Revised Development Strategy

Support

Representation ID: 55420

Received: 29/07/2013

Respondent: Kenilworth Rugby FC, Kenilworths Wardens C&FC, The Hibbered Family & The McDaid Trustees

Agent: Framptons

These submissions are made on behalf of Kenilworth Rugby FC; Kenilworth Wardens C&FC; The Hibberd Family and the McDaid Trustees.


The allocation at Thickthorn Kenilworth is supported.

* there are exceptional circumstances that now justify the release of this area of land from the Green Belt - principally for reasons relating to the need to accommodate new development in a sustainable location.

* new development can be brought forward promptly on this site following its release from the Green Belt in response to the provisions of a comprehensive master plan.

* the site has the benefit of access points to the Leamington Road and Glasshouse Lane to enable housing development to commence in at least two locations thereby assisting in the delivery of new housing early in the plan period.

* The provision of a highway link through the site would then provide some relief to the movement of traffic around St Johns.

* The Transport Assessment has established that some additional housing could be accessed from Glasshouse Lane before the link through the site is competed.

* It would achieve a sustainable pattern of development that is capable of being well connected to the centre of Kenilworth and able to provide facilities for both the existing and future residents of the town.

* The concept of the allocation providing a mix use of housing and employment development is supported.

Phasing:
The allocation anticipates the Thickthorn site coming forward with a comprehensive masterplan across the whole but with flexibility to allow for the possibility of phasing early development of smaller part or parts to facilitate front funding of the bigger scheme and subject to the smaller part or parts being acceptable in their own right.

Relocation of Sports Clubs:
It is acknowledged that in order for the site to be fully developed the existing sports clubs need to relocate.
Both Clubs see the proposals in the Local Plan as a welcome opportunity to secure modern and expanded playing facilities to meet the demands of a growing participation in the sports played and increasing requirement for modern spectator facilities.

The Thickthorn allocation is not a 'threat' to the survival of the two Clubs, but rather a desired opportunity to relocate in close proximity to the urban edge of Kenilworth where both Clubs can expand their facilities to the overall benefit of the community.

Extensive discussions have been held with the Local Planning Authority on a relocation strategy that suits the future needs of both Clubs.

It is noted that it is suggested that no development shall take place on the sports grounds until 'both clubs have successfully moved'.

There is a concern as to the meaning of 'successfully moved' and no reason why development should not commence on one of the Club grounds in advance of the other relocating.

It is submitted that for the purposes of the text in the Local Plan, the Written Statement should simply record that a relocation strategy is required prior to built development taking place on either of the two sports grounds.

The fundamental issue is to ensure that these existing facilities are not lost, but relocated into enhanced playing and clubhouse facilities.

Masterplan:
The 'starred' siting of a primary school at this stage in the local plan process is considered inappropriate if it is suggesting the location is to be pre-determined by the 'Thickthorn Map' in the Local Plan.

It is considered that the precise location of the primary school should be a matter that is determined by the master plan process in conjunction with extensive local community engagement.



Infrastructure:
The principles of the Infrastructure Requirements are acknowledged and accord with the understanding from the assessments that have been undertaken to date.

Paragraph 5.4.3 states: 'It has been estimated that 45% of the site should be for open space, community facilities, primary school, grey and green infrastructure.'

The source of this 'estimate' is not known.

However, it is considered to be unjustified if this 'estimate' is interpreted as a development plan policy requirement.

The site should be used efficiently for the provision of high quality housing and employment development.

The amount of land that is required to be set aside of the features identified above should be determined through the master plan process.

Green Infrastructure:
The precise dimension of the 'buffer' [should be] determined by detailed environmental analysis rather than being predetermined at this stage in the plan-making process.

The Local Plan can properly record that a 'buffer' will be required around the Ancient Woodland to mitigate the impact of 'activity' from the new resident population

As provided for in the policy there will be large areas of open space and possibly other community requirements to meet the needs of the future resident population.

The extent of and disposition of these uses should be determined through an analytical assessment of the opportunities and constraints with the benefit of stakeholder and public consultation.

This process will lead to the preparation of a Master Plan that will establish the spatial planning principles for this site.

Employment land:

* The broad location of employment land to the south east of the site is supported.

For the purposes of this stage in the Local Plan process it is considered sufficient to identify the extent of the allocation, and the broad disposition of the employment land which has locational demands for siting in close proximity to the principal highway network.