Issue and Options 2023
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Q-S8.1: For settlements falling outside the chosen growth strategy, do you think a threshold approach is appropriate, to allow more small-scale developments to come forward? Response: Yes As per our response to Q7.2, we consider a mechanism to deliver growth to the villages is appropriate. A threshold approach would be one mechanism by which this could be achieved. As set out at paragraph 68 of the NPPF, “small and medium sized sites can make an important contribution to meeting the housing requirement of an area, and are often built-out relatively quickly.” Identifying small sites can support the local economy by providing an opportunity for local housebuilding companies to secure land of a scale that is generally less attractive to the large national house builders. This helps to support the local economy within Warwickshire by providing local jobs and supporting the local supply chain thus delivering cumulative economic benefits. It is unclear at this stage as to the specific ‘threshold’ mechanism that may be applied. This could affect a range of settlements, in terms of service provision, population / size and location. Policy should allow for a range of sites to come forward, dependant on their characteristics and categorisation, thereby assisting in sustainable growth. There are successful examples of small sites coming forward at Lower Quinton. The College secured outline planning permission for 44 dwellings on land at Goose Lane which is now complete (outline application reference 14/01449/OUT and reserved matters application reference 17/00863/REM). Land to the south is now identified as a reserve site for 30 dwellings in the made Quinton Neighbourhood Plan under Policy HO.2 (Reserve Site). The site has been assessed as being suitable and available for development, is supported by the local community. It could come forward relatively quickly to meet local housing need, including an element of affordable housing provision. It is not clear what status adopted Neighbourhood Plans will have upon adoption of the SWLP, including reserve sites within made Neighbourhood Plans (as per the example above). This position should be clarified through future policy drafting. Q-S8.2: For sites coming forward as part of this threshold approach, what do you think would be an appropriate size limit for individual sites? Response: A higher limit is appropriate It is difficult to specify a specific threshold / limit as the scale of development that is appropriate will depend on the location and also the growth strategy chosen. It is unclear at this stage as to the specific ‘threshold’ mechanism that may be applied. This approach could affect a range of settlements, in terms of service provision, population / size and location. Policy should allow for a range of sites to come forward, dependant on their characteristics and categorisation, thereby assisting in sustainable growth. The size limit will depend on the location and the site. Any development coming forward should seek to make efficient use of the site in accordance with paragraph 124 of the NPPF. For example, the College are promoting Land off Station Road/Campden Road, Long (SWLP REFID 273). This site is next to Meon Vale and is a sustainable location for a larger development. This is acknowledged by the site’s status as a reserve site in the emerging SAP (SAP site Reference LRS.A) with capacity for 90 dwellings. If this site did not feature in the chosen growth strategy, it could still form a logical location for development and it would be appropriate for a site of more than 10 dwellings to come forward. If there was a threshold of 10 or less, it could lead to piecemeal development that makes inefficient use of land which is contrary to paragraph 124 of the NPPF. Sites of less than 10 dwellings would also mean affordable homes would not be delivered in these locations. A similar case could be made for the College’s other land interest at Goose Lane, Lower Quinton (SWLP REFIS 272). This is a logical extension to the previously approved scheme at Goose Lane (outline application reference 14/01449/OUT and reserved matters application reference 17/00863/REM). 30 dwellings at this site would be an appropriate scale of development for a village of this size and has been supported in the made Neighbourhood Plan. The site is identified as a reserve housing site for 30 dwellings under Policy HO.2 S-S9: Please select the option which is most appropriate for South Warwickshire Agree with Option S9a to save all existing settlement boundaries where these are already defined. There should be allowance for a consistent approach to be adopted across the Stratford-on-Avon and Warwick Districts and for boundaries to be reviewed to allow for future growth. It should also be acknowledged that locations of recent growth, such as Meon Vale, do not have settlement boundaries identified. It would be relevant to review settlement boundaries for growth areas such as Meon Vale as they become self-sufficient settlements that could support further growth.
