brentwood.gov.uk

I am not seeking any modifications. I understand some small modifications are being suggested by the site owners, which I support, if the Inspector agrees they are needed.

General Comments are being made about the Plan.
However, this response is mainly with regard to Policy R07 and the Allocated Site Sow N Grow Nursey, which also includes a part of 364, Ongar Road, Pilgrims Hatch. (Page 315) and the Plan of the allocated site "Sow N Grow Nursey". (Page 324).

I consider that the Local Plan is both sound and legally compliant, having regard to the delivery of assessed housing need in accordance with the Housing Delivery Test as set out in the National Planning Policy Framework 2018, and in the Local Plan, over the Plan Period.
It is important that the Local Plan delivers the housing needed over the Plan period in a sustainable manner by the selection of appropriate sites for development will served by public transport, whether by way of large such as at Dunton Hill, but also just as importantly, by way of smaller sites , especially within and next to urban neighbourhoods, and comprising previously developed land.
Pilgrims Hatch has been appropriately defined as such a neighbourhood in the Settlement Hierarchy. This is supported.
Where there is previously developed land, this should be allocated for development as a priority, even if within the Green Belt; especially where located next to urban neighbourhoods where local services and public transport are available. The Sow N grow site is just such a site and accordingly, the Green Belt boundaries can be emended accordingly, reflecting the exceptional circumstances prevailing. The approach is sound and effective, and this is also supported.
I therefore support the allocation in the Plan of the Sow N Grow Nursery site within the land at 346 Ongar Road, wither side of the track to the allotments, as previously developed land forming the site in Policy R076. It is just the type of well-located land that should be released. It can be quickly developed as two separate smaller sites wither side of the allotment trackway and readily deliver at least the 38 dwellings referred to.
It can therefore support the Housing Trajectory, meet local housing need and deliver housing early in the Plan period, especially when the expected delivery rate is accepted to be lower due to the larger site allocations taking more time to develop. This approach would be in accordance with the NPPF 2018; and related planning guidance. It would be sound and effective.
In summary, the selection of this site for Pilgrims Hatch is an example of a soundly prepared Plan that will be effective, legally compliant and in accordance with the NPPF 2018. It will be good for Pilgrims Hatch by improving the appearance of the local area and delivering much needed housing early in the plan period.
I therefore strongly support the Plan, the allocation of this site and Policy R07.
I am not seeking any modifications. I understand some small modifications are being suggested by the site owners, which I support, if the Inspector agrees they are needed.
I may wish to appear at the Examination in due course and would like to reserve my decision on this to later in the year when the hearing dates are published.