Object

Representation ID: 56820

Received: 29/07/2013

Respondent: Taylor Wimpey UK Ltd

Agent: Barton Willmore

Re Land North of Milverton: The demonstration of exceptional circumstances is necessary (Para. 83, NPPF) but considers the proposed housing target likely to be insufficient once finalised and that the release of additional land will be required. Council has produced additional documentation to support the Revised Growth Strategy; however, there remain significant concerns regarding the Strategy as currently defined. The ability of a housing market to deliver the required housing on sites in close proximity to one another. GVA Grimley (on behalf of Taylor Wimpey) consider that there is a relatively finite number of prospective purchasers for whom South Warwick would be an acceptable location. This will impact on the rates of delivery that can be achieved. Report will be submitted in full to the Council shortly and will provide further details. M-EC will provide a report on the updated transport evidence.

The Council cannot deliver the required level of growth without the release of Green Belt Land. A Green Belt review document produced by CSa Environmental will be submitted in support of these representations shortly. Initial assessment demonstrates that the characteristics of the land to the north of Milverton ensure that the release of the land for residential-focused development would not impact negatively on the five Green Belt tests as set out in the NPPF. It is considered that the Taylor Wimpey site to the north of Milverton provides the most appropriate site for release from the Green Belt to meet the housing needs. Consistent with the findings of the 2009 joint-Green Belt study which acknowledged that land to the north of Milverton (WL6a) was one of the best performing sites in this regard. The release of this land would also assist the Council in progressing a more deliverable strategy which would provide greater geographic choice for future residents of Warwick District.

Significant levels of growth envisaged as part of the 'Gateway' development near to the administrative boundary with Coventry and should be at the forefront of any strategy. Our Vision document, (submitted previously) set out how a well-designed development in this location could meet the wider needs of the District and provide for a strategic development based on the Garden City concept; with sustainability at the heart of the design.

Safeguarded Land
Should the SHMA evidence confirm that the housing target included in this document is robust and that additional Green Belt release is not required, we would urge strong consideration to be given to the concerns which have been expressed in respect of the distribution strategy and the reliance on the bulk of development being allocated in a single area.

Suggest the Council give due consideration to the removal of land from the Green Belt and identification as Safeguarded Land, to be brought forward in the event that the Council finds that it cannot meet its housing targets. Will add flexibility to the New Local Plan and ensure that the Council adopt a document that is able to respond to changing circumstances over the plan period. The site would need to be clearly shown on the Key Diagram and the following draft policy wording is proposed for inclusion: If it is demonstrated that there is a shortfall in the supply of housing sites against housing delivery targets for a consecutive two year period, the Council will take action to address the identified shortfall. Should this circumstance arise, the Council will work with the developers to release and phase the delivery of land north of Milverton, currently identified on the Key Diagram, to meet the identified shortfall.