Object
Draft Local Plan
Representation ID: 16071
Received: 16/05/2016
Respondent: Countryside Properties
Agent: Andrew Martin Planning Ltd
Late in the process of preparing the Draft Plan, land at West Horndon has been rejected for strategic growth in favour of an allocation at Dunton. At paragraph 7.10 the Draft Plan confirms "Land around West Horndon Village remains a reasonable alternative because it can provide for similar development numbers towards local needs." The only justification given for rejecting this highly sustainable
location for growth is that "it has not been selected as a preferred site in this Draft Plan owing to impacts on the existing village, which would not be consistent with emerging spatial strategy."
The rejection of this alternative site is not supported by sustainability assessment. Indeed the limited assessment that has been undertaken gives more support to West Horndon as a strategic site for growth, based on landscape impact. We would add to this that an extension to an existing village served by a railway station and community services and facilities must be more sustainable than a randomly located site on open green fields that is not contained by defensible boundaries. This conclusion is summed up in the latest SA Interim report of February 2016 that states:
"The process of the assessment of sites that are suitable, available and deliverable for development within the Borough is on-going."
"The appraisal finds that the Draft Plan is set to result in significant positive effects in terms of housing and economy/employment objectives, but significant negative effects in terms of landscape objectives."
Specifically in respect of Dunton: "at the current time it remains appropriate to 'flag' the potential for significant negative effects given the uncertainty that remains regarding Dunton Hills Garden Village". (The key words are highlighted in bold and in red print by the authors of the Interim SA).
See attached