Support

Representation ID: 7447

Received: 03/09/2021

Respondent: Phillip C Bath Ltd

Agent: DLP Planning Limited

These representations endorse the inclusion of the ‘east’ corridor parishes as part of Preferred Option 2d but in practice indicate that this is illustrative of a need for a ‘hybrid’ approach to provide for an appropriate strategy in accordance with national policy and guidance (NPPF2021 paragraph 35(b)).
These representations conclude that any selected strategy option that does not include growth in the ‘east’ corridor parishes would be unsound and fail to comprise an appropriate strategy or genuine reasonable alternative for the purposes of the Sustainability Appraisal. This is due to soundness issues identified with the delivery of large-scale strategic growth comprising other components of the Council’s Preferred Options.
The assessment of the benefits associated with Option 2d should be extended to reflect the ability to support a prosperous rural economy in this part of the corridor. The Council’s current testing of strategy options does not indicate any contribution towards the requirements for jobs growth and employment floorspace in this part of the corridor, with our client’s Land at High Barns Farm demonstrating one example of how this can be achieved.
Specifically in relation to our client’s interests at Highfield Barns national policy at Paragraphs 84 and 85 makes provisions to support a prosperous rural economy. The existing strategic policies of the LP2030 overlook this priority and provide no specific requirement to support the growth and expansion of existing floorspace and opportunities for job creation. As a result, this is not a matter addressed by the deferral of site allocations to Neighbourhood Plans.
Paragraph 85 of the NPPF2021 recognises that sites to meet local business and community needs in rural areas may have to be found adjacent to or beyond existing settlements, and in locations that are not well served by public transport. In the case of our client’s interests at High Barns Farm, opportunities to provide for sustainable development that reflects this context are satisfied by the wider functional relationship with opportunities in the Ox-Cam Arc. The site also accords with national policy in terms of supporting the diversification of agricultural and other land-based rural businesses (paragraph 84b) and the conversion and re-use of existing buildings (84a).
Preparation of the Local Plan 2040 is an important opportunity to address the requirements for economic development in the rural area. In the case of Roxton, this can be achieved in a manner that complements the wider strategic opportunity within the A421 corridor as part of providing choice and flexibility and overcoming a reliance on large strategic sites.