Comment

New Local Plan: Spatial Options Document 2021

Representation ID: 40688

Received: 22/09/2021

Respondent: Bloor Homes

Agent: Barton Willmore LLP

Representation Summary:

We are broadly supportive of the spatial themes put forward. The spatial themes cover the key issues and areas of focus for the district. An area which requires further emphasis and reassessment however is that of ‘Green Belt and Rural Issues’.
As noted within the SOCP “Over 12,000 hectares of (Rochford District) land area is covered by the eastern extent of the Metropolitan Green Belt”. Given the need increased delivery of residential development at both a national and local level – with the current national aim of 300,000 houses delivered per year by 2025, and a housing requirement of 419 for 21/22, which is currently forecast to further increase moving forward towards
2024 – the rigorous, detailed assessment of any development opportunities through release of appropriate Green Belt sites should be an area of prime consideration.
As discussed below, it is considered that there are significant flaws within the Green Belt Study with regard to the way in which some sites have been assessed such as Land North of Rectory Road, Hawkwell.
Given the opportunities such sites present for appropriate housing delivery, it is considered that the Green Belt Study should be reviewed and a clear direction given as
to which promoted green belt sites should be considered for release.

Full text:

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.