Comment
Draft Integrated Impact Assessment (IIA) of the Spatial Options Document
Representation ID: 41689
Received: 22/09/2021
Respondent: M Scott Properties Limited
Agent: Strutt & Parker LLP
3.0 Response to Integrated Impact Assessment
Assessment Framework
We welcome the recognition within the Integrated Impact Assessment (IIA) (at A.3) that “delivery of suitable homes for an ageing population…is a particular issue for the district”.
Furthermore, we agree with the findings of the IIA at A3 that medium and higher growth options provide greater opportunity for a wide range of different types of homes to be delivered, including specialist housing for older people.
However, we are concerned that, despite the recognition of this as being a particular issue for Rochford District, there is otherwise very little within the IIA regarding the need to ensure appropriate accommodation for older people is delivered.
Table 1.1 of the Integrated Impact Assessment (IIA) sets out the assessment framework for the IIA. This explains that the objectives of the population and communities theme are 1) to cater for existing and future residents’ needs as well as the needs of different groups in the community; and 2) maintain and enhance community and settlement identify. We support these objectives.
The IIA then sets out assessment questions intended to be used to assess whether options will meet these objectives. This includes:
Will the option / proposal promote the development of a range of high quality, accessible community facilities, including specialist services for disabled and older people?
And
Will the option / proposal meet the identified objectively assessed housing needs, including affordable, for the plan area?
We suggest that, given the requirements of the NPPF and PPG to address the diverse range of accommodation needs for older person, together with the acknowledgement that delivery of suitable homes for ageing population is a particular issue for the District, the IIA should include an assessment question which specifically asks whether options / proposals would help meet the accommodation needs of older people.