Rochford District Core Strategy Regulation 26 Draft

We write in response to the Rochford District Core Strategy Regulation Draft (preferred options).

Our interest in the Core Strategy is in regard to housing numbers, phasing and general development locations. We represent a consortium of landowners in Hawkwell known as the Old Nurseries Consortium, who jointly own a site in Hawkwell known as land off Thorpe Road.

In general, we feel that the Councils approach and the content of the draft Core Strategy can be supported. There are a number of points that have been raised in the draft that we consider are essential for future housing allocations in the District and should be carried forward into the approved Core Strategy. The points are discussed in more detail below, with reference to the site that we represent.

Green Belt

Green Belt land should be protected, and where possible brownfield land should be given priority for development. However, the draft Core Strategy conveys that the scope for using previously developed land in the District appears to be diminishing as many of the major brown field sites have already been used (paragraph 4.2.5).

It is obvious that to meet the housing requirements set out by the East of England Plan, which is the provision of at least 4600 new homes by 2021, that some Green Belt land will need to be allocated for housing development in the allocations DPD.

Therefore, in our view sites on the edge of settlements that do not harm the purpose of the Green Belt should be the only ones that are considered for housing development in the Green Belt.

We maintain that only suitable Green Belt land should be allocated as part of the allocations document. As a starting point, the strategic buffers identified in the draft which help to maintain the function of the Green Belt and prevent coalescence are considered essential and should not be compromised by the future allocation sites.

A point to mention with regard to the land off Thorpe Road is that the Council own a strip of land at the southern edge of one of the strategic buffers between Hawkwell and Ashingdon, known as Clemence Hall Open Space and be safeguarded from development and prevent coalescence.

Housing Number and Phasing

Paragraph 4.5.8 of the draft Core Strategy states that new development in the District should be directly related to sites with the availability of services and infrastructure. Development will need to be phased to ensure that the extensions of settlements and the provision of services go hand in hand.

General Development Locations

Paragraph 4.6.2 of the draft Core Strategy states that the Council will not allocate sites which are considered sensitive due to landscape designations, biodiversity issues or are liable to flooding. We agree with this approach as a number of Green Belt sites have been put forward which do raise these issues and should be avoided.

Countryside around Hockley and Hawkwell in particular does have a number of environmental designations from the Roach Valley, Hockley Woods to the southern boundary of the conurbation, and also a series of open spaces and wildlife throughout the area. Therefore the conurbation as a whole is significantly limited in terms of its prospects for development. However, what we would like to clarify is that the site that we represent, Land off Thorpe Road, is not presented with any such physical or environmental constraints.

The Core Draft identifies 3 tiers of settlement within the district. The top tier is Hawkwell/Hockley, Rayleigh and Rochford/Ashingdon. These settlements have been identified as the top tier of settlements as they have a good existing range of services and facilities as well as some access to public transport. They are capable of some expansion, infilling and redevelopment. These sites would be capable of accommodating housing in the short term as they benefit from existing infrastructure.

Taking into account sustainability issues, the Council believe that the settlement pattern should be focused on existing settlements, with the main settlements taking the majority of development required. The draft core strategy identifies the 'majority' of development as 90% of the overall housing requirement for the District, some 4140 dwellings by 2021.

The draft Core Strategy sets out a preferred split of housing allocations as set out below:

Rochford/Ashingdon - 1000
Hockley/Hawkwell - 400
Rayleigh - 1800
Smaller Settlements - 500

A number of sites have been put forward for the allocations DPD. Taking the characteristics of each of these sites into consideration, the environmental constraints and also the existing position of each of the main settlements, we would consider that the allocations proposed by the draft adequately reflect the level of development that would be feasible without causing undue harm to the districts settlements.

With particular regard to the sites of Hockley and Hawkwell, paragraph 4.6.19 of the draft Core Strategy identifies that Hawkwell is the best located part of the conurbation, being only a short distance from the Cherry Orchard Link Road. The land off Thorpe Road is very close to the link road. Also, it is approximately 1km away from Hockley town centre and the railway station. There are also local shops and services at a lesser distance. Additionally, there are bus services in Main Road and Rectory Road.

Affordable Housing

Under guidance set by the East of England Plan (Policy SS13) the LPA consider the threshold for affordable housing should be set at 25 units with a provision of 30% required.

It is stated in paragraph 4.7.6 of the draft Core Strategy that the Council will examine the details of affordable housing through the preparation of its other DPD's. It is intended that the allocations DPD will provide a minimum figure for the number of affordable units to be completed on each site specified.

We consider that the proposed housing allocation sites should be identified by the opportunity to contribute towards the affordable housing requirements in the district.

Housing allocation sites should be of a certain size that will trigger the affordable housing threshold of 25 units, to be able to contribute towards affordable housing. Additionally, sites should be able to be developed without the need for major infrastructure costs, as high building costs could result in a justification for developers to provide less affordable housing on specific sites.

If wholly used, the site known as land off Thorpe Road could accommodate not less than 330 dwellings. Under the guidance proposed by the Council the site could therefore accommodate up to 90 affordable units which is a large part of the required affordable units across the entire district. The site does not require any major infrastructure works and therefore the affordable housing provision envisaged would be achievable.

We write in response to the Rochford District Core Strategy Regulation Draft (preferred options).

Our interest in the Core Strategy is in regard to housing numbers, phasing and general development locations. We represent a consortium of landowners in Hawkwell known as the Old Nurseries Consortium, who jointly own a site in Hawkwell known as land off Thorpe Road.

In general, we feel that the Councils approach and the content of the draft Core Strategy can be supported. There are a number of points that have been raised in the draft that we consider are essential for future housing allocations in the District and should be carried forward into the approved Core Strategy. The points are discussed in more detail below, with reference to the site that we represent.

Green Belt

Green Belt land should be protected, and where possible brownfield land should be given priority for development. However, the draft Core Strategy conveys that the scope for using previously developed land in the District appears to be diminishing as many of the major brown field sites have already been used (paragraph 4.2.5).

It is obvious that to meet the housing requirements set out by the East of England Plan, which is the provision of at least 4600 new homes by 2021, that some Green Belt land will need to be allocated for housing development in the allocations DPD.

Therefore, in our view sites on the edge of settlements that do not harm the purpose of the Green Belt should be the only ones that are considered for housing development in the Green Belt.

We maintain that only suitable Green Belt land should be allocated as part of the allocations document. As a starting point, the strategic buffers identified in the draft which help to maintain the function of the Green Belt and prevent coalescence are considered essential and should not be compromised by the future allocation sites.

A point to mention with regard to the land off Thorpe Road is that the Council own a strip of land at the southern edge of one of the strategic buffers between Hawkwell and Ashingdon, known as Clemence Hall Open Space and be safeguarded from development and prevent coalescence.

Housing Number and Phasing

Paragraph 4.5.8 of the draft Core Strategy states that new development in the District should be directly related to sites with the availability of services and infrastructure. Development will need to be phased to ensure that the extensions of settlements and the provision of services go hand in hand.

General Development Locations

Paragraph 4.6.2 of the draft Core Strategy states that the Council will not allocate sites which are considered sensitive due to landscape designations, biodiversity issues or are liable to flooding. We agree with this approach as a number of Green Belt sites have been put forward which do raise these issues and should be avoided.

Countryside around Hockley and Hawkwell in particular does have a number of environmental designations from the Roach Valley, Hockley Woods to the southern boundary of the conurbation, and also a series of open spaces and wildlife throughout the area. Therefore the conurbation as a whole is significantly limited in terms of its prospects for development. However, what we would like to clarify is that the site that we represent, Land off Thorpe Road, is not presented with any such physical or environmental constraints.

The Core Draft identifies 3 tiers of settlement within the district. The top tier is Hawkwell/Hockley, Rayleigh and Rochford/Ashingdon. These settlements have been identified as the top tier of settlements as they have a good existing range of services and facilities as well as some access to public transport. They are capable of some expansion, infilling and redevelopment. These sites would be capable of accommodating housing in the short term as they benefit from existing infrastructure.

Taking into account sustainability issues, the Council believe that the settlement pattern should be focused on existing settlements, with the main settlements taking the majority of development required. The draft core strategy identifies the 'majority' of development as 90% of the overall housing requirement for the District, some 4140 dwellings by 2021.

The draft Core Strategy sets out a preferred split of housing allocations as set out below:

Rochford/Ashingdon - 1000
Hockley/Hawkwell - 400
Rayleigh - 1800
Smaller Settlements - 500

A number of sites have been put forward for the allocations DPD. Taking the characteristics of each of these sites into consideration, the environmental constraints and also the existing position of each of the main settlements, we would consider that the allocations proposed by the draft adequately reflect the level of development that would be feasible without causing undue harm to the districts settlements.

With particular regard to the sites of Hockley and Hawkwell, paragraph 4.6.19 of the draft Core Strategy identifies that Hawkwell is the best located part of the conurbation, being only a short distance from the Cherry Orchard Link Road. The land off Thorpe Road is very close to the link road. Also, it is approximately 1km away from Hockley town centre and the railway station. There are also local shops and services at a lesser distance. Additionally, there are bus services in Main Road and Rectory Road.

Affordable Housing

Under guidance set by the East of England Plan (Policy SS13) the LPA consider the threshold for affordable housing should be set at 25 units with a provision of 30% required.

It is stated in paragraph 4.7.6 of the draft Core Strategy that the Council will examine the details of affordable housing through the preparation of its other DPD's. It is intended that the allocations DPD will provide a minimum figure for the number of affordable units to be completed on each site specified.

We consider that the proposed housing allocation sites should be identified by the opportunity to contribute towards the affordable housing requirements in the district.

Housing allocation sites should be of a certain size that will trigger the affordable housing threshold of 25 units, to be able to contribute towards affordable housing. Additionally, sites should be able to be developed without the need for major infrastructure costs, as high building costs could result in a justification for developers to provide less affordable housing on specific sites.

If wholly used, the site known as land off Thorpe Road could accommodate not less than 330 dwellings. Under the guidance proposed by the Council the site could therefore accommodate up to 90 affordable units which is a large part of the required affordable units across the entire district. The site does not require any major infrastructure works and therefore the affordable housing provision envisaged would be achievable.

We write in response to the Rochford District Core Strategy Regulation Draft (preferred options).

Our interest in the Core Strategy is in regard to housing numbers, phasing and general development locations. We represent a consortium of landowners in Hawkwell known as the Old Nurseries Consortium, who jointly own a site in Hawkwell known as land off Thorpe Road.

In general, we feel that the Councils approach and the content of the draft Core Strategy can be supported. There are a number of points that have been raised in the draft that we consider are essential for future housing allocations in the District and should be carried forward into the approved Core Strategy. The points are discussed in more detail below, with reference to the site that we represent.

Green Belt

Green Belt land should be protected, and where possible brownfield land should be given priority for development. However, the draft Core Strategy conveys that the scope for using previously developed land in the District appears to be diminishing as many of the major brown field sites have already been used (paragraph 4.2.5).

It is obvious that to meet the housing requirements set out by the East of England Plan, which is the provision of at least 4600 new homes by 2021, that some Green Belt land will need to be allocated for housing development in the allocations DPD.

Therefore, in our view sites on the edge of settlements that do not harm the purpose of the Green Belt should be the only ones that are considered for housing development in the Green Belt.

We maintain that only suitable Green Belt land should be allocated as part of the allocations document. As a starting point, the strategic buffers identified in the draft which help to maintain the function of the Green Belt and prevent coalescence are considered essential and should not be compromised by the future allocation sites.

A point to mention with regard to the land off Thorpe Road is that the Council own a strip of land at the southern edge of one of the strategic buffers between Hawkwell and Ashingdon, known as Clemence Hall Open Space and be safeguarded from development and prevent coalescence.

Housing Number and Phasing

Paragraph 4.5.8 of the draft Core Strategy states that new development in the District should be directly related to sites with the availability of services and infrastructure. Development will need to be phased to ensure that the extensions of settlements and the provision of services go hand in hand.

General Development Locations

Paragraph 4.6.2 of the draft Core Strategy states that the Council will not allocate sites which are considered sensitive due to landscape designations, biodiversity issues or are liable to flooding. We agree with this approach as a number of Green Belt sites have been put forward which do raise these issues and should be avoided.

Countryside around Hockley and Hawkwell in particular does have a number of environmental designations from the Roach Valley, Hockley Woods to the southern boundary of the conurbation, and also a series of open spaces and wildlife throughout the area. Therefore the conurbation as a whole is significantly limited in terms of its prospects for development. However, what we would like to clarify is that the site that we represent, Land off Thorpe Road, is not presented with any such physical or environmental constraints.

The Core Draft identifies 3 tiers of settlement within the district. The top tier is Hawkwell/Hockley, Rayleigh and Rochford/Ashingdon. These settlements have been identified as the top tier of settlements as they have a good existing range of services and facilities as well as some access to public transport. They are capable of some expansion, infilling and redevelopment. These sites would be capable of accommodating housing in the short term as they benefit from existing infrastructure.

Taking into account sustainability issues, the Council believe that the settlement pattern should be focused on existing settlements, with the main settlements taking the majority of development required. The draft core strategy identifies the 'majority' of development as 90% of the overall housing requirement for the District, some 4140 dwellings by 2021.

The draft Core Strategy sets out a preferred split of housing allocations as set out below:

Rochford/Ashingdon - 1000
Hockley/Hawkwell - 400
Rayleigh - 1800
Smaller Settlements - 500

A number of sites have been put forward for the allocations DPD. Taking the characteristics of each of these sites into consideration, the environmental constraints and also the existing position of each of the main settlements, we would consider that the allocations proposed by the draft adequately reflect the level of development that would be feasible without causing undue harm to the districts settlements.

With particular regard to the sites of Hockley and Hawkwell, paragraph 4.6.19 of the draft Core Strategy identifies that Hawkwell is the best located part of the conurbation, being only a short distance from the Cherry Orchard Link Road. The land off Thorpe Road is very close to the link road. Also, it is approximately 1km away from Hockley town centre and the railway station. There are also local shops and services at a lesser distance. Additionally, there are bus services in Main Road and Rectory Road.

Affordable Housing

Under guidance set by the East of England Plan (Policy SS13) the LPA consider the threshold for affordable housing should be set at 25 units with a provision of 30% required.

It is stated in paragraph 4.7.6 of the draft Core Strategy that the Council will examine the details of affordable housing through the preparation of its other DPD's. It is intended that the allocations DPD will provide a minimum figure for the number of affordable units to be completed on each site specified.

We consider that the proposed housing allocation sites should be identified by the opportunity to contribute towards the affordable housing requirements in the district.

Housing allocation sites should be of a certain size that will trigger the affordable housing threshold of 25 units, to be able to contribute towards affordable housing. Additionally, sites should be able to be developed without the need for major infrastructure costs, as high building costs could result in a justification for developers to provide less affordable housing on specific sites.

If wholly used, the site known as land off Thorpe Road could accommodate not less than 330 dwellings. Under the guidance proposed by the Council the site could therefore accommodate up to 90 affordable units which is a large part of the required affordable units across the entire district. The site does not require any major infrastructure works and therefore the affordable housing provision envisaged would be achievable.

We write in response to the Rochford District Core Strategy Regulation Draft (preferred options).

Our interest in the Core Strategy is in regard to housing numbers, phasing and general development locations. We represent a consortium of landowners in Hawkwell known as the Old Nurseries Consortium, who jointly own a site in Hawkwell known as land off Thorpe Road.

In general, we feel that the Councils approach and the content of the draft Core Strategy can be supported. There are a number of points that have been raised in the draft that we consider are essential for future housing allocations in the District and should be carried forward into the approved Core Strategy. The points are discussed in more detail below, with reference to the site that we represent.

Green Belt

Green Belt land should be protected, and where possible brownfield land should be given priority for development. However, the draft Core Strategy conveys that the scope for using previously developed land in the District appears to be diminishing as many of the major brown field sites have already been used (paragraph 4.2.5).

It is obvious that to meet the housing requirements set out by the East of England Plan, which is the provision of at least 4600 new homes by 2021, that some Green Belt land will need to be allocated for housing development in the allocations DPD.

Therefore, in our view sites on the edge of settlements that do not harm the purpose of the Green Belt should be the only ones that are considered for housing development in the Green Belt.

We maintain that only suitable Green Belt land should be allocated as part of the allocations document. As a starting point, the strategic buffers identified in the draft which help to maintain the function of the Green Belt and prevent coalescence are considered essential and should not be compromised by the future allocation sites.

A point to mention with regard to the land off Thorpe Road is that the Council own a strip of land at the southern edge of one of the strategic buffers between Hawkwell and Ashingdon, known as Clemence Hall Open Space and be safeguarded from development and prevent coalescence.

Housing Number and Phasing

Paragraph 4.5.8 of the draft Core Strategy states that new development in the District should be directly related to sites with the availability of services and infrastructure. Development will need to be phased to ensure that the extensions of settlements and the provision of services go hand in hand.

General Development Locations

Paragraph 4.6.2 of the draft Core Strategy states that the Council will not allocate sites which are considered sensitive due to landscape designations, biodiversity issues or are liable to flooding. We agree with this approach as a number of Green Belt sites have been put forward which do raise these issues and should be avoided.

Countryside around Hockley and Hawkwell in particular does have a number of environmental designations from the Roach Valley, Hockley Woods to the southern boundary of the conurbation, and also a series of open spaces and wildlife throughout the area. Therefore the conurbation as a whole is significantly limited in terms of its prospects for development. However, what we would like to clarify is that the site that we represent, Land off Thorpe Road, is not presented with any such physical or environmental constraints.

The Core Draft identifies 3 tiers of settlement within the district. The top tier is Hawkwell/Hockley, Rayleigh and Rochford/Ashingdon. These settlements have been identified as the top tier of settlements as they have a good existing range of services and facilities as well as some access to public transport. They are capable of some expansion, infilling and redevelopment. These sites would be capable of accommodating housing in the short term as they benefit from existing infrastructure.

Taking into account sustainability issues, the Council believe that the settlement pattern should be focused on existing settlements, with the main settlements taking the majority of development required. The draft core strategy identifies the 'majority' of development as 90% of the overall housing requirement for the District, some 4140 dwellings by 2021.

The draft Core Strategy sets out a preferred split of housing allocations as set out below:

Rochford/Ashingdon - 1000
Hockley/Hawkwell - 400
Rayleigh - 1800
Smaller Settlements - 500

A number of sites have been put forward for the allocations DPD. Taking the characteristics of each of these sites into consideration, the environmental constraints and also the existing position of each of the main settlements, we would consider that the allocations proposed by the draft adequately reflect the level of development that would be feasible without causing undue harm to the districts settlements.

With particular regard to the sites of Hockley and Hawkwell, paragraph 4.6.19 of the draft Core Strategy identifies that Hawkwell is the best located part of the conurbation, being only a short distance from the Cherry Orchard Link Road. The land off Thorpe Road is very close to the link road. Also, it is approximately 1km away from Hockley town centre and the railway station. There are also local shops and services at a lesser distance. Additionally, there are bus services in Main Road and Rectory Road.

Affordable Housing

Under guidance set by the East of England Plan (Policy SS13) the LPA consider the threshold for affordable housing should be set at 25 units with a provision of 30% required.

It is stated in paragraph 4.7.6 of the draft Core Strategy that the Council will examine the details of affordable housing through the preparation of its other DPD's. It is intended that the allocations DPD will provide a minimum figure for the number of affordable units to be completed on each site specified.

We consider that the proposed housing allocation sites should be identified by the opportunity to contribute towards the affordable housing requirements in the district.

Housing allocation sites should be of a certain size that will trigger the affordable housing threshold of 25 units, to be able to contribute towards affordable housing. Additionally, sites should be able to be developed without the need for major infrastructure costs, as high building costs could result in a justification for developers to provide less affordable housing on specific sites.

If wholly used, the site known as land off Thorpe Road could accommodate not less than 330 dwellings. Under the guidance proposed by the Council the site could therefore accommodate up to 90 affordable units which is a large part of the required affordable units across the entire district. The site does not require any major infrastructure works and therefore the affordable housing provision envisaged would be achievable.