Object
Allocations DPD Discussion and Consultation Document
Representation ID: 17977
Received: 14/04/2010
Respondent: Barratt Eastern Counties
Agent: Kember Loudon Williams Ltd
Whilst support is given generally for the identification of South Hawkwell as a suitable area for housing, the number should be expressed as a minimum in order to comply with EEP 2008, Policy H1 terminology. The recent appeal and aplication is a material consideration and illustrates that up to 330 can be delivered in this area. The policy shouldsay "up to 330 can be achieved at South Hawkwell."
Support is given to the identification of South Hawkwell as a location for new housing generally as this accords with the emerging Core Strategy and is a sustainable location for growth. However, the identification of a specific number of dwellings is unsound in relation to the EEP 2008 and the objective to secure a step change in housing delivery. Policy H1 of the EEP explains that each District's requirements are a minimum and as such the table on page 4 should not identify a specific number without this qualification. The headings of each column should be amended to say 'minimum dwellings by..'
The specification of 175 dwellings for South Hawkwell is considered to be too low and does not reflect the most appropriate way in which the area should be developed to:
* Create a new defensible Green Belt boundary
* Secure vital enhancements to the protected woodland and other habitats in this area
* Makes effective and efficient use of the land to meet PPS3 objectives
* Secures a development that is acceptable in character and sustainable
* Has regard to opportunities and constraints including the gas pipeline, protected ecology and appropriate means of access
* Appropriately plans for a longer term release of Green Belt as envisaged by the EEP Review which was begun in Autumn 2009 and which is supported by PPS12, paragraph 53 of PPS3 and PPG2 (paragraph 2.6).
The basis on which the housing land supply is calculated and the dwelling numbers identified in the table on page 4 includes a flawed assessment of the likely number of houses that will be achieved from existing brownfield sites and in particular current employment sites which the District Council wishes to promote for housing. I briefly review the main objections below. However, in order to rectify the errors it is recommended that the allocation of land at South Hawkwell be noted as 'up to 330 dwellings' since this is the proven carrying capacity of a site which has been promoted through an application and appeal and represents the most appropriate place for a housing site in South Hawkwell. It is a suitable number having regard to the points made above and the attached plan (to be emailed separately).