Stage 2 assessment area AA78 (P45)
Regarding CFS262, this has been the site of a local business for many years which for the past 25 years has employed only one and a half people who are now past retirement and struggling with it as they are now both over 70 years old. I do have a vested interest in this particular site as I am currently spending a lot of time caring for my parents which are the only 2 people that this business currently employs. Unfortunately due to current circumstances this business has been on and off closed for a while now and will likely be forced to close in the next 2 – 3 years now as it is not financially viable in its current condition to continue for much longer. Due to the local competition and the COVID situation over the last 18 months we cannot now compete and the business is currently just ticking over. With the site on the main thoroughfare through Hawkwell this area would be prime for redevelopment of some kind and the size of the plot and the location to current housing on two sides would probably suit redevelopment into a sustainable residential area very well, but keeping the green grass outer paddock on the roadside perimeter. I will be unable to maintain this business myself due to having full time employment that I need to provide for my own family and the business is not in a condition to rent out as has fallen into disrepair already.

I am all for discussing development in the area as I am very concerned regarding the future of affordable housing for my Son, who in 6 – 8 years would be looking for his own property), Hawkwell is currently out of my price range if I were to have to purchase my current property when starting out so I have no idea where he will be able to afford. We need to provide sustainable, affordable accommodation in this area as it currently does not have anything that could be deemed affordable to the up and coming generation whilst keeping a balance of the larger green areas for the enjoyment of all. If this site were to be part of a redevelopment scheme it is already within distance of the local village shops, public transport links, has good pedestrian access and close to local schools (I walked / cycled to both local junior & senior schools from this location). If this were redeveloped it would actually reduce traffic in the area (judged against a fully working business as Potash Nurseries does sometimes jam the road with cars queuing to get in).

This site would be in keeping with the local “green belt line” effectively using the main road as this boundary whereby the West side of the main road is all agricultural land that is open and not developed in any way whereby we already have makeshift (albeit derelict) buildings on the site currently. We are already surrounded on 2 sides by previous development over the last 5 – 8 years so would be a minor add-on to the current residential area.

I have also filled in the online Spacial Options Consultation (Section 58a - e) and left my details as I am happy to elaborate on any of the points I made in further detail as plan to continue living in the area and would be happy for any pre-planned site visits to discuss in person