Object

Representation ID: 66143

Received: 27/06/2014

Respondent: Bloor Homes Midlands

Agent: Marrons Planning

Legally compliant? Not specified

Sound? No

Duty to co-operate? Not specified

The majority of the land allocated for development in Leek Wootton is predominantly to the west of the village in the historic half of the settlement as opposed to land of no historic value elsewhere in the village. Three of the four sites (H34, 35 and 36) form part of the historic area within the setting of the conservation area and Woodcote Grade II listed building and locally listed park and garden. The landscape sensitivity study confirms the sites are constrained by the Conservation Areaand that there are visual and functional links between the sites and the heritage assets. The village sites appraisal matrix casts doubts on whether these are suitable and deliverable. According to paragraph 129 of the NPPF the Council should provide evidence that it has identified the significance of the asset which may be affected by a proposal. This has not been undertaken as part of the evidence base, the available evidence is inconclusive. The Local Plan has therefore failed to demonstrate that the proposed allocations are justified in being the most appropriate strategy for Leek Wootton when considered the other reasonable alternatives (Land north of Hill Wootton Road), are effective in being deliverable in that the proposed number of dwellings can be accomodated without causing harm to the heritage assets and their setting, is sustainable development and consistent with national policy. Evidence base does support the residential allocation of land north of Hill Wootton Road - the landscape study confirms the land is free from environmental constraints and designations of of least environmental value compared with other options around the village. It also concludes development could be possible if the noise impact from the A46 could be reduced. Despite this the Council has concluded that the Hill Wootton Road site acts as an environmental buffer between the A46 and the village and an attractive landscape break before entering the village. This approach has not been applied to other sites adjacent to the A46. The Council also raises concern with regard to the width of the site however this is the same as the allocated sites. The Council should review its evidence base and reconsider allocating the Hill Wootton Road site.