Object

Representation ID: 55397

Received: 29/07/2013

Respondent: Centaur Homes

Agent: Turley Associates

The desire to protect the Green Belt from development where alternative non-Green Belt sites are suitable and available is noted however Green Belt issues should be weighed in the balance with other planning objectives, for example supporting sustainable growth.

In respect of the large more sustainable Primary Service Villages Green Belt release should be considered a necessary requirement of the Plan in order to deliver housing to meet needs in the location where it arises, and in order to underpin the sustainability and viability of such settlements.

The objective of distributing growth across the District including within and lor on the edge of some villages is also supported since a greater number of smaller sites will provide the Plan with inherent flexibility, more able to deal with rapid change should it occur though the Plan period. It will enable housing needs to be met in the location in which it is generated; and will also allow for the benefits of development to be spread.

The policy should set out the levels of growth for the larger more sustainable Primary Service Villages; including reasonably significant housing numbers (without undermining the urban first approach to development).

The Council must ensure that housing is distributed to Primary Service Villages in order that they deliver housing in their own right rather than as a 'sweeper' once all opportunities for development at the larger urban centres are exhausted.