Comment
New Local Plan: Spatial Options Document 2021
Representation ID: 40686
Received: 22/09/2021
Respondent: Bloor Homes
Agent: Barton Willmore LLP
We support the taking forward of strategy option 4 (balanced combination) in the plan. This option is observed to bring forward the most positive outcomes for the district within its wider context as well as providing a higher degree of certainty than other strategy options and less ‘significant negative’ effects than some other options.
The flexibility and holistic approach this option brings provides the area with the highest potential for delivering growth that is tailored to the needs of each settlement as opposed to relying on singular settlements, thus reducing risk of failure to deliver a sufficient supply of housing across the plan period.
With regard to social outcomes, accessibility and strong mixes of housing tenures are key priorities within option 4 and with this option including flexibility to deliver brownfield but also greenfield and some Green Belt land, option 4 facilities a targeted approach where sites can be judged more on individual merit in the context of strengthening the purposes of those sites in their context and what infrastructure they could deliver. Further discussion on the assessments of the presented strategy and growth options can be found within section 3 of this document.
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.