Revised Development Strategy

Object

Representation ID: 55444

Received: 29/07/2013

Respondent: Jim Darling

Agent: Cerda Planning Ltd

Policy RDS 1 is concerned with delivering an appropriate level of housing growth across the District. It is -presently noted as an interim figure, at 12,300 homes.

It is welcomed that the Council recognise that interim housing figure -could and should change as result of more up to date evidence as it emerges.

Important however that the Council recognise the important provisions of the NPPF, in particular the -need to meet the full objectively assessed housing needs, and the need to boost significantly the supply of -housing.

The Council are therefore invited to re-assess housing figures increasing the requirements to reflect the historical -local growth; apply the ONS figures with some caution; and recognise the important requirement to meet the -full objectively assessed housing need.

Object

Representation ID: 56566

Received: 29/07/2013

Respondent: Jim Darling

Agent: Cerda Planning Ltd

The Councils general approach to distributing development and spatial strategy is welcomed given that it provides a Framework for ensuring development meets the core principles of sustainability set out within the NPPF

Concern is expressed in relation to proposals for large scale Green Belt release at Kenilworth. since the proposed allocation comprises a significant tract of land fully within the Green Belt which, to some extent, performs a Green Wedge and assists in avoiding coalescence between settlements.

The Plan has not adequately demonstrated that all non-Green Belt sites have been exhausted (or that less sensitive Green Belt is not available)

The Council is encouraged to consider its Duty to Cooperate in terms of meeting its own housing requirements outside of its boundaries.

Strategic development sites are available to meet the District's needs in proximity to the District's administrative boundary, for example land within Stratford-upon-Avon District at Southam.

This site, which is being promoted with Stratford-upon-Avon District Council is both suitable and available and can be regarded as an exemplar opportunity which could deliver between 1,200 and 1,200 houses in a mixed use new village.

This is an appropriate alternative strategy which does not involve sensitive Green Belt release, meets the objectives in respect of the Duty to Co-operate, whilst meeting Warwick District's housing needs.

Object

Representation ID: 56567

Received: 29/07/2013

Respondent: Jim Darling

Agent: Cerda Planning Ltd

Significant concerns regarding the Council's strategy for the broad location of development.

The Plan is clear that Green Belt should be regarded as a last resort, in circumstances where all non-Green Belt alternative sites have been exhausted. Having regarding to the Council's important Duty to Co-operate, and the need to meet the full objectively assessed housing needs, the Council should consider alternative non-Green Belt sites, not only within their administrative boundary, but also in relation to neighbouring authorities.

An alternative option available is to consider less sensitive Green Belt release: alternatively to direct housing to meet Warwick District's housing requirements in a sustainable manner. This approach would avoid the need for the release the significant tract of land on the edge of Kenilworth.

Object

Representation ID: 56568

Received: 29/07/2013

Respondent: Jim Darling

Agent: Cerda Planning Ltd

Objects to proposal to allocate 700 houses on 46.5 hectares of Green Belt at Thickthorn, Kenilworth:
* The site represents a large tract of land and performs all NPPF Green Belt functions . .
* It operates as a Green Wedge and serves to avoid coalescence with Leamington.
* It is highly visible and is regarded as sensitive in landscape, visual and openness terms (openness being the primary purpose of designating Green Belt).

Where alternative options are available to meet the housing requirements of the Plan the emerging allocation cannot be regarded as being sound. One such option includes allocating land in Stratford-upon-Avon District, close to Southam, where a site is being actively promoted and could accommodate between 1,000 and 1,200 houses in the Plan period.