Revised Development Strategy

Object

Representation ID: 60237

Received: 27/07/2013

Respondent: Gallagher Estates

Agent: Pegasus Group

Housing Densities and Mix:

The housing mix and densities as set out in paragraph 5.1.3 and 5.1.4 of the RDS can be achieved on the proposed development sites .

However, paragraph 5.1.4 suggests, however, a prescriptive approach to house sizes and types.

Although information is set out at a sub district level, there may be justification for a specific type and mix of housing on a particular site or in a particular locality and therefore the Council should ensure the policy is sufficiently flexible to deal with such circumstances.

Housing developers have a good understanding of the markets within which they operate, as ultimately they will only build what there is demand for in the area.

There is also a suggestion, in paragraph 5.1.4, that at least 25% of homes, across all tenures will be built to Lifetime Home standards.

This is a discretionary standard and whilst a number of house builders do achieve lifetime homes standards voluntarily it should not be compulsory through planning policy.

Paragraph 5.1.4 also refers to the provision of homes for older people in the area. In this regard the Council is aware that English Care Villages / Gallagher Estates have recently received planning permission for elderly accommodation on land adjacent to the West Warwick Gates site, north of the Lower Heathcote Farm site.

It is therefore unlikely that demand will be sufficient for further extra care facilities within this particular area.

It is important therefore that such provision is not a requirement of the proposed strategic sites.

Support

Representation ID: 60238

Received: 27/07/2013

Respondent: Gallagher Estates

Agent: Pegasus Group

Employment Land Options:
Paragraphs 5.1.5 and 5.1.6 set out the two potential options for accommodating employment land as part of the southern sites strategic urban extensions.

In locating employment land the Council should have regard to the demands of the market.

Sites should have the capability of responding to future changes to economic circumstances.

This will be best obtained from the land north of Gallows Hill and west of Europa Way, where the site will enjoy direct access to the main highway network and a visible presence on the Europa Way corridor.

On that basis, the evidence base suggests that the employment land would be best directed to the land north of Gallows Hill and would favour this option at this stage.

Without prejudice to the views set out above the land controlled by Gallagher Estates south of Gallows Hill can be developed to work with whichever option is ultimately chosen.

Support

Representation ID: 60239

Received: 27/07/2013

Respondent: Gallagher Estates

Agent: Pegasus Group

Proposed Country Park
Paragraph 5.1.10 refers to the need for a country park. Gallagher Estates can deliver such a corridor at Lower Heathcote Farm between the southern edge of the built up area and the Tach Brook.

Support

Representation ID: 60240

Received: 27/07/2013

Respondent: Gallagher Estates

Agent: Pegasus Group

It is agreed, as advocated in paragraph 5.1.14, that sites need to be brought forward in a way that delivers sustainable communities and that infrastructure must be planned in a co ordinated way.

There is no difficulty, in principle subject to any request made of the developer being commensurate with the CIL Regulations, to the infrastructure topics covered in the RDS.

It is agreed that infrastructure requirements are likely to cover road, public transport, cycling and walking, green infrastructure, local centres, utilities and education. In relation to the latter it is unclear, within the RDS, whether secondary provision will or will not need to be provided and clarification is required on this point as the Local Plan moves forward.

In particular the infrastructure identified to come forward on the Gallagher Estates land at Lower Heathcote Farm (namely primary school, local centre and country park) can be delivered as part of the proposals

Object

Representation ID: 63374

Received: 27/07/2013

Respondent: Gallagher Estates

Agent: Pegasus Group

Duty to Cooperate:

The RDS provides little context, particularly the provisions of the NPPF and the importance of executing the Duty to Co-Operate introduced as a statutory requirement through the enactment of the Localism Act 2011. Such context would be of assistance in further iterations of the Local Plan.

This is particularly relevant to the RDS as the delivery of housing needs to be considered in the context of both the NPPF and the Duty to Co-Operate.