Object

Representation ID: 4930

Received: 02/09/2021

Respondent: Kler Group

Agent: Cerda Planning Ltd

Option 2a Development in and around the urban area, plus A421 transport corridor with rail based growth parishes and southern parishes
We raise no specific objections to Option 2a. We would however question the extent to which the urban area can deliver 1,500 houses in the early phases of the plan period, whilst also delivering necessary infrastructure alongside new housing (and please see our separate comments with regard to the absence of an IDP at this stage, which we see as a significant issue).
Rail based growth is in principle a sustainable approach to delivering development, provided that sites are located within a reasonable distance of rail facilities whilst also benefiting from local services such as primary schooling, local shop/Post Office and other amenities. Site selection in relation to the rail corridor is therefore key to the success of this option.
Option 2b Development in and around the urban area, plus A421 transport corridor with rail based growth parishes and southern parishes, plus one new settlement
We raise no specific objections to specific elements contained in Option 2b, relating to proposals adjoining the urban area and transport corridor.
We would however question the extent to which the urban area can deliver 1,500 houses in the early phases of the plan period, whilst also delivering necessary infrastructure alongside new housing (and please see our separate comments with regard to the absence of an IDP at this stage, which we see as a significant issue).
Rail based growth is in principle a sustainable approach to delivering development, provided that sites are located within a reasonable distance of rail facilities whilst also benefiting from local services such as primary schooling, local shop/Post Office and other amenities. Site selection in relation to the rail corridor is therefore key to the success of this option.
This option is marginally less reliant on the rail corridor than Option 2a and as a result on the face of it is a superior option – however the introduction of a new settlement as part of this option is the subject of strong objection given how poorly new settlements fair in the assessments set out in the evidence base. For this reason, we object strongly to Option 2b were it to be advanced with a new settlement as part of the overall strategy.
Option 2c Development in and around the urban area, plus A421 transport corridor with rail based growth parishes, plus two new settlements
We raise strong objections to Option 2c.
We would question the extent to which the urban area can deliver 1,500 houses in the early phases of the plan period, whilst also delivering necessary infrastructure alongside new housing (and please see our separate comments with regard to the absence of an IDP at this stage, which we see as a significant issue).
Rail based growth is in principle a sustainable approach to delivering development, provided that sites are located within a reasonable distance of rail facilities whilst also benefiting from local services such as primary schooling, local shop/Post Office and other amenities. Site selection in relation to the rail corridor is therefore key to the success of this option.
This option is heavily reliant new settlements. Given how poorly new settlements fair in the assessments set out in the evidence base this option cannot, by some margin, be considered to be the most appropriate option when considered against the reasonably alternatives. It is also the case that new settlements will inevitably challenge the ability to deliver the (higher) standard method in the early phases of the plan which – as we have set out elsewhere in our submissions – is vital to the success of the Local Plan Review.
Option 2d Development in and around the urban area, plus A421 transport corridor with rail based growth parishes, southern parishes and east parishes, plus one new settlement
We raise no specific objections to specific elements contained in Option 2d, relating to proposals adjoining the urban area, transport corridor south and transport corridor east.
We would however question the extent to which the urban area can deliver 1,500 houses in the early phases of the plan period, whilst also delivering necessary infrastructure alongside new housing (and please see our separate comments with regard to the absence of an IDP at this stage, which we see as a significant issue).
Rail based growth is in principle a sustainable approach to delivering development, provided that sites are located within a reasonable distance of rail facilities whilst also benefiting from local services such as primary schooling, local shop/Post Office and other amenities. Site selection in relation to the rail corridor is therefore key to the success of this option.
The introduction of a new settlement as part of this option is the subject of strong objection given how poorly new settlements fair in the assessments set out in the evidence base. For this reason, we object strongly to Option 2d were it to be advanced with a new settlement as part of the overall strategy.