Object

Representation ID: 66134

Received: 27/06/2014

Respondent: La Salle Investments

Agent: Harris Lamb

Legally compliant? Yes

Sound? No

Duty to co-operate? Yes

Policy not sound due to criterion A, C and G of the policy. Parts A & C advise that new employment development will, in the first instance, be directed to previously developed land in the urban area and where greenfield sites are required for employment they should be allocated in accessible locations in close proximity to existing or proposed housing. This does not address the unique circumstances in the District where a number of significant previously developed sites are located in the green belt including Stoneleigh Park. In para 3.157 onwards the Council supports the unique role of the Park and its economic benefits and notes that a review of the master plan may be needed during the plan period. However A to C as drafted would direct development away from the park. Additional text should be included within the explanation to advise that this doesnt apply to previously developed land in the green belt. Criteria G advises that development in the green belt will be limited to locations where exceptional circumstances can be justified. This test only applies in the plan making process when local authorities are in the process of altering green belt boundaries. It is therefore inappropriate for criteria g to refer to exceptional circumstances. Instead it should advise that the construction of new buildings in the green belt will be considered as inappropriate with the following exceptions:
* Buildings for Agricultural and Forestry
* Provision of appropriate facilities for outdoor sport, outdoor recreation and cemeteries, as long as it preserves the openness of the Green Belt and does not conflict with the purposes including land within it;
* The extension or alteration of a building providing that it does not result in disproportionate additions over and above the size of the original building
* Replacement of a building provided the new building is in the same use and not materially larger than the one it replaces.
* Limited infilling in villages, and limited affordable housing for local community needs in accordance with wider policies in the Local Plan; or
* Limited infilling or the partial or complete redevelopment of previously developed sites (Brownfield land), whether redundant or in continuing use (excluding temporary buildings), which would not have greater impact on the openness of the Green Belt and the purposes of including the land within it than the existing development. The previously developed sites in the Green Belt include those identified by Local Plan Policy LS2 - Major Site in the Green Belt.
* In all other circumstances it will be necessary for an applicant to demonstrate "very special circumstances" for development in the Green Belt to be considered acceptable.