Comment
New Local Plan: Spatial Options Document 2021
Representation ID: 40681
Received: 22/09/2021
Respondent: Bloor Homes
Agent: Barton Willmore LLP
We are broadly supportive of the strategic objectives which are largely consistent with a positive, sustainable approach to addressing local needs.
We particularly note strategic objective 1 which states the objective for ‘prioritising the use of previously developed land first’. There is a clear recognition within the wording of this objective that while selecting previously developed land for allocations is a priority, other sites should be considered in meeting ‘the delivery of sufficient, high quality and sustainable homes’.
The right greenfield sites can contribute to a balanced and sustainable, housing supply across a district, typically being free from additional issues of contamination or requirements for demolition works which can harm deliverability as often seen on
brownfield sites. Suitable greenfield and green belt sites are often also found in highly desirable locations to live that are well connected to the wider ecological network for biodiversity and ecological net gains where public enjoyment of connected green spaces can be enhanced and realised.
Within paragraph 142 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) 2021 it is also stated:
When drawing up or reviewing Green Belt boundaries , the need to promote sustainable patterns of development
should be taken into account ”
As discussed below, Land North of Rectory Road, Hawkwell represents an opportunity for land within the Green Belt that could be released without harming its significance while providing a significant contribution towards the delivery of the housing needs for the local
area in a sustainable location.
Additional wording should therefore be included within Strategic Objective 1 as follows:
“Strategic Objective 1: To facilitate the delivery of sufficient, high quality and sustainable homes to meet local community needs, through working with our neighbours in South Essex and prioritising the use of previously developed land. Opportunities for suitable greenfield and Green Belt release sites will also be delivered where appropriate in the interests of delivery of such homes where it is in the interests of local need and is considered sustainable.”
These representations have been prepared by Barton Willmore LLP on behalf of Bloor Homes (the ‘Promoters’). The Promoters have an active interest in a Site at Land North of Rectory Road, Hawkwell, which is identified in the Site Location Plan at Appendix 1.
This Site could provide much needed, deliverable residential development in a sustainable and appropriate location, and is considered suitable for allocation within the Rochford New Local Plan (RNLP).
1.2 This Report is submitted in response to the formal public consultation. Section 2 of this report provides comments on the Spatial Options Consultation Paper (SOCP)(2021); and Section 3 responds to the Integrated Impact Assessment (IIA)(July 2021). These sections
are followed by Section 4, which provides an overview and assessment of the Site which is promoted for development at Land North of Rectory Road, Hawkwell.
1.3 A number of supplementary documents are appended to these representations which are referred to throughout. These include a landscape and visual appraisal (LVA) of the site (Appendix 2) of the site, and an indicative framework layout (Appendix 3). Additional
visuals are also included in appendices 4-9, which provide context and support to the LVA and indicative framework layout. A Transport Appraisal (with associated plans and figures) of the site is included within Appendix 10 confirming its sustainability in transport terms.
A Flood Risk and Drainage report is included within Appendix 11 which demonstrates how any flood risk and drainage matters associated with development of the site could also be addressed
[Due to size of full submission, please refer to attached document, along with individual representations to questions].
Summary and Conclusions:
Overall Bloor Homes is supportive of the proposed approach put forward within the SOCP and IIA documents and it is commended that a positive view is taken with regard to strategy option 4 and higher growth options.
Based on the information put forward within the consultation documents and the supporting evidence base we consider that strategy option 4 and the growth option should be pursued across the district in the interests of planning positively for the most sustainable patterns of growth across the district in its context with surrounding areas.
It is also considered that the Green Belt Study and Landscape Character, Sensitivity and Capacity study papers be immediately reviewed in the context of this to realise positive opportunities for growth particularly in the case of greenfield and green belt sites that may be suitable for release.
Land North of Rectory Road, Hawkwell has the opportunity to deliver on the council’s objectives in a sustainable location in Hawkwell consistent with the approach outlined within strategy option 4. The delivery of the site could contribute to addressing the housing needs of the district and local area whilst securing a new defensible green belt boundary and compensatory improvements, alongside additional public open space,
sustainable transport connections, biodiversity net gains, and sustainable infrastructure. Bloor Homes would also be happy to engage with the council further to discuss this opportunity.