Object

Representation ID: 59433

Received: 24/07/2013

Respondent: Roxhill Developments Ltd

Agent: Oxalis Planning

The emerging shared SHMA evidence base is likely to have direct implications not only for the quantum of development required to meet housing needs across the housing market, but also the distribution of development within the component local authority areas.

The RDS seeks to focus development in and around the largest urban areas (Leamington and Warwick), with less but still significant development elsewhere, including Kenilworth, as well as some development in the smaller urban areas and villages.

Anticipate the outcome of the joint SHMA having implications for the development strategy in Warwick. In particular, building on the earlier shared evidence base such as the Joint Green Belt Review, there is likely to be a need for strategic residential development within Warwick District to help meet shared needs generated by virtue of the strong functional relationships with Coventry City.

It is noted that there is no explicit reference to Joint Green Belt Review of 2009 in the RDS, and would welcome confirmation from WDC that this existing element of the evidence base remains a key shared resource to inform strategic policy choices.

However, note the reference in policy RDS3 to "protect the Green Belt from development where alternative non-Green Belt sites are suitable and available" (our emphasis), and read this as a positive sign that the Council will consider Green Belt locations where no other suitable options exist to ensure housing needs in the housing market area are fully met.


Alternative:
In the context of the NPPF's requirement to plan positively to deliver sustainable development, this policy should be amended to explicitly refer to '...alternative sustainable non Green Belt sites are suitable and available'.

Such a change would recognise, as reflected in earlier Preferred Options and other work published by Warwick District that Green Belt locations are often more sustainable and suitable development locations than non-Green Belt locations.

The introduction of changes to accommodate growth to meet development needs in sustainable locations close to the urban area of Coventry would be well aligned with the clear local preferences expressed during the Council's 'Options' consultation exercise.

Similarly, the subsequent 'Core Strategy Preferred Options' of June 2009 also reflected the need to identify sites and locations close to the urban area to accommodate the development needs of Coventry.

While further work has subsequently been undertaken on the capacity of non-Green Belt locations south of Leamington and Warwick, the imperative to produce 'joined-up' and coherent plans which meet wider needs across boundaries will require such previously preferred options to be revisited.

An evidence base already exists to help inform decisions about the suitability of strategic development locations south of Coventry.

It is vital, particularly in the context of the recent approach taken by the Inspector at Coventry City's examination that WDC is proactive in considering the needs arising in the wider housing market area, and is able to demonstrate effective cooperation and joint working to meet development needs across the local authority boundary.