooding in the city centre), how insurance can be as you put it in your own flood report "difficult to obtain" in areas with these type of flood defences, and finally how it destroyed Bandon and Skibereen.
Blackpool streetscape is designated an ACA for it’s “historical street pattern” yet the whole area is being paved over. (ref 5.44) The culverting of the river Bride adds more hard landscaping, in an area where hard landscaping has been the problem. Even in the city’s own flood investigations upstream storage was listed as a flood management solution. It not the best solution for floodi"ng, and it also directly goes against the strategic objective of protecting biodiversity in the city and in particular removes the habitat of the otters who live there. Not only that but why are the people of Blackpool not afforded a riverside amenity park that can act as a flood defence with a combination of upstream storage and swales. Instead, having run a motorway through their village, you’ll now remove the only greenery.
6.19 Landscape Preservation Zones
Clarity is needed on the actual protection these have. Recently 2 of these in Blackpool and Lota were cleared.
Re Chapter 3
Recreation and Amenity
More green spaces required on the north side of the city.
Spaces always seem to be focused on sport – can we have more and better green space infrastructure for young people not interested in sport. (see @makespaceforgirls on twitter)