Comment
New Local Plan: Spatial Options Document 2021
Representation ID: 40690
Received: 22/09/2021
Respondent: Bloor Homes
Agent: Barton Willmore LLP
For the same reasons in the interests of flexibility and deliverability outlined above we
consider that the same broad principles outlined within the place-making charter for Rochford should apply across the district. The place making charter retains focus on the core objectives and it is important the local plan does not stray into being overly prescriptive through any additional supporting guides, codes or masterplans. Such an approach would be unnecessary and place an additional burden on Council time and resources. The Council should also be careful to ensure that any local design guidance is not in conflict with the National Model Design Code and references should be provided in
local policy as to how such guidance has been adhered to.
That said, broad concept masterplans for approved sites that retain a strong degree of flexibility may aid delivery and provide certainty to stakeholders as to what the design expectation is for allocations and particularly for strategic sites. Therefore we recommend that it may be appropriate to provide or accept such masterplans for sites where this may aid delivery. In such cases and where appropriate, masterplans should be led by
developers which will in turn reduce the level of time and resources required from the council.
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.