Object

Representation ID: 8656

Received: 28/09/2021

Respondent: Mr and Mrs N/A Box

Agent: DLP Planning Limited

3.38 This section addresses two main themes. It firstly sets out the shortcomings of the Vision in terms of reflecting comprehensive opportunities for sustainable development across the borough. Secondly, it addresses that while there are many positive aspects of outcomes sought under the vision these will not be addressed as part of the strategy due to the Council’s selected Preferred Options.
Reasoning
3.39 The draft Vision sets out:
“Well-planned growth supported by appropriate infrastructure and avoiding areas of high flood risk will enable the creation of strong, safe and resilient local communities in environments that facilitate healthy and independent living for all.”
3.40 This aspect of the Vision will not be achieved in the context of the Council’s Preferred Options omitting a significant number of the borough's settlements from the spatial strategy and do not seek to provide for the additional development required to secure balanced communities.
3.41 The Vision further states:
“Rural communities will embrace appropriate development, in many instances through
the preparation of their own neighbourhood plans.”
3.42 This would imply a requirement for additional growth, which the preferred options exclude for a significant number of villages including Renhold/Salph End. The draft Vision fails to address that it is part of the role of the Local Plan review (and resulting updates) to address strategic priorities deferred as a consequence of the Local Plan 2030 (for example expansion of primary healthcare and secondary education). The Vision also fails to reflect that the proposed development strategy is not looking to provide for any additional growth in rural areas as part of an uplift to meet housing needs in full before 2030. This is a significant shortcoming of the strategy and overlooks suitable and deliverable sites that could be prioritised now to meet these increased needs alongside the delivery of other substantial benefits.
3.43 Theme 4 (Better Places) of the Council’s proposed Objectives for the Local Plan 2040 sets out:
“Provide appropriate amounts and types of housing to meet the needs of the borough’s urban and rural communities over the lifetime of the Plan making the housing stock more adaptable and resilient
Achieve a borough where everybody has appropriate access to high quality health and social care, as well as everyday essential services and community facilities where social and cultural wellbeing are supported, enabling all residents to lead healthy and independent lives.”
3.44 The principle of these objectives is supported but is reliant on flexibly supporting diverse opportunities for development across the settlement hierarchy. There are a substantial number of centres where the level of development identified is sufficient to secure the opportunities identified.